Butter Chicken Recipe: The Easy Authentic Way to Make It at Home

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a proper butter chicken recipe that actually tastes like the one you order at your favourite curry house, you’re in the right place. This dish, also known as murgh makhani, is famous for its silky tomato gravy, tender marinated chicken, and that unmistakable buttery finish. I’ve made this dozens of times in my own kitchen, and I still remember the first time I got the balance of spice and cream just right. It felt like a small victory.

What Makes Butter Chicken So Special?

Butter chicken isn’t just another curry. It’s the dish most people order when they want something comforting rather than fiery. The chicken is marinated in yoghurt and spices, chargrilled until slightly smoky, then simmered in a sauce built from tomatoes, butter, and cream. That contrast between the charred chicken and the velvety sauce is what makes it so addictive, and it’s exactly why it’s one of the most searched curries in the world. If you want a deeper look at how spices and technique shape dishes like this, Indian cuisine has a long, fascinating history worth reading into.

The Real Story Behind Murgh Makhani

Butter chicken was born in Delhi in the 1950s, at the legendary Moti Mahal restaurant, where chefs mixed leftover tandoori chicken with a tomato and butter sauce so it wouldn’t go dry. What started as a clever way to avoid waste became one of the most loved dishes on the planet. Knowing this bit of history is a nice reminder that some of the best recipes come from resourcefulness, not fancy technique.

Easy Butter Chicken Recipe (Restaurant-Style at Home)

Ingredients you’ll need:

• 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 1 cup plain yoghurt
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1 tsp garam masala
• 2 tbsp butter (plus extra for finishing)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 400g tomato puree
• 1/2 cup fresh cream
• Salt and fresh coriander to garnish

Method:

1. Marinate the chicken in yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chilli powder, and salt for at least an hour (overnight if you can).
2. Grill or pan-sear the chicken until lightly charred on the edges. Don’t worry about cooking it through completely here.
3. In a separate pan, melt the butter and sauté the onion until soft and golden.
4. Add the tomato puree and simmer until it thickens and the oil starts to separate.
5. Stir in the garam masala, then add the chicken and let it finish cooking in the sauce.
6. Lower the heat, pour in the cream, and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
7. Finish with a small knob of butter and fresh coriander.

For more guidance on getting the spice balance and technique right, BBC Good Food’s Indian recipe collection is a solid reference. But honestly, follow the steps above patiently, and you won’t need much else.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Butter Chicken

• Skipping the marination time. Even 30 minutes helps, but overnight is best.
• Boil the cream. Add it on low heat, or it can split.
• Using too much chilli. Butter chicken is meant to be mild and comforting, not hot. Save the heat for a proper tandoori chicken recipe if you’re craving something spicier.
• Rushing the tomato base. A properly reduced sauce is what gives butter chicken its depth.

What to Serve With Butter Chicken

Butter chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread, which is perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. A side of raita or a simple cucumber salad helps balance the richness. If you’re building a full spread, it works wonderfully alongside a chicken masala recipe or a lighter dal for contrast.

Where to Find the Best Butter Chicken in Playa Blanca

If cooking it yourself sounds like a lovely Sunday project, but you’d rather enjoy it tonight, Tamasha, on Av. Marítima in Playa Blanca serves what regulars call the best butter chicken in Playa Blanca. Just a short walk from Marina Rubicón, it’s become a go-to spot for anyone searching for an authentic indian restaurant in Playa Blanca that doesn’t compromise on flavour. Take a look at the full menu before you visit, or simply book a table and let the chefs do the rest.

Final Thoughts

A good butter chicken recipe comes down to three things: proper marination, a well-reduced tomato base, and not rushing the cream. Master those, and you’ll have a dish that rivals any curry house. And if you’d rather skip the washing up, Tamasha’s version is ready and waiting on the seafront in Playa Blanca. Come taste it for yourself, and see why so many people now consider it the best indian food in Lanzarote.

Frequently Asked Questions