Classic Butter Chicken Recipe

4 servings

  Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
  
  

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  
  

• 1 tbsp Kashmiri or red chili powder
  
  

• 1 tsp salt
  
  

Instructions:

• Mix everything together.
  
  

• Marinate at least 30min (overnight = amazing).
  
  

• Grill, air fry, or pan-sear until slightly charred.
  (Don’t fully overcook — it finishes in the sauce.)
  
  

Step 2: The Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
  
  

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  

• 2 vine tomatoes
  

• 2 tbsp red chili powder
  

• 1 tsp garam masala
  

• 3 tbsp heavy cream
  

• 2 tbsp butter

• Salt to taste

• ⅓ cup raw cashews 

Instructions

1️ Heat butter + oil.

2️ Cook onion until golden.

3️ Add ginger-garlic; cook 30 seconds.

4️ Add tomatoes, cashews and spices and salt.

5️ Simmer for 20 minutes.

6️ Blend sauce and add back to pan.                                                                             

7️ Add cream + butter.

8️ Add cooked chicken. Simmer 8–10 minutes.

 Restaurant Secrets

• Use chicken thighs.
  
  

• Kashmiri chili powder = red color without too much heat.
  
  

• A tiny pinch of cardamom elevates it.
  
  

• Blend the sauce for that silky finish.
  
  

• Let it rest 10 minutes before serving.