Ingredients

• 700 g chicken (boneless or bone-in, medium pieces)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp oil

• 1 cup thick yogurt (curd)
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste

• 4 ripe tomatoes, pureed
• 12–15 cashews, soaked and ground
• 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
• 1 tsp sugar or honey
• ½ cup fresh cream
• 1 tsp kasuri methi (crushed)

Instructions

1. Ingredients: Follow the list
2. Prepare the Chicken: Clean and cut the chicken into medium-sized pieces. This helps the marinade coat evenly and cook uniformly.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, spices, lemon juice, and salt. Coat the chicken well and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Cook or Grill the Chicken: Roast or pan-cook the marinated chicken until lightly charred and cooked through. Keep aside.
5. Prepare the Gravy Base: Heat butter and oil in a pan, add tomato puree, and cook until the raw smell disappears and oil separates.
6. Add Cashew Paste & Spices: Add ground cashew paste, Kashmiri chilli powder, salt, and sugar. Cook on low heat for a smooth, rich gravy.
7. Blend for Smoothness: Optionally blend the gravy for a restaurant-style silky texture, then return to the pan.
8. Add Chicken & Simmer: Add cooked chicken pieces and simmer gently for 10–15 minutes to absorb flavours.
9. Finish & Serve: Stir in fresh cream and kasuri methi. Switch off heat and serve hot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic restaurant-style flavour at home
• Rich, creamy, and mildly spiced
• Perfect for parties and family dinners
• Pairs beautifully with Indian breads
• Crowd-pleasing dish

Common Mistakes

• Overcooking chicken
• Skipping marination
• Using sour tomatoes
• High flame after adding cream

Variations

Smoky: Add charcoal dhungar for aroma.
Lighter: Reduce butter and cream.
Paneer: Replace chicken with paneer cubes.

Personal Note

Butter chicken is my go-to recipe when I want something indulgent yet familiar. Every time I make it, the aroma instantly brings restaurant memories home. It’s a dish that never fails to impress.