Butter Chicken Recipe Step by Step

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most loved Indian dishes across the world. Its creamy tomato-based gravy, tender chicken pieces, and rich buttery flavor make it perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or weekend cooking.

The best part? You don’t need a restaurant kitchen or expert skills to make Butter Chicken at home. With the right steps, simple ingredients, and a little patience, anyone can cook this dish perfectly.

This step-by-step Butter Chicken recipe is written in easy language, so even an 8th or 9th-grade student can follow it without confusion. It is also SEO-optimized, detailed, and practical for real home cooking.

Why Butter Chicken Is So Popular

Butter Chicken is popular because it balances spice, creaminess, and sweetness in one dish. Unlike very spicy curries, it is mild and smooth, making it suitable for kids and adults alike.

What Makes Butter Chicken Special

• Soft, juicy chicken pieces

• Creamy tomato gravy

• Rich buttery taste

• Mild spices (not too hot)

• Goes well with naan, roti, or rice

Butter Chicken at a Glance

Ingredients for Butter Chicken (Serves 4)

We will divide ingredients into two parts:

1. Chicken Marinade

2. Butter Chicken Gravy

Ingredients for Chicken Marinade

Ingredients for Butter Chicken Gravy

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Marinade

Marination is the key to soft, flavorful Butter Chicken.

How to Marinate Chicken

1. Wash chicken pieces and pat them dry.

2. Add chicken to a large bowl.

3. Add yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, spices, lemon juice, oil, and salt.

4. Mix well so every piece is coated.

5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).

Why Marination Matters

• Yogurt makes chicken soft

• Spices go deep inside

• Lemon adds light tanginess

• Prevents dry chicken after cooking

Step 2: Cooking the Marinated Chicken

You can cook chicken in three ways:

• Pan-fry

• Oven bake

• Grill (tandoor style)

Easy Pan Method (Recommended for Home)

1. Heat 1 tbsp butter or oil in a pan.

2. Add marinated chicken pieces.

3. Cook on medium heat for 6–8 minutes.

4. Turn pieces so they cook evenly.

5. Remove when lightly golden (do not overcook).

💡 Tip: Chicken will finish cooking later in gravy.

Step 3: Preparing the Tomato Base

The heart of Butter Chicken is its smooth tomato gravy.

How to Make Tomato Puree

1. Use ripe red tomatoes.

2. Boil for 5 minutes.

3. Peel skin and blend into smooth puree.

4. Strain for extra smooth texture (optional but recommended).

Step 4: Making the Butter Chicken Gravy

Cooking the Base

1. Heat oil and butter together in a pan.

2. Add chopped onion and cook until soft.

3. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.

4. Add tomato puree.

5. Cook until oil separates (10–12 minutes).

Add Spices

• Kashmiri red chili powder

• Coriander powder

• Salt

Stir well and cook for 2 minutes.

Step 5: Adding Cashew Paste for Creaminess

Cashew paste gives Butter Chicken its rich restaurant-style taste.

How to Make Cashew Paste

1. Soak cashews in warm water for 20 minutes.

2. Blend into smooth paste.

Add cashew paste to the gravy and cook for 3–4 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Chicken with Gravy

1. Add cooked chicken to the gravy.

2. Mix gently.

3. Add ½ cup water if gravy is thick.

4. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes.

This step allows chicken to absorb all flavors.

Step 7: Final Touch – Cream & Butter

This step turns normal curry into Butter Chicken.

1. Add fresh cream.

2. Add sugar (balances tomato sourness).

3. Crush kasuri methi and sprinkle.

4. Add 1 tbsp butter on top.

5. Simmer for 2 minutes.

Turn off heat.

Butter Chicken Flavor Balance Chart

How to Serve Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken tastes best when served hot.

Best Side Options

• Butter naan

• Garlic naan

• Tandoori roti

• Jeera rice

• Plain basmati rice

Garnishing Ideas

• Fresh cream swirl

• Butter cube

• Chopped coriander

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking chicken (becomes hard)

• Using raw tomato paste without cooking

• Skipping cashew paste

• Adding cream on high heat

• Using spicy chili powder instead of Kashmiri chili

Butter Chicken Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

Healthy Butter Chicken Tips

• Use low-fat cream

• Reduce butter quantity

• Add grilled chicken instead of fried

• Serve with brown rice

Butter Chicken Variations

Boneless Butter Chicken

Most popular and easy to eat.

Butter Chicken Without Cream

Use milk + cashew paste.

Butter Chicken in Cooker

Quick version for busy days.

Restaurant-Style Butter Chicken

Extra butter + cream + smoky flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing

• Refrigerate up to 3 days

• Freeze up to 1 month

Reheating

• Heat on low flame

• Add splash of milk or water

• Do not boil heavily

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken with bones?

Yes, but cooking time will increase.

Is Butter Chicken spicy?

No, it is mild and creamy.

Can I skip cashews?

Yes, but gravy will be less rich.

Why is my Butter Chicken sour?

Too many tomatoes or no sugar.

Quick Butter Chicken Cooking Timeline

Final Thoughts

Butter Chicken is not just a dish—it is a comfort meal loved worldwide. With this step-by-step Butter Chicken recipe, you can easily make restaurant-style Butter Chicken at home without stress.