Butter Chicken isn’t just a dish – it’s an emotion. 😌 Creamy, rich, spicy, and full of flavor, it’s one of India’s most loved recipes. Whether you’re craving something hearty or planning a special meal, this version of Spicy Butter Chicken is just what you need!
et’s dive into this easy, step-by-step guide and make magic in your kitchen. ✨
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
🐔 For Marinating the Chicken:
500g boneless chicken (thigh pieces preferred)
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp red chili powder 🌶️
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste 🧄
Salt to taste 🧂
🍅 For the Gravy:
2 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈
2 tbsp oil
1 bay leaf
4-5 cloves
2 green cardamoms
1 cinnamon stick
1 medium onion, finely chopped 🧅
2 green chilies (slit)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
3 medium tomatoes (pureed) 🍅
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/4 cup fresh cream 🥛
1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, to balance the heat)
🧅 Optional veggies: You can add 1/2 cup finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms if you like a little veggie twist!
⏱️ How Much Time Will It Take?
🕐 Marination: 1 hour minimum (overnight is best)
🔥 Cooking Time: About 35–40 minutes
👨👩👧👦 Serves: 3 to 4 people
👨🍳 Let’s Start Cooking – Step by Step!
- 🥣 Marinate That Chicken
In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and ginger-garlic paste. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best flavor, marinate overnight.
💡 Tip: The longer you marinate, the juicier and tastier your chicken gets!
- 🍗 Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan. Add the marinated chicken and lightly sear it on medium heat until it’s about 80% cooked.
Set the chicken aside. We’ll finish cooking it in the gravy. 🔥
- 🍛 Start the Gravy
In a deep pan, heat butter and oil. Once hot, add bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Let them sizzle for a few seconds to release flavor.
Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. This step builds the base of your curry.
Now, add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell is gone.
- 🍅 Add Tomatoes & Spices
Pour in the tomato puree and let it cook for 10 minutes on medium flame until the oil starts to separate.
Add turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir and let it cook for a few minutes until the masala thickens.
- 🥘 Bring It All Together
Add your seared chicken to the gravy. Stir gently to coat all the pieces in the masala.
Cover and cook for about 10–12 minutes on low heat, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Now reduce the heat and stir in the cream and crushed kasuri methi. Add a bit of honey or sugar if the spice feels too strong.
Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes, and you’re done!
Read:Banana Cake Recipe: A Moist and Delicious Delight!
🍽️ Time to Serve
Serve hot with:
Butter naan or garlic naan 🍞
Jeera rice (cumin rice) 🍚
Roti or paratha 🌯
Onion salad and lemon wedges on the side 🧅🍋
Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell like heaven. 😍
✅ Extra Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken
Use boneless thigh meat for more juicy chicken
Don’t skip the marination – it’s where the flavor starts
Be generous with cream and butter – it’s called Butter Chicken for a reason 😄
Add veggies like bell peppers if you want some color and crunch
A pinch of kasuri methi at the end makes it taste just like restaurant-style!
❤️ Final Words – From One Foodie to Another
Making Spicy Butter Chicken at home isn’t just about following a recipe — it’s about creating an experience. Whether it’s a weekend treat, family dinner, or impressing someone special, this dish never fails.
It’s spicy, it’s creamy, it’s comforting — it’s everything a perfect curry should be. 🤤
So go on, put on some music, tie your apron, and get cooking. Your tastebuds will thank you later!
