This butter chicken recipe makes a flavorful Punjabi-style chicken curry. Make this easy dish for a homemade meal just as good as takeout!
I'll show you how to make butter chicken in just a few easy steps, and with a surprising twist - not the usual gobs of butter!
Typically the curry sauce has copious amounts of butter in it, which is where the name of the dish comes from.
Instead, this punjabi recipe uses thick Greek yogurt to get the same creamy texture found in a restaurant, but without all of the grease. Just two tablespoons of butter swirled in before serving is all this needs.
Be sure to make some chickpea masala for a delicious side dish!
What is a Punjabi Butter Chicken Recipe?
Also known as Murgh Makhani, this popular curry dish comes from the Indian state of Punjab. In fact, it was created by chance when leftovers were combined to make something new.
Tender pieces of chicken are cooked in a creamy tomato sauce with plenty of warm spices. And while curries are known for being spicy, this dish has just the right amount of heat without burning your tongue.
INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Note: This is just a partial list of ingredients. For the full ingredient list, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Chicken - Because this butter chicken recipe is so flexible, you can use any boneless, skinless breasts, thighs, or tenders. Cut the meat into bite size pieces, about 1-inch in length.
- Garam masala - Feel free to adjust the amount depending on how much heat you want in the dish. Use your favorite store bought brand or make my homemade masala seasoning.
- Tomato sauce - I like to use tomato sauce since it’s more readily available and creates a smoother sauce. If you prefer little bits of tomato, use Tomato Passata or puree a can of crushed tomatoes.
- Heavy cream - Half and half can be used as a substitute if needed. Or, use coconut cream which is the solid part at the top of full fat canned coconut milk.
Making this dish is a snap - just marinate the chicken, then cook it in the same pan with the sauce!
INSTRUCTIONS
- Marinate chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with the marinade ingredients in a large bowl, then cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Cook over high heat: Pour the chicken with the marinade into the pan, then spread the meat into a single layer and saute until cooked through.
- Simmer with sauce: Next, stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, and salt. Reduce the heat and simmer until thickened and reduced.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the cream and simmer for a few more minutes, then spoon over rice and garnish with cilantro.
Recipe notes
- Rice for serving - This Punjabi style butter chicken tastes delicious with just about any rice variety. Basmati is the most common, and there’s even a brown basmati that’s incredibly fragrant. Regular white, brown, or jasmine will work just as well.
- Adding vegetables - Feel free to include things like sliced carrots or squash to the pan once the chicken is cooked.
- Storage - Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing - This curry should freeze just fine, but the texture may become a bit grainy. If that happens, add a bit more cream when reheating. Store in an airtight container or freezer safe ziploc bag for up to 3 months. Then, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating - Simmer leftovers on the stove until warmed through, adding a splash of cream if needed to thin out the sauce. Or microwave in bursts so you don’t dry out the chicken.
How to Serve Butter Chicken
Serve over steamed rice with a side of Shirazi salad and some garlic naan, Turkish simit, or barbari bread.
If you like this butter chicken recipe, check out my Chicken Korma recipe, too!
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Butter Chicken (Punjabi-Style)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast meat (See Note 1)
Marinade
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 teaspoon garam masala seasoning (See Note 2)
- 1 ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 8 oz tomato sauce (See Note 3)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon butter
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Marinade ingredients with the chicken in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for an hour, overnight, or up to 24 hours.
- Heat the oil over high heat in a large fry pan or wok. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is white all over - it doesn't really brown due to the marinade.
- Add the tomato sauce, sugar and salt. Stir to combine. Turn heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Sauce will thicken and reduce.
- Season with salt if needed. Stir through the cream and simmer another 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of butter and swirl to melt into the sauce.
- Garnish with cilantro leaves and a pinch of some more Garam Masala. Serve over rice and with garlic naan bread. (See Note 4)
Notes
- I like to use chicken breast meat, the chicken tender strips or thigh fillets, cut into bite size pieces.
- Use more or less Garam Masala depending on your taste for heat. This is not a very hot dish, the spice blend is more flavor than heat. I think sometimes people confuse spicy with heat and there is a difference! 🙂
- I use Tomato Sauce in this recipe and have also used Tomato Passata, both work well in this. Tomato Passata is uncooked tomato puree that has been strained of seeds and skins. It is not cooked, where Tomato Sauce is cooked and often has other ingredients such as carrots, onions, sugar and garlic. If you want little bits of tomato in the sauce passata works well. Smoother go tomato sauce.Passata is readily available in most supermarkets, usually alongside pasta sauces. It costs just a little more, sometimes the same, as canned tomatoes. If you can't find it, puree canned tomatoes. (Australia, from what I understand don't use what you call Tomato Sauce!).
- You can pick up frozen baked naan at most supermarkets or Trader Joe's if available near you.
*The information shown below is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
Nutrition
Sally Humeniuk
Kevin! This is the best Butter Chicken Dave and I have ever had. We just finished and he said "That's better than Royal India's!", our favorite Indian food restaurant. I made it with the Shirazi Salad which was a good pairing, but seriously, all I wanted was that Butter Chicken!! The next time I host a dinner party, I'm going to make this and blow everyone's mind. Excellent, recipe, easy to follow (I marinated for 24 hours). Thanks for the tips in the Notes section. Wow.
Kevin
Wowza! Thanks for the great comment on this recipe Sally. So happy you and Dave enjoyed it! This goes really well with the chickpea masala and warm naan, too. You're the best. Have a wonderful Christmas with the family. xoxo
Sally Humeniuk
Dave gets home from a work trip to Italy and this is dinner the next day! One of the best recipes, ever. Thanks for all your creativity, Kevin. I'm wondering what dessert I should offer?
Kevin
So sorry for the late reply! Thanks for the kind words,, this is definitely one of my all-time favorites.
I was so excited to read this comment and I am jealous of his Italy trip. It was the last trip Dave and I took before the COVID craziness started. 16 days of Milan, Lake Como, Venice, Florence, Rome and down the coast to Naples, Sorrento, Pompeii and Capri.
Sandra
Hi! I just listened to your podcast with Elaine and it was terrific! I can't wait to check out your new blog and try this Butter Chicken Recipe. Beautifully done - your new blog is beautiful!
Kevin
Thanks so much Sandra, glad you listened and checked the new site out. Lots to see and try!
Rui
Hi Kevin. Great chicken recipe. Do you have the recipe for the chick pea side dish shown in the picture?
Kevin
Thanks and yes I do! It's my Chana Masala (Vegan Chickpea Curry). Enjoy and thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes
My family loved this butter chicken! It was incredible!!
Kevin
Thanks for coming back to let me know Beti. Much appreciated!
katerina @ diethood.com
WOW! This looks absolutely amazing!! A must try! Thank you!
Kevin
Creamy, chicken deliciousness Katerina. 🙂
Toni Dash
Everyone at my house really loved it!! I will definitely make it again!
Kevin
So happy to read this Toni, thanks for taking the time to let me know!
Vikki
So delicious, love how creamy and authentic this is!
Kevin
Incredible flavors Vikki. 🙂
Sara Welch
Gave this a try for dinner last night and it didn't disappoint! Even my picky eaters gobbled this up! Easily, a new favorite recipe in our home!
Kevin
So happy to read this Sara, thanks!
Kathryn Doherty
Butter chicken is one of my favorites! SO much flavor and this one looks delicious!
Kevin
Thanks, I hope you give this one a try Kathryn! Perfect with this cold weather. 🙂
Jen
I cannot wait to try this! This is our favorite to order when we go out.
Kevin
I hope you give this one a try Jen, its so good!
Dave S
Wow so creamy and tender love it.
Kevin
Thanks Dave! Amazingly delicious and fantastic with fresh, warm naan!
Les
This looks better than any time I have had it. Thank you for provide these well thought out recipes. Can’t wait to make this one. Yumm