Easy Butter Chicken Recipe (Murgh Makhani)
Chicken

Easy Butter Chicken Recipe (Murgh Makhani)

April 22, 2025
Jump to Recipe

This Butter Chicken Recipe, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved Indian dishes around the world — and for good reason. It’s creamy, rich, mildly spiced with a tomato-based sauce and tender chicken pieces. It also pairs perfectly with Buttery Garlic Naan Bread or steamed basmati rice. The good news? In this post, you’ll learn how to make restaurant-style butter chicken at home with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for beginners looking to explore Indian cuisine.

Ingredients for Butter Chicken

For the Marinade:

  • 750g boneless chicken thighs/breasts, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp chilli/cayenne powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter or ghee or cooking oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken
    In a bowl, mix chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and spices. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best).
  2. Cook the Chicken
    Heat the butter or ghee or oil over high heat in a large fry pan. Take the chicken out of the marinade shaking off the marinade from the chicken and pan-fry until it’s white all over. (Note: it might not brown because of the marinade)
  3. Make the Butter Sauce
    In the same pan, add the chopped onions, pureed tomatoes, sugar & salt and simmer for 10–15 minutes until thick and rich.
  4. Add Cream & Combine. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
  5. Garnish with cilantro & a drizzle of cream.

Serving Suggestions

OTHER CHICKEN RECIPES INCLUDE:

Easy Butter Chicken Recipe (Murgh Makhani)

Gwen
This authentic Indian Butter Chicken recipe is creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Juicy, marinated chicken is simmered in a spiced tomato-butter sauce and finished with cream for a comforting dish that pairs perfectly with naan or basmati rice. Restaurant-quality results in under an hour!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinate 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade:

  • 750 g boneless chicken thighs/breasts, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp chilli/cayenne powder, optional
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • Sea salt, to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter or ghee or cooking oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and spices. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best).
  • Cook the Chicken: Heat the butter or ghee or oil over high heat in a large fry pan. Take the chicken out of the marinade shaking off the marinade from the chicken and pan-fry until it’s white all over. (Note: it might not brown because of the marinade)
  • Make the Butter Sauce: In the same pan, add the chopped onions, pureed tomatoes, sugar & salt and simmer for 10–15 minutes until thick and rich.
  • Add Cream & Combine. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
  • Garnish with cilantro & a drizzle of cream.

Notes

******
 
I know you’re going to love this Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani).Please rate this recipe below (After you’ve made it, of course). Remember to like, share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. I’d love to hear from you and it helps encourage others to make the recipe too! Enjoy!!
Keyword butter chicken recipe,, creamy chicken curry, homemade butter chicken, Indian chicken curry, murgh makhani

Expert Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken

  • Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness
  • Let the tomato sauce reduce well before adding cream
  • Adjust spice level to your taste — add more chili powder or a green chili for heat
  • Make extra — it tastes even better the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this butter chicken dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute yogurt with coconut yogurt and cream with coconut cream.

Q: Can I freeze butter chicken?
Absolutely. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make butter chicken at home, you’ll never need to order it out again. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly simple. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments!

Don’t forget to share or pin this recipe for later!

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

Tag @gwenjikoni on Instagram and hashtag it #gwenjikoni

Tags:

You must be logged in to post a comment.