15 Butter Chicken Recipes You’ll Love to Make at Home

Butter chicken is a popular dish that many people love for its rich flavors and creamy texture. It is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With the right recipe, you can easily recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen.

There are many variations of butter chicken, each with unique twists that highlight the flavors of Indian cuisine. Whether you prefer a traditional approach or want to try a quicker version, there’s a butter chicken recipe that suits your taste and cooking style.

1) Traditional Murgh Makhani Recipe

Murgh Makhani, or Butter Chicken, is a classic Indian dish that many people love. The recipe features tender chicken cooked in a creamy tomato sauce. This dish is packed with rich flavors and is perfect served with rice or naan.

To start, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices. This makes the chicken juicy and flavorful. After marinating, cook the chicken until it’s golden brown.

Next, prepare the sauce with tomatoes, butter, and a blend of spices. Add the chicken to the sauce and let it simmer until everything is well combined.

You will enjoy the creamy texture and delightful taste of this dish!

Ingredients

• 500g chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 tablespoon cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup butter
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken in yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, and salt for at least 1 hour.
2. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
3. Add ginger garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add tomato puree and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Place marinated chicken in the sauce and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
6. Serve hot with rice or naan.

2) Quick and Easy Butter Chicken

If you’re looking for a fast and tasty meal, quick and easy butter chicken is the way to go. This dish is creamy and bursting with flavor, perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can have it ready in just about 30 minutes!

You will need chicken, spices, and a few pantry staples. It’s a one-pan recipe, so clean-up is a breeze. Serve it over rice or with warm naan for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken thighs, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add diced chicken and curry powder; cook until chicken is browned.
5. Pour in tomato sauce and heavy cream; bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

3) Restaurant-Style Butter Chicken at Home

Making restaurant-style butter chicken at home is easier than you might think. You can enjoy creamy, flavorful chicken right in your kitchen. Start by marinating the chicken to make it tender and tasty.

Use yogurt and spices for your marinade. This gives the chicken its rich flavor. Don’t forget to cook it in butter and cream for that classic taste.

Serve your butter chicken with warm naan or rice for a complete meal. You’ll love how delicious and satisfying it is!

Ingredients

• 1.3 kg chicken thighs, diced
• 500 gm yogurt
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp fine white salt
• 2 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in yogurt, ginger, garlic, salt, and chili powder for at least 1 hour.
2. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add marinated chicken and cook until no longer pink.
4. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Serve with naan or rice. Enjoy!

4) Creamy Moti Mahal Butter Chicken

Creamy Moti Mahal Butter Chicken is a beloved dish full of rich flavors and spices. This easy recipe takes inspiration from the famous Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi, where this dish was first created.

To start, gather your ingredients. They include chicken, butter, cream, garlic, ginger, and various spices like garam masala and cumin. The mix of these flavors creates a delicious, comforting dish.

Cooking is simple. First, sauté garlic and ginger, then add spices and chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, stir in butter and cream for that signature creaminess. Serve it with rice or naan for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken, boneless and skinless
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in spices and add chicken, cooking until no longer pink.
4. Reduce heat and mix in cream until well combined.
5. Serve with rice or naan. Enjoy!

5) One-Pan Butter Chicken Delight

One-Pan Butter Chicken is a simple and delicious meal. You get tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce, all cooked in one pan. This makes cleanup easy and saves you time.

You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks. Start by cooking the sauce first and then add the chicken to bake. This method keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Serve this dish with rice or naan for a complete meal. The spices used will warm your kitchen and your heart.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and garam masala. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
5. Pour in the heavy cream. Stir and cook for about 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

6) Healthy Butter Chicken with Yogurt

Making a healthy butter chicken with yogurt is both simple and delicious. Yogurt adds creaminess while keeping the dish lighter. You can use low-fat Greek yogurt for a boost in protein.

Start by marinating your chicken in yogurt, spices, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This not only flavors the chicken but also helps make it tender.

Cook the marinated chicken until golden, then add tomatoes and a mix of spices to create a flavorful sauce. Simmer everything to blend the flavors together.

Serve your butter chicken with rice or veggies for a tasty meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken thighs, cut into pieces
• 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in yogurt, garam masala, chili powder, and lemon juice for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes and salt.
5. Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.

7) Butter Chicken with Coconut Milk

Butter chicken with coconut milk is a tasty twist on the classic recipe. The coconut milk adds a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.

You’ll find this dish is both flavorful and comforting. Using coconut milk also makes it a great option for those avoiding dairy.

The main spices used include garam masala, cumin, and chili powder. These spices, along with the coconut milk, bring depth to the sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) chicken, diced
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil
• Spices: garam masala, cumin, chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add onions and sauté until golden.
3. Stir in garlic, spices, and tomato puree. Cook for a few minutes.
4. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink.
5. Pour in coconut milk, simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Garnish with cilantro, and serve hot.

8) Spicy Butter Chicken for Heat Lovers

If you love heat, spicy butter chicken is perfect for you. This dish blends tender chicken with a rich and zesty sauce. The spices you’ll use include chili powder and cayenne pepper for that fiery kick.

To balance the heat, you can serve it with cooling sides like raita, which is made with yogurt and cucumber. Adding some diced jalapeños can intensify the spice even more.

Feel free to adjust the heat by reducing the cayenne or tossing in extra red pepper flakes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (480 ml) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce and heat for 5 minutes.
4. Add cream and spices; simmer until chicken is cooked through (160°F or 71°C).
5. Serve with rice or naan.

9) Kid-Friendly Mild Butter Chicken

Making a mild butter chicken is a great way to introduce new flavors to your kids. This recipe focuses on being gentle with spices while still packing in delicious taste.

Start with tender chicken pieces. Marinate them in yogurt to keep them juicy. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt instead.

In a pan, cook the chicken until golden brown. You can grill it for extra flavor too.

For the sauce, use tomatoes, cream, and mild spices like paprika. Simmer everything together for a rich consistency that isn’t too spicy. Serve with rice or naan for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into pieces
• 1 cup (240 ml) plain yogurt or coconut yogurt
• 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon mild paprika
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in yogurt for at least 1 hour.
2. Cook chicken in a pan over medium heat until golden brown.
3. Add tomatoes and spices. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in cream and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Serve with rice or naan.

10) 30-Minute Butter Chicken Recipe

This quick butter chicken recipe lets you enjoy a delicious meal in just 30 minutes. You can use fresh chicken pieces for better flavor and texture.

Start by marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices. This step adds great taste and helps tenderize the meat. While the chicken cooks, you can prepare a creamy sauce.

Using a pan or an instant pot, combine the cooked chicken with a mix of spices and your choice of cream, which can be yogurt, coconut milk, or heavy cream.

Serve your butter chicken with rice or naan for a filling meal. It’s a family favorite that everyone will love!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken, cubed
• 1 cup (240ml) yogurt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup (240ml) cream (or coconut milk)
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in yogurt and spices for 10 minutes.
2. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
3. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink.
4. Stir in cream or coconut milk, and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Serve with rice or naan.

11) Garlic and Onion Butter Chicken

Garlic and Onion Butter Chicken is a simple and delicious dish. The rich flavors of garlic and onion pair perfectly with tender chicken. This recipe is great for a quick weeknight dinner.

To start, you will sauté chopped onions until they’re soft. Add minced garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant. This creates a savory base for your chicken.

Next, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Cook the chicken in the pan until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Don’t forget to pour in some butter to enhance the flavor.

Serve this dish with rice or vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Your family will love it!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) of chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
5. Add chicken to the pan and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
6. Make sure chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C) before serving.

12) Dairy-Free Butter Chicken Recipe

This dairy-free butter chicken is rich in flavor and easy to make. You’ll enjoy the creamy texture without any dairy. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

To start, use coconut milk for that creamy flavor. You can cook the chicken right in the sauce to save time. With just a few spices, you’ll create a delicious meal.

Serve it with rice or your favorite naan for a complete dish. This recipe is satisfying and a great way to enjoy a classic with a twist.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into pieces
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons dairy-free butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pan, melt dairy-free butter over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink.
4. Add coconut milk and spices. Stir well.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
6. Serve warm with rice or naan.

13) Butter Chicken with a Sweet Twist

Butter chicken with a sweet twist brings a delightful change to the classic recipe. You can add sweet potatoes to create a creamy balance with the spices. The natural sweetness from the potatoes complements the rich sauce perfectly.

Another great option is to mix in a little honey. This adds a hint of sweetness that rounds out the flavors. You might also try incorporating coconut milk for a smoother, sweeter sauce.

Each of these variations makes your butter chicken unique and delicious. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find your perfect mix of sweet and savory.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• Spices (cumin, coriander, garam masala)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for a minute.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned.
4. Stir in sweet potatoes, honey, and spices.
5. Pour in coconut milk and simmer for 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
6. Serve hot with rice or naan.

14) Simple Butter Chicken for Beginners

Making butter chicken at home is easy and fun. You only need a few ingredients to create a delicious dish. This recipe is perfect for beginners who want to impress family or friends.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need chicken, butter, cream, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices like garam masala.

In a pan, heat some butter. Add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until soft. Then, add diced chicken and cook until browned. Stir in tomatoes and your spices.

Once everything is mixed well, pour in the cream. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Serve your butter chicken with rice or naan for a tasty meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) cream
• 1 cup (240 g) tomatoes, crushed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Add diced chicken; cook until browned.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes and spices.
5. Pour in cream and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Serve with rice or naan.

15) Authentic Punjabi Butter Chicken

Authentic Punjabi Butter Chicken is a delicious and creamy dish that’s perfect for any meal. This recipe features marinated chicken cooked in a rich tomato sauce, spiced just right to give it that classic Indian flavor.

To start, you need boneless chicken, yogurt, and a mix of spices. The marinated chicken is grilled or cooked in a pan until tender. Then, it’s simmered in a buttery sauce made with tomatoes, cream, and more spices.

This dish is best served with naan or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Enjoy the comforting taste of Punjab right at home!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, salt, and spices for at least 1 hour.

2. Grill or cook the chicken in a pan until it browns.

3. In the same pan, melt butter and add tomato puree.

4. Cook for a few minutes, then add cream.

5. Stir in the cooked chicken and simmer for 10 minutes.

6. Serve with naan or rice.