If you’ve had a craving for creamy, rich curry that instantly transports you to your favorite Indian restaurant, this Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe will absolutely make your taste buds sing. Succulent chicken thighs are bathed in velvety, spiced tomato sauce, brightened with a kiss of lemon, mellowed by lush cream, and finished with just the right touch of butter. Every ingredient plays its part in creating this classic dish, and once you experience how inviting and satisfying homemade butter chicken can be, you’ll understand why this meal is a beloved staple around the world.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each item here has an important role to play in flavor, texture, or aroma. These aren’t just pantry staples; every ingredient makes this Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe extra special, so don’t skip or substitute unless you truly need to!
- Chicken Thighs: Thighs stay juicy and tender in the sauce; use boneless, skinless pieces for easier eating and cooking.
- Plain Whole Milk Yogurt: Acts as the base for the marinade, tenderizing the meat and adding gentle tanginess.
- Lemon Juice: The acidity brightens the dish and helps infuse flavor into the chicken.
- Garam Masala: The magical blend of warming spices that defines many classic Indian recipes—don’t skip it for true authenticity.
- Ground Cumin: Offers nutty, earthy undertones that ground the sauce and marinade.
- Ground Turmeric: Adds golden color and subtle earthiness; it’s also loaded with antioxidants.
- Chili Powder: Gives gentle heat—you can adjust to your spice preference.
- Salt: Enhances and brings together all the flavors in both the marinade and sauce.
- Butter: Essential for the creamy, rich finish that defines true butter chicken; use real butter for the best taste.
- Vegetable Oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning when searing the chicken and sautéing aromatics.
- Onion: A slow-cooked base for the sauce; it becomes sweet and soft, almost melting into the curry.
- Garlic: Adds punchy, savory depth and unmistakable aroma to the sauce.
- Fresh Ginger: Bright and zesty, ginger balances creamy richness with subtle warmth.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives a beautiful, rich color.
- Tomato Puree: This forms the bulk of the sauce, lending body, acidity, and tang.
- Heavy Cream: Key to a luscious, velvety texture—don’t substitute unless you’re dairy-free.
- Sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to round out the flavors and cut the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Ground Fenugreek (Kasuri Methi): The “secret” ingredient that delivers the unmistakable, slightly sweet, nutty aroma you love in restaurant butter chicken.
- Fresh Cilantro: A fresh, herbal garnish that brightens the finished dish both visually and in flavor.
How to Make Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and salt in a big bowl—a truly fragrant moment! Add the chicken pieces and toss until coated in that gorgeous golden marinade. Cover and let it work its magic in the fridge for at least one hour, or (for the deepest flavor) overnight. Marinating is non-negotiable in this Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe: it tenderizes and infuses every bite with warmth and zing.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of butter and the vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your marinated chicken pieces, searing them until they’re beautifully browned on all sides. This step locks in juices and gives delicious caramelized flavor. It’s fine if the chicken isn’t cooked through yet—you’ll finish it in the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
Remove the browned chicken to a plate. In the same pan, melt another tablespoon of butter. Add finely chopped onion and cook gently until soft and golden—about 8 minutes, stirring often. Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and tomato paste, and let them cook for just a couple of minutes until aromatic and deep red. This forms the foundation of your irresistible sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the tomato puree and cook, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes, until it thickens and turns a deep, rusty red. The flavors meld and concentrate at this stage—it’s worth the wait! Now your kitchen is officially smelling incredible.
Step 5: Finish with Cream, Chicken, and Spices
Lower the heat and return the browned chicken, along with any juices, to the sauce. Gently stir in the heavy cream, sugar, ground fenugreek, and the last tablespoon of butter. Let the curry bubble away for 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is perfectly cooked and everything melds into a rich, creamy, aromatic sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Right before serving, sprinkle with plenty of chopped cilantro.
How to Serve Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
No Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe is truly complete without a final flourish of fresh cilantro—its sweet, citrusy notes cut through the richness beautifully. For extra decadence, you can drizzle a spoonful of cream over each serving or add a tiny square of butter to melt on top just before bringing it to the table.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, steaming hot basmati rice and pillowy naan are the stars alongside this dish. The rice soaks up every drop of that velvety sauce, and the naan is perfect for scooping. If you want variety, serve with jeera rice, buttery parathas, or even a simple salad of crisp cucumber and red onion tossed in lemon juice.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not fill a big platter with your gorgeous butter chicken at the center, surrounded by bowls of colorful sides such as pickled onions, chutneys, and a rainbow of roasted vegetables? It’s also fun to serve this recipe in small bowls as part of an Indian dinner spread, or simply tuck spoonfuls into warm wraps with crisp lettuce for a creative lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen and become even more harmonious overnight! Store rice or naan separately to keep them from getting soggy.
Freezing
Butter chicken is freezer-friendly—let the curry cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating, and be ready for a delicious, ready-made dinner any night of the week!
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too (stir halfway through), but keep it at medium power to avoid toughening the chicken or splitting the sauce.
FAQs
Is the Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe spicy?
This dish offers mild, balanced warmth thanks to chili powder and garam masala, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you crave more heat, simply add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade or sauce!
Can I substitute chicken breast for thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will also work in this Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe, but be careful not to overcook them—they’re leaner and can become dry. Thighs are recommended for their juiciness and rich flavor, but choose what you enjoy most.
What does fenugreek (kasuri methi) add to this dish?
Ground fenugreek leaves lend an unmistakable aroma and subtle, sweet nuttiness that truly sets the Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe apart. It’s that restaurant-quality complexity you might have noticed, and while you can skip it in a pinch, it really does make a world of difference!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the yogurt and cream for unsweetened coconut yogurt and coconut cream. Use oil in place of butter. The flavor will shift, but you’ll still end up with a deliciously creamy and comforting curry.
How do I make the sauce thinner or thicker?
If your sauce is too thick for your liking, simply add a splash of water or chicken broth to reach the perfect consistency. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered to reduce, or swirl in a little extra tomato paste. Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe should be lush but pourable!
Final Thoughts
Honestly, once you experience how simple and flavorful homemade butter chicken can be, you’ll never need takeout again. With this Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe in your back pocket, you’ll find excuses to cook for friends, family, or just yourself. Give it a try—you’re in for a world of flavor that’s both comforting and unforgettable!
Print
Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe, a classic Indian dish that is sure to impress your taste buds. Tender marinated chicken cooked in a luscious tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain whole milk yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 ½ cups tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground fenugreek (kasuri methi)
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken, coat, and marinate.
- Cook Chicken: Brown marinated chicken in butter and oil. Set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Cook onion, garlic, ginger, tomato paste. Add tomato puree, simmer. Add cream, sugar, fenugreek, and butter.
- Finish Dish: Return chicken to the pan, simmer until cooked through. Garnish with cilantro.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, grill the marinated chicken before adding to the sauce.
- If desired, add water or chicken broth for a thinner sauce.
- Serve with basmati rice or naan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
