How to Make Indian Butter Chicken

Mexuze September 13, 2025

 How to Make Indian Butter Chicken


best part? You don’t need to be a master chef to make it at home! In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to prepare restaurant-style butter chicken in your own kitchen.


🍴 What Makes Butter Chicken Special?

Butter Chicken was created in Delhi in the 1950s and has since become a global favorite. What makes it unique is its rich, silky gravy made with butter, cream, and aromatic spices that balance perfectly with juicy chicken. It’s the ultimate comfort food, best served with naan, roti, or a bowl of fragrant basmati rice.


🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 500g boneless chicken (cut into bite-size pieces)

  • ½ cup plain yogurt

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp turmeric powder

  • 1 tsp garam masala

  • Salt to taste

For the Gravy:

  • 2 tbsp butter (plus more for finishing)

  • 2 tbsp oil

  • 2 medium onions (finely chopped)

  • 3 large tomatoes (pureed)

  • 2 tbsp cashews (soaked and blended into a paste)

  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tsp cumin powder

  • 1 tsp coriander powder

  • ½ tsp fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)

  • ½ cup fresh cream

  • Salt to taste

  • Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)


👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Method

1. Marinate the Chicken

  • In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and spices.

  • Add chicken pieces and coat well.

  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).

2. Cook the Chicken

  • Heat a pan or grill, add a little oil, and cook marinated chicken until golden brown.

  • Set aside – it will finish cooking in the gravy.

3. Prepare the Gravy

  • Heat butter and oil in a pan. Add onions and sauté until golden.

  • Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant.

  • Add tomato puree, chili powder, cumin, and coriander powder. Cook until oil separates.

  • Stir in cashew paste and simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Combine and Finish

  • Add the cooked chicken pieces into the gravy.

  • Sprinkle crushed kasuri methi, pour in fresh cream, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

  • Adjust salt and add a dollop of butter for that signature richness.


🍛 Serving Suggestions

Seve your butter chicken hot with:

  • Garlic naan or butter naan 🫓

  • Steamed basmati rice 🍚

  • A fresh cucumber salad 🥗


Final Tips for the Best Butter Chicken

  • Use fresh cream for a silky smooth texture.

  • Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavors.

  • Balance spice and creaminess to suit your taste.

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