🧈 Butter Chicken Recipe | Easy Homemade Restaurant-Style Butter Chicken

 🧈 Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most loved Indian dishes around the world. This easy homemade version is prepared with grilled chicken tikka, simmered in a rich and creamy makhani gravy, and finished with butter and cream for that signature silky texture.

I’ve used Kashmiri dry red chillies in this recipe. They are mild in heat and mainly used to give the curry its rich red color, not extra spiciness. If you prefer a spicier version, you can replace some of the Kashmiri chillies with regular dry red chillies. For a milder but vibrant-colored gravy, Kashmiri chillies work perfectly.

The best part? You don’t need a tandoor to make it at home — a grill pan, oven, or even a regular pan works perfectly. Let’s get started! 🍛✨

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🍗 Part 1: Chicken Tikka (Tandoori-Style Chicken)

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken thigh – 1 kg
  (you can also use chicken breast)

• Mustard oil – 2 tbsp

• Kashmiri red chilli powder – 2 tbsp

• Ginger-garlic paste – 2 tbsp

• Coriander powder – 1 tbsp

• Cumin powder – 1 tsp

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Kasuri methi – 1 tsp

• Amchur powder – 1 tsp

• Black salt – ½ tsp

• Salt – to taste

• Thick curd (yogurt) – ½ cup

• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

• Oil – for grilling

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Method

1. In a mixing bowl, add mustard oil and Kashmiri red chilli powder. Mix well — this releases the natural red colour.

2. Add all remaining marinade ingredients and mix thoroughly.

3. Add the chicken pieces (whole thigh fillets or large chunks) and coat well.

4. Cover and marinate:

   • Best: Overnight

   • Minimum: 1 hour

5. Heat a grill pan or regular pan, grease lightly with oil, and grill the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through.
   OR
   Grill in a preheated oven at 220°C for 5–6 minutes.

6. Let the chicken cool slightly, then cut into thin strips. Keep aside.

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🍅 Part 2: Makhani Gravy Base

Ingredients

• Oil – 1 tbsp

• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp

• Onions – 3–4 medium, sliced

• Garlic – 7–8 cloves

• Ginger – 1 inch, roughly chopped

• Coriander powder – 1 tbsp

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Kasuri methi – ½ tsp

• Whole Kashmiri red chillies – 6–7, soaked

• Green cardamom – 3–4

• Tomatoes – 1 kg, roughly chopped

• Cashew nuts – ⅓ cup

• Mint leaves – a handful

• Coriander leaves – a handful

• Green chilli – 1

• Coriander stems & roots – small handful

• Salt – to taste

• Butter – 2 tbsp

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Method

1. Heat oil in a pot on medium flame. Add cumin seeds and sliced onions.
   

2. Sauté until onions turn light golden.

3. Add garlic, ginger, coriander powder, turmeric, soaked red chillies, coriander stems, and green cardamom. Cook for 1 minute.

4. Add tomatoes, cashews, mint, coriander leaves, green chilli, salt, and butter.

5. Cook on medium-high heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Reduce flame, cover, and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring in between.

   • Add hot water only if required (do not make it watery).

7. Switch off the flame and let the mixture cool completely.

8. Grind into a smooth, rich puree.
   (You may add ice cubes if grinding while warm.)

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🧈 Part 3: Butter Chicken Final Cooking

Ingredients

• Butter – 1 tbsp

• Oil – 1 tsp

• Prepared makhani gravy

• Hot water – as required

• Sugar or honey – 1 tsp (generally 1 Tbsp is used)

• Grilled chicken strips

• Salt – if required

• Fresh cream – 5–6 tbsp (optional)

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Method

1. Heat oil and butter in a wok on medium flame.

   

2. Add the prepared gravy and mix well.

   
   
   

3. Add hot water to adjust consistency (If gravy is too thick).

4. Stir in sugar or honey and simmer gently. Adjust sweetness as per your taste 

   
   
   

5. Add grilled chicken and mix well.

   
   
   

6. Cover and Cook for 10–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Add cup of cream (optional)

8. Adjust salt and sweetness as needed.

   

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

• Butter naan

• Jeera rice

• Plain naan or roti

This Butter Chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen beautifully.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

This easy Butter Chicken recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with authentic flavors, yet simple enough to make at home. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special occasion, this dish never fails to impress. Try it once, and it will surely become a family favorite!