If you’ve ever wanted to recreate your favorite restaurant dish at home, this Restaurant Style Butter Chicken Recipe is the perfect place to start. With juicy, marinated chicken simmered in a rich, buttery tomato gravy, this classic North Indian dish delivers incredible flavor in every bite. Moreover, it’s surprisingly easy to make using simple pantry ingredients, making it ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or weekend meals.
Why You’ll Love This Restaurant Style Butter Chicken Recipe
Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of India’s most beloved dishes. Unlike ordinary chicken curries, butter chicken features a creamy, mildly spiced tomato-based gravy that perfectly coats tender chicken pieces. Furthermore, this homemade version offers authentic restaurant-style flavor while allowing you to control the ingredients and spice level.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marination Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Servings: 4–5
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 500 g boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup thick yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
For the Butter Chicken Gravy
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 4 large tomatoes, chopped
- 10–12 cashews
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp sugar or honey
- ½ cup fresh cream
- 1 tsp kasuri methi (crushed)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Make Restaurant Style Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, spices, oil, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. For even better flavor, marinate overnight.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken until lightly charred and about 90% cooked. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy
Heat butter and oil in a pan. Add onions and sauté until golden. Then add ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant.
Next, add tomatoes and cashews. Cook until the tomatoes soften completely.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then blend into a smooth puree.
Step 4: Cook the Sauce
Return the puree to the pan. Add Kashmiri chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, sugar, and salt. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Add the grilled chicken to the gravy and cook for another 8–10 minutes. Stir in fresh cream and crushed kasuri methi. Simmer for two more minutes before turning off the heat.
Finally, garnish with fresh coriander and a drizzle of cream.
Tips for Authentic Restaurant Style Butter Chicken Recipe
- Marinate the chicken for at least one hour.
- Use Kashmiri red chili powder for vibrant color without excessive heat.
- Blend the gravy until silky smooth.
- Finish with fresh cream and kasuri methi for the signature restaurant-style taste.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
What to Serve with Butter Chicken
This creamy dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Butter naan
- Garlic naan
- Tandoori roti
- Jeera rice
- Steamed basmati rice
- Laccha paratha
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken with bones?
Yes. Bone-in chicken adds extra flavor but requires a longer cooking time.
Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely. Reduce the chili powder and increase the cream slightly for a milder version.
Can I make butter chicken without cream?
Yes. You can substitute fresh cream with cashew cream or full-fat milk, although the texture will be slightly different.
Is butter chicken very spicy?
No. Traditional butter chicken is mildly spiced and known for its rich, creamy flavor rather than intense heat.
Final Thoughts
This Restaurant Style Butter Chicken Recipe brings the rich flavors of your favorite Indian restaurant straight to your kitchen. With tender marinated chicken, a velvety tomato-butter gravy, and aromatic spices, it’s a dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Moreover, it’s easy to customize, making it a recipe you’ll want to prepare again and again. Serve it with warm naan or fragrant basmati rice for a truly satisfying meal.