Butter chicken recipe is one of the most loved recipes in the world. It comes from India and is famous for its rich, creamy, and mildly spicy taste. This dish is also called Murgh Makhani. It is made with soft chicken pieces cooked in a tomato-based gravy, mixed with butter and cream.

The best thing about this butter chicken recipe is that you do not need to be a professional cook. Anyone can make it at home if they follow the steps carefully. In this blog, I will explain the butter chicken recipe step by step, using very simple English, so even a 5th grader can understand.

Let’s start.

preperation time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Marination Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings: 4 people

What Is Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken is a North Indian dish. It was first made to use leftover grilled chicken by cooking it in a creamy tomato gravy. Over time, it became very popular because of its smooth texture and delicious taste.

Butter chicken is not very spicy. It is slightly sweet, creamy, and full of flavor. People usually eat it with naan, roti, or rice.

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Ingredients for Butter Chicken Recipe

Below are all the ingredients you need. Try to measure them correctly for the best taste.

Ingredients for Marinating Chicken

• 500 grams boneless chicken (cut into medium pieces)

• ½ cup curd (yogurt)

• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder

• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt to taste

Ingredients for Butter Chicken Gravy

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 2 medium onions (finely chopped)

• 3 medium tomatoes (pureed)

• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust as needed)

• 1 teaspoon coriander powder

• ½ teaspoon garam masala

• ½ cup fresh cream

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

• Salt to taste

• 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dry fenugreek leaves)

• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

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Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Marination is very important in a butter chicken recipe because it makes the chicken soft and tasty.

1. Take a big bowl.

2. Add curd, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt.

3. Mix everything well.

4. Add the chicken pieces to this mixture.

5. Coat the chicken properly.

6. Cover the bowl and keep it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
   (If you have more time, keep it for 2–4 hours for better taste.)

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Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a pan on medium flame.

2. Add a little oil or butter.

3. Add the marinated chicken pieces.

4. Cook until the chicken is lightly brown and almost cooked.

5. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it aside.

Do not overcook the chicken. It will cook again in the gravy.

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Step 3: Prepare the Butter Chicken Gravy

This gravy is the heart of the butter chicken recipe.

1. In the same pan, add butter and oil.

2. Add chopped onions and cook until they turn light golden.

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

4. Add tomato puree and mix well.

5. Cook until the oil starts coming out from the sides.

6. Add red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, and sugar.

7. Mix everything and cook for 3–4 minutes on low flame.

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Step 4: Add Chicken to the Gravy

1. Add the cooked chicken pieces to the gravy.

2. Mix gently so the chicken does not break.

3. Add ½ cup water if the gravy is too thick.

4. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes on low flame.

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Step 5: Add Cream and Final Touch

1. Lower the flame.

2. Add fresh cream and mix slowly.

3. Crush kasuri methi between your hands and add it to the pan.

4. Cook for 2 minutes.

5. Turn off the flame.

Your butter chicken is now ready.

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How to Serve Butter Chicken

Butter chicken tastes best when served hot. You can enjoy it with:

• Butter naan

• Plain naan

• Tandoori roti

• Steamed rice

• Jeera rice

Add some fresh coriander leaves on top for a nice look.

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Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken Recipe

• Always use fresh cream for a rich taste.

• Do not use too much spice. Butter chicken should be mild.

• Use ripe red tomatoes for a bright color.

• Marinate the chicken properly for soft texture.

• Cook on low flame to avoid burning the gravy.

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Is Butter Chicken Healthy?

Butter chicken is tasty but rich. It contains butter and cream, so it is high in calories. You can make it healthier by:

• Using less butter

• Using low-fat cream

• Eating it in small portions

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Final Words

This butter chicken recipe is simple, creamy, and full of flavor. If you follow the steps properly, you can make restaurant-style butter chicken at home without stress. It is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you want to eat something special.

Try this recipe once, and it will become one of your favorite dishes. Cooking is all about practice—so don’t worry if it’s not perfect the first time. Keep improving and enjoy the process.

Happy cooking! 🍗🍛