Best Butter Chicken Recipes: Creamy & Irresistible Indian Curry

Butter chicken—also known as murgh makhani—is more than just a curry. It’s comfort, culture, and flavor wrapped in one irresistible dish. But here’s the question: What makes the best butter chicken recipes, truly the best?

In this guide, you’ll learn how to create restaurant-style butter chicken at home, explore easy and healthy variations, and uncover the secrets to that perfect creamy texture and deep flavor.

🇮🇳 Did you know? Butter Chicken Recipes was invented in Delhi in the 1950s by accident—leftover tandoori chicken was simmered in a creamy tomato sauce to avoid food waste!

🔑 Ingredients for the Best Butter Chicken

To create authentic restaurant-style butter chicken recipes, you’ll need:

🐓 For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500g boneless chicken thighs
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Salt & lemon juice

🍅 For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• Salt to taste

Tip: Use smoked paprika instead of chili powder for a smoky restaurant-style flavor!

🔥 Step-by-Step Butter Chicken Recipes (Restaurant-Style)

1. Marinate the Chicken

• Mix all marinade ingredients and let chicken rest for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Grill or pan-fry the marinated chicken until lightly charred. Set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

• In a pan, heat oil + butter, sauté onions until golden.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until aromatic.
• Add tomato puree, cook until oil separates (10-12 minutes).
• Stir in cream, kasuri methi, sugar, and salt.

4. Combine and Simmer

• Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until flavors meld.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Garnish with a swirl of cream and fresh coriander.
• Serve with naan, paratha, or basmati rice.

• Indian Spices Glossary (Serious Eats)
• Nutrition Facts on Chicken (Healthline)

🔥 Pro Tip: Add a pinch of cardamom powder for an extra aromatic touch!