Easy Butter Chicken Recipe: A Creamy Indian Classic Made Simple

Looking for a rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make Indian dish that will impress your taste buds and dinner guests alike? This easy butter chicken recipe brings the authentic taste of India right to your kitchen—without the need for complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.

Also known as Murgh Makhani, butter chicken is a creamy, mildly spiced tomato-based curry that has become one of the most beloved Indian dishes around the world. This step-by-step recipe is beginner-friendly, quick enough for a weeknight meal, and delicious enough to rival your favorite restaurant version.

🥘 What is Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken is a classic North Indian dish that originated in Delhi in the 1950s. It was created by the chefs at Moti Mahal restaurant, who combined leftover tandoori chicken with a rich tomato gravy, butter, and cream. The result? A smooth, mildly spiced curry that quickly became a worldwide sensation.

Unlike some other Indian curries, butter chicken is known for its mild heat, velvety texture, and balance of sweet and savory flavors—making it ideal for both spice lovers and those new to Indian cuisine.

🔑 Why This Easy Butter Chicken Recipe Works

This version of butter chicken is simplified for home cooks without compromising on authentic flavor. Here’s why this recipe is perfect for you:

✅ Easy-to-find ingredients
✅ One-pan method—no tandoor required
✅ Ready in under 45 minutes
✅ Perfect for meal prep or family dinners
✅ Creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor

🛒 Ingredients for Easy Butter Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken Marinade:

500g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
1 tablespoon oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
1.5 cups tomato puree (or canned crushed tomatoes)
1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), crushed
Fresh coriander for garnish

👨‍🍳 How to Make Butter Chicken – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, spices, and ginger-garlic paste. Add the chicken pieces, coat well, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).

🔥 Pro tip: The longer the marinade, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet.
Add the marinated chicken in batches and cook until browned and almost cooked through (around 5–7 minutes).
Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce

In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown (5–7 minutes).
Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
Stir in the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate (about 10 minutes).
Add chili powder, sugar, and salt. Stir well.

Step 4: Simmer and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and simmer for 8–10 minutes on medium heat until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Stir in the heavy cream and crushed fenugreek leaves.
Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Adjust salt and spice levels as needed.
Garnish with fresh coriander and a swirl of cream (optional).

🍚 Serving Suggestions

Butter chicken pairs beautifully with:

Steamed Basmati Rice
Garlic Naan or Butter Naan
Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice)
Paratha or Chapati

🧄 Don’t forget to add a side of sliced onions or a cooling cucumber raita to complete the meal!

🧊 Storage and Leftovers

This butter chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

🔄 Recipe Variations

Want to put your own spin on it? Try these variations:

Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy cream.
Spicier Butter Chicken: Add chopped green chilies or extra chili powder for more heat.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu for a delicious vegetarian butter paneer.

🧂 Tips for the Best Butter Chicken

Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor.
Don't skip the fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)—they add authentic flavor.
If you don’t have garam masala, you can mix equal parts cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves.
Low and slow simmering makes the sauce richer and creamier.

🧑‍🍳 Why You’ll Love This Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

It's comfort food at its finest: rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
You can make it with simple pantry ingredients.
It’s better than takeout, and much more affordable.
You control the spice level and ingredients—ideal for kids or guests.