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Delicious Butter Chicken featured image showcases the rich, creamy Indian dish.

Best Butter Chicken Ever

This Butter Chicken recipe delivers a creamy, tomatoey, and flavorful dish that rivals restaurant quality. The secret lies in marinating the chicken overnight, tempering the spices, and simmering the sauce low and slow to develop a rich and balanced flavor profile.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt full-fat
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder adjust to taste
  • 1/2 cup tomato paste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves kasuri methi
  • 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
  • Naan bread or basmati rice, for serving

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • baking sheet
  • foil
  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Immersion blender or regular blender (optional)
  • Stirring spoon
  • Serving dish

Method
 

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your oven's broiler. Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred. Alternatively, you can grill the chicken for a similar effect.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter and oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Bloom the Spices: Add the ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder to the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step is crucial for tempering the spices.
  5. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
  6. Blend the Sauce (Optional): For an ultra-smooth sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender and blend until smooth (be cautious when blending hot liquids!).
  7. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, crushed fenugreek leaves, and sugar (if using). Season with salt to taste. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to coat in the sauce.
  8. Simmer and Serve: Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the sauce's flavors. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with naan bread, basmati rice, or both.

Notes

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If you don't have kasuri methi, you can omit it, but it adds a unique flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For a richer sauce, add an extra tablespoon of butter. Adjust the amount of red chili powder to your spice preference.