The Art of Creating Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Mastery at Home

Perfect Chicken Marination

Master the technique of tenderizing and flavoring chicken with yogurt and spice marinade.

Spice Blooming Excellence

Learn the skill of toasting and layering spices for maximum aromatic depth and flavor.

Sauce Blending Perfection

Perfect the method of achieving silky-smooth restaurant-quality sauce texture through proper blending.

Cream Integration Technique

Master the art of incorporating cream without curdling for velvety, luxurious finish.

Flavor Balancing Strategy

Learn optimal seasoning adjustment techniques to achieve perfect spicy, creamy, tangy balance.

Restaurant-Quality Indian Curry Secrets for Perfect Butter Chicken at Home

Marination Time: Marinate chicken at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Sauce Smoothness: Blend sauce completely smooth for authentic restaurant-style texture and appearance.

Kasuri Methi Magic: Don't skip dried fenugreek leaves - they provide essential authentic butter chicken flavor.

Cream Temperature: Add cream at end of cooking to prevent curdling and maintain silky texture.

Chicken Cut: Use boneless thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful results.

Make Ahead: Sauce can be prepared day ahead and reheated, adding cream just before serving.

Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe - Authentic Murgh Makhani at Home

Name: Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe - Authentic Murgh Makhani at Home
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: For the Chicken Marinade:; 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks; 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste; 1 tablespoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 teaspoon red chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; For the Butter Chicken Sauce:; 4 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 large onions, finely chopped; 3 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste; 2 teaspoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 2 teaspoons coriander powder; 1 teaspoon cumin powder; 1 teaspoon red chili powder; For the Tomato Base:; 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup water or chicken stock; 2 bay leaves; For the Creamy Finish:; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves); 1 tablespoon honey or sugar; For the Final Touch:

The ultimate butter chicken featuring tender marinated chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with aromatic spices and velvety butter. This authentic Indian restaurant favorite combines the complex flavors of garam masala, kasuri methi, and fresh cream with perfectly cooked chicken, creating an unforgettable curry experience that brings the beloved taste of Murgh Makhani to your home kitchen perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or any time you crave the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and aromatic Indian flavors.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

40 Minutes

Total Time

60 Minutes

Chef

RUY

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Chicken Marinade:

2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks

1 cup plain yogurt

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

1 tablespoon garam masala

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

4 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 large onions, finely chopped

3 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

2 teaspoons garam masala

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

2 teaspoons coriander powder

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder

For the Tomato Base:

28 oz canned crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup water or chicken stock

2 bay leaves

For the Creamy Finish:

1 cup heavy cream

3 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

1 tablespoon honey or sugar

For the Final Touch:

Fresh cilantro, chopped

Heavy cream for drizzling

Butter for garnish

For Serving:

Basmati rice, cooked

Naan bread, warmed

Lemon wedges

For the Spice Blend:

4 green cardamom pods

2 black cardamom pods

4 whole cloves

1 cinnamon stick

For Special Equipment:

Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven

Immersion blender or regular blender

Mixing bowls

Skillet for chicken

Instructions

In large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and spices for marinade.

Add chicken pieces to marinade, coating thoroughly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Remove chicken from marinade and cook in batches until golden and partially cooked.

Set cooked chicken aside while preparing the rich butter sauce.

In heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter with oil over medium heat.

Add whole spices (cardamom, cloves, cinnamon) and toast until fragrant for 30 seconds.

Add chopped onions and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and soft.

Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until raw smell disappears.

Add ground spices (garam masala, turmeric, coriander, cumin, chili powder) and stir well.

Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, and bay leaves, stirring to combine.

Bring sauce to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Remove from heat and blend sauce until completely smooth using immersion blender.

Return smooth sauce to pot and bring back to gentle simmer.

Add partially cooked chicken pieces to sauce and simmer for 10-12 minutes.

Stir in heavy cream, butter, and crushed kasuri methi for authentic flavor.

Add honey or sugar to balance acidity and enhance flavors.

Simmer for final 5 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce is creamy.

Adjust seasoning with salt and additional garam masala if desired.

Garnish with fresh cilantro, cream drizzle, and butter pat before serving.

Serve hot with basmati rice and warm naan bread for complete meal.

Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe - Authentic Murgh Makhani at Home

RUY

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Creating Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Mastery at Home

Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe - Authentic Murgh Makhani at Home

Ingredients

Instructions