If you’ve ever craved the warm, creamy comfort of a classic Indian curry, there’s a good chance you were thinking of butter chicken. Known as Murgh Makhani in India, this dish combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato-cream sauce. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef or own a tandoor oven to make it at home. This Butter Chicken Recipe Indian Easy version is perfect for beginners and curry lovers alike.
In this post, you’ll learn how to make butter chicken with simple ingredients and straightforward steps—no marinating overnight or exotic tools required. Just real flavor, the authentic taste of Indian cuisine, and a delicious dinner in under an hour.
Why This Butter Chicken Recipe Is Perfect for Beginners
What sets this recipe apart is how incredibly simple it is to make. While traditional Indian dishes can feel intimidating due to long ingredient lists or complicated methods, this version simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
- No overnight marination required
- Uses easy-to-find ingredients
- Comes together in just 45 minutes
- Suitable for weeknight dinners or meal prep
- Full of the creamy, spiced flavor you expect from restaurant-style butter chicken
Plus, it pairs perfectly with basmati rice, naan, or even a side of salad for a lighter twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple butter chicken recipe uses pantry staples and a few signature Indian ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp ghee or oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1.5 cups tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or fresh cream
- 1 tsp dried kasuri methi (fenugreek leaves)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (Quick Method)
Combine yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the chicken and coat well. Let it marinate for 15–30 minutes while you prep the other ingredients. You don’t need hours for this quick marinade—it still infuses great flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a pan over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of ghee. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside. Don’t worry if bits of marinade stick to the pan; that’s flavor you’ll deglaze in the next step.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Add an additional tablespoon of ghee to the same pan. Sauté chopped onions until golden brown. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for about one minute until their aroma fills the air. Pour in the tomato puree and cook for 10 minutes on medium-low heat until the sauce thickens and darkens in color.
Add coriander, paprika, chili powder, sugar, and salt. Stir well.
Step 4: Blend (Optional)
If you prefer a silky-smooth sauce, transfer the tomato mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender. This step gives you that restaurant-style creamy texture.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Pour the blended sauce back into the pan and mix in the cream. Then, add the cooked chicken and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes so the flavors meld. Lastly, gently crush the kasuri methi between your hands and sprinkle it over the dish. Stir and simmer for 2 more minutes.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, and your easy Indian butter chicken is ready!
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Basmati rice – Light, fluffy, and aromatic
- Garlic naan – The ultimate buttery companion
- Steamed vegetables – provide a light and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
- Jeera rice (cumin rice) – Adds a fragrant twist
- Cucumber raita – Helps cool down the spice
This makes it a complete and satisfying meal for the whole family.
Tips for the Best Butter Chicken Every Time
- Chicken thighs offer more flavor and tend to be juicier than chicken breasts.
- Use ghee for a more authentic, buttery depth.
- Make sure not to omit kasuri methi, as it imparts the dish’s distinctive fragrance.
- Adjust cream and chili to match your preferred spice and richness level.
- If short on time, use canned tomato sauce but avoid heavily seasoned versions.
FAQs About Butter Chicken
Q: Is butter chicken spicy?
A: It’s mildly spiced with a rich, creamy sauce. You can adjust chili powder to make it hotter or milder.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes! Substitute coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and swap ghee for oil to make it dairy-free.
Q: Is butter chicken the same as chicken tikka masala?
A: No, though similar, butter chicken is creamier and slightly sweeter, while tikka masala has more tomato and spice.
Q: Can I freeze butter chicken?
A: Absolutely! This dish can be frozen and stored for up to two months without losing quality. Just reheat gently and add a splash of cream if needed.
Why Butter Chicken Is a Must-Try Indian Dish
Butter chicken, which originated in Delhi during the 1950s, was invented to make use of leftover tandoori chicken. It quickly gained popularity for its balanced spice, rich texture, and universal appeal.
Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a longtime fan, this easy homemade butter chicken delivers the flavors you love without overwhelming you with complicated steps.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Chicken Recipe Indian Easy is more than just a meal—it’s a delicious gateway into Indian home cooking. By using accessible ingredients and a few Indian pantry staples like garam masala and kasuri methi, you can enjoy restaurant-style butter chicken at home anytime.
Serve it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan, and you’ve got a meal that’s perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or when you just want something cozy and flavorful.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see how simple and satisfying Indian cooking can be.
Happy cooking from Savora at TryNowRecipes – where easy meets authentic.
If you’re craving more easy chicken recipes, be sure to check out our Juicy Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce. It’s a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights and packed with bold, garlicky goodness your whole family will love!