Ultimate Guide to Easy Butter Chicken Recipe for Four

Ultimate Guide to Easy Butter Chicken Recipe for Four: A Creamy & Irresistible Indian Classic 🍗🧈🔥

1. Introduction

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide. This easy butter chicken recipe delivers rich, creamy flavors with minimal effort—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned pro, this foolproof guide ensures restaurant-quality results every time! If you love chicken dishes as much as we do, check out our full collection of chicken recipes for more delicious ideas.

2. Ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the perfect butter chicken. Here’s what you’ll need for this easy butter chicken recipe that serves four hungry diners:

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces) – thighs stay juicier than breasts
• 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat works best for creaminess)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
• 2 tbsp garam masala (the essential spice blend)
• 1 tbsp turmeric (for color and earthy flavor)
• 4 tbsp butter (divided, because butter makes everything better)
• 1 large onion (finely chopped, the flavor foundation)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced, adjust to your taste)
• 1 tbsp grated ginger (fresh is always best)
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes for texture)
• 1 cup heavy cream (don’t skimp – this creates the luxurious sauce)
• 1 tsp sugar (balances the acidity)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (adds brightness)

Looking for more comforting dinner ideas? Try our creamy smoked sausage pasta or easy creamy chicken noodle soup for equally satisfying meals.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

This crucial step makes all the difference in your easy butter chicken recipe. In a large bowl, combine chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, 1 tbsp garam masala, and turmeric. Mix thoroughly until all pieces are well coated. For maximum flavor penetration, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or better yet, cover and refrigerate overnight. The yogurt tenderizes the chicken while the spices infuse it with authentic Indian flavors.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Then add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This aromatic base is what gives your easy butter chicken recipe its incredible depth of flavor. Be careful not to burn the garlic – it should just become golden and aromatic.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Now comes the magic! Stir in the tomato puree, remaining garam masala, and sugar. Let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the raw tomato taste cooks out. For an extra smooth sauce (like you’d get in restaurants), you can carefully blend this mixture using an immersion blender or transfer to a stand blender. Then return it to the pan and gradually stir in the heavy cream. The sauce should turn a beautiful orange color and have a velvety texture. If you enjoy creamy sauces, you might also love our creamy alfredo lasagna soup.

Step 4: Cook Chicken & Combine

While the sauce simmers, cook your marinated chicken. You can either grill it for smoky flavor or pan-fry in a separate skillet until lightly charred (about 5 minutes per side). The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Add the partially cooked chicken to your simmering sauce along with the remaining 2 tbsp of butter. Let everything simmer together for 5-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded beautifully. For another great chicken dish, try our easy chicken taco soup.

4. Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters! Serve your easy butter chicken recipe with these traditional accompaniments:

• Basmati rice – The long grains are perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce
• Garlic naan or roti – Essential for scooping up every last bit
• Cucumber raita – The cool yogurt sauce provides a refreshing contrast
• Mango chutney – Adds a sweet-tangy element that complements the spices
• Lemon wedges – A squeeze brightens all the flavors

For more comforting meal ideas, check out our diner-style recipes collection.

5. Storage Tips

Butter chicken actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop! Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for 3-4 days
• Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
• Reheating: Gently warm on stove with a splash of cream or water to revive the sauce

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with this easy butter chicken recipe, there are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Overcooking the chicken – Cook just until done to keep it tender
• Skipping the marination time – This step is crucial for flavor penetration
• Using low-fat cream – The richness comes from full-fat dairy
• Rushing the sauce simmering – Let it reduce properly for depth of flavor
• Adding cold cream too quickly – Temper it to prevent curdling

7. Recipe Variations

This easy butter chicken recipe is wonderfully adaptable:

• Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) or mushrooms
• Spicier: Add 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder or cayenne to taste
• Healthier: Use Greek yogurt and light coconut milk instead of cream
• Instant Pot: Cook marinated chicken with sauce for 8 minutes on high pressure
• Slow Cooker: Combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6 hours

For another international favorite, try our homemade ramen recipe.

8. Why This Easy Butter Chicken Recipe Works

This version simplifies traditional methods without sacrificing authenticity. The yogurt marinade does double duty – tenderizing the chicken while building complex flavors. The butter-cream sauce delivers that signature velvety texture that makes butter chicken so irresistible. We’ve streamlined the process to make it accessible for weeknight cooking while still delivering restaurant-quality results. For a completely different but equally comforting dish, try our Cajun potato soup.

9. Conclusion

Now that you’ve mastered this easy butter chicken recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-quality Indian cuisine anytime at home. The aromatic spices, creamy tomato sauce, and tender chicken create magic in every bite. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm—your family will request this weekly! For another crowd-pleasing soup option, check out our easy taco soup recipe. If you’re looking for more inspiration from other cooks, this Allrecipes version offers some great variations too. Pro tip: Double the batch—it tastes even better the next day as flavors meld, and you can enjoy the leftovers with our roast beef tenderloin for an international feast!

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