I’ve always loved butter chicken, but trying the Butter Masala Chicken Recipe at home used to feel like a challenge. That changed when I tried this foolproof recipe! The rich, creamy tomato-based sauce, combined with tender, marinated chicken, delivers restaurant-quality flavors right from my kitchen.
What I love most is how well-balanced the dish is—perfectly spiced, slightly smoky, and not overly rich. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare! Whether I’m cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this butter chicken never fails to be a hit. Serve it with naan or rice, and you’ve got a comforting, flavor-packed meal. 🍛
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Butter chicken is one of those dishes that everyone loves, and this version makes it easier than ever to enjoy at home. The method is simple, and the flavors are absolutely divine.
Rich & Creamy, But Not Overwhelming
The sauce is smooth, slightly tangy, and perfectly spiced without being too heavy. It balances the richness of butter and cream with the boldness of tomatoes and warm spices. Unlike restaurant versions that can sometimes feel too rich, this homemade version lets you control the creaminess to suit your taste.
Easy to Prepare
No complicated techniques—just marinate, cook, blend, and simmer for an incredible meal. You don’t need special skills or hard-to-find ingredients, making it a great choice for beginners. With just a little prep, you can enjoy restaurant-quality butter chicken right at home without spending hours in the kitchen.
Adaptable for Dietary Needs
Can be made dairy-free or even vegetarian with a few simple swaps. Use coconut cream instead of dairy for a lactose-free version, or swap the chicken for paneer or tofu for a vegetarian twist. It’s a flexible dish that can be adjusted based on dietary preferences.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Make the sauce ahead and store it for a quick meal anytime. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious. Prepare a large batch, freeze portions, and simply reheat whenever you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 1 kg boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
- 3 tomatoes, pureed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt, to taste
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of cream and ghee instead of butter.
- Spicier Version: Add extra Kashmiri chili powder or a pinch of cayenne.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken for paneer or tofu.
- Healthier Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Blender: To puree the sauce into a smooth consistency.
- Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken and simmering the sauce.
- Mixing Bowl: For marinating the chicken.
- Strainer: To remove tomato seeds and ensure a silky sauce.
How to Make Restaurant-Style Butter Chicken Masala?
Making butter chicken at home is easier than you think! The key is to build layers of flavor with marination, roasting, and slow simmering.
Marinate and Sear the Chicken🔥
Marinating and roasting the chicken is the first step to building deep flavor. Mix all the marinade ingredients, coat the chicken, and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Once ready, sear the marinated chicken in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly charred, then set it aside.
Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce🍅
The butter chicken sauce starts with heating oil and butter in a pan. Whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and dried red chilies are sautéed with garlic until fragrant. Onions are then added and cooked until translucent before tomatoes and cashews go in. The mixture is covered and cooked on low heat until soft and pulpy, then left to cool.
Blend and Simmer the Sauce
Once cooled, the tomato-cashew mixture is blended into a smooth purée and returned to the pan. Chili powder, ketchup, salt, and a little water are added. The sauce is brought to a boil, then simmered for 20-25 minutes until the color deepens into a rich orange.
Add the Chicken and Finish with Cream🍗
The cooked chicken is added back to the sauce and simmered for 10 minutes to soak up the flavors. Kasuri methi and fresh cream are stirred in for extra richness, bringing out the signature taste of butter chicken.
Smoke for That Restaurant-Style Flavor
For a smoky restaurant-style finish, a small steel bowl is placed in the middle of the pan. A piece of red-hot charcoal is set inside, and a teaspoon of oil or ghee is poured over it. As soon as it starts smoking, the pan is covered and left for 3-4 minutes before removing the bowl. The result is an irresistible, smoky butter chicken best served with naan or rice.
Tips for Making the Recipe
Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marination is crucial for infusing the chicken with deep, rich flavors. Skipping this step can result in a bland dish, so let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes—or longer for even better taste.
Choose Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs are the best choice because they stay moist and tender throughout cooking. While chicken breasts can be used, they tend to dry out more easily, affecting the final texture.
Balance the Tomatoes & Don’t Skip Kasuri Methi: For the perfect butter chicken sauce, use roma or canned tomatoes to avoid excessive tartness. Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) is the secret ingredient that elevates the dish, adding an authentic restaurant-style depth of flavor.
How to Serve Restaurant-Style Butter Chicken Masala?
The best way to enjoy butter chicken is with warm, buttery naan or steamed basmati rice, which perfectly soaks up the rich, creamy sauce. For a fancier presentation, drizzle extra cream on top, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, and add a pinch of garam masala for an aromatic touch.
Want a full Indian feast? Serve it with cucumber raita for a refreshing contrast, pickled onions for a tangy crunch, and crispy papadums to add texture. A side of jeera rice or garlic butter naan can elevate the experience even further, making it feel like a true restaurant-style meal.
Nutritional Information
This dish is rich and satisfying! Here’s a quick breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 30g
Make Ahead and Storage
Butter chicken is a great dish to prepare in advance! The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers taste even better.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream to maintain the texture.
Freezing Option
Freeze the butter chicken sauce separately in portions for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw and add freshly cooked chicken for a quick, homemade meal.
Now that you know how to make butter chicken at home, it’s time to bring this restaurant classic to your kitchen! Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite. 🍛
For a visual guide, watch the full recipe video here:
Butter Masala Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 kg boneless chicken cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
- 3 tomatoes pureed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinating and roasting the chicken is the first step to building deep flavor. Mix all the marinade ingredients, coat the chicken, and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Once ready, sear the marinated chicken in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly charred, then set it aside.
- The butter chicken sauce starts with heating oil and butter in a pan. Whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and dried red chilies are sautéed with garlic until fragrant. Onions are then added and cooked until translucent before tomatoes and cashews go in. The mixture is covered and cooked on low heat until soft and pulpy, then left to cool.
- Once cooled, the tomato-cashew mixture is blended into a smooth purée and returned to the pan. Chili powder, ketchup, salt, and a little water are added. The sauce is brought to a boil, then simmered for 20-25 minutes until the color deepens into a rich orange.
- The cooked chicken is added back to the sauce and simmered for 10 minutes to soak up the flavors. Kasuri methi and fresh cream are stirred in for extra richness, bringing out the signature taste of butter chicken.
- For a smoky restaurant-style finish, a small steel bowl is placed in the middle of the pan. A piece of red-hot charcoal is set inside, and a teaspoon of oil or ghee is poured over it. As soon as it starts smoking, the pan is covered and left for 3-4 minutes before removing the bowl. The result is an irresistible, smoky butter chicken best served with naan or rice.
Notes
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marination is crucial for infusing the chicken with deep, rich flavors. Skipping this step can result in a bland dish, so let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes—or longer for even better taste.
- Choose Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs are the best choice because they stay moist and tender throughout cooking. While chicken breasts can be used, they tend to dry out more easily, affecting the final texture.
- Balance the Tomatoes & Don’t Skip Kasuri Methi: For the perfect butter chicken sauce, use roma or canned tomatoes to avoid excessive tartness. Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) is the secret ingredient that elevates the dish, adding an authentic restaurant-style depth of flavor.
