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Homemade Butter Chicken – The Ultimate Recipe Guide

  • Author: Georgina sami
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Homemade Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful Indian classic that blends spiced yogurt-marinated chicken with a luscious tomato-butter-cream sauce. This restaurant-style curry is easier to make than you think and perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup plain full-fat yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1.5 tsp red chili powder or paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, minced
  • 2 cups fresh tomatoes, blended (or high-quality canned puree)
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1.5 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp crushed Kasuri methi (fenugreek leaves)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup cashew paste
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and oil. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  2. Grill, bake, or pan-sear marinated chicken until slightly charred and cooked through. Set aside.
  3. In a pan, melt butter and sauté chopped onion until golden brown. Add garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant.
  4. Add pureed tomatoes, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and salt. Simmer until the sauce thickens and deepens in color.
  5. Stir in cashew paste and cook for 2-3 minutes. Strain sauce if you prefer a smoother texture.
  6. Pour in cream and sprinkle garam masala and Kasuri methi. Stir well and simmer gently.
  7. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes so the flavors combine.
  8. Adjust salt, and add sugar if needed. Garnish with a swirl of cream and fresh cilantro.
  9. Serve hot with naan, basmati rice, or paratha.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier results. Marinate overnight for the best flavor. Slightly undercook chicken before adding to the sauce to prevent drying.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian

Keywords: butter chicken, Indian curry, chicken masala, Murgh Makhani

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Find it online: https://www.familyrecipesideas.com/homemade-butter-chicken/