Perfectly marinated chicken for the most flavorful butter chicken
In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients with the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat ghee or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the tomato sauce, sugar, and salt. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add the baked chicken pieces to the sauce, along with any juices from the baking sheet. Stir in the heavy cream and garam masala.
Simmer for another 10 minutes on low heat. Crush the fenugreek leaves between your palms and add to the dish.
Finish by stirring in the butter until melted and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve hot with naan bread or basmati rice.
Chef's Notes
For a richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight. If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red chili powder or add some chopped green chilies. The dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Watch How It's Made
Follow along with our step-by-step video guide to make the perfect butter chicken at home!
What People Are Saying
"This is hands down the best butter chicken recipe I've ever tried! The flavors are perfectly balanced and it's become a family favorite."
Sarah M.
"I was skeptical about making butter chicken at home, but this recipe made it so easy. Restaurant-quality taste right in my kitchen!"
Raj K.
"The step-by-step instructions were perfect. Even as a beginner, I was able to make this delicious dish that impressed my entire family."
The Secret to Authentic Restaurant-Style Butter Chicken at Home
Chef Priya SharmaExecutive Chef & Food Blogger
8 min read
24 Comments
Discover the closely guarded secrets of top Indian chefs for making restaurant-quality butter chicken in your own kitchen. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the entire process, from selecting the right chicken cuts to achieving that perfect creamy texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
7 Common Butter Chicken Mistakes You're Probably Making
December 10, 20256 min read
Are you making these common butter chicken mistakes? From over-marinating to using the wrong type of cream, we reveal the top pitfalls and how to avoid them for perfect butter chicken every time.
Is Butter Chicken Healthy? A Nutritionist's Take on This Indian Classic
December 5, 20257 min read
Butter chicken is undeniably delicious, but is it good for you? We break down the nutritional content of this popular dish and share healthier versions that don't compromise on flavor.
The Essential Spices for Authentic Butter Chicken: A Complete Guide
November 28, 20259 min read
Unlock the flavors of authentic butter chicken with our comprehensive guide to the essential spices. Learn about each spice's role, where to source them, and how to store them for maximum freshness.
Tandoori vs. Pan-Cooked: Which Butter Chicken Method is Right for You?
November 20, 202510 min read
Compare the traditional tandoori method with modern stovetop techniques for cooking butter chicken. We break down the pros and cons of each approach to help you decide which one suits your kitchen and taste preferences.
The Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Butter Chicken for an Authentic Indian Feast
November 15, 20258 min read
Complete your butter chicken experience with our guide to perfect pairings. From classic naan and rice to unexpected accompaniments that will elevate your meal to restaurant quality.
