Whether you’re an Indian cooking veteran or brand new – you’ll want to make this comforting dish!

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If you’ve ever wanted to dip your toes into Indian cooking, this easy Indian Butter Chicken recipe is the perfect place to start!

Rich, creamy, mildly spiced, and incredibly comforting, it’s a dish that even picky eaters fall in love with — and one that’s become a family favorite in our home.

When I first learned how to make Indian food, this Butter Chicken (also called Murgh Makhani in Hindi) was my very first recipe. I still remember standing in the kitchen in India, notebook in hand, frantically scribbling down notes while watching our cook, who mad fabulous butter chicken. I was determined to learn to make it.

The first time I tried to recreate it on my own… well, it tasted nothing like hers!

But I didn’t give up — with practice, patience, and a lot of taste-testing, I finally got it just right.

My biggest advice if you’re new to Indian cooking?

Start with one easy recipe (like this one!), make it over and over again, tweak it to your family’s taste, and keep practicing until you can make it without a recipe.

That’s exactly how I’ve learned Indian cooking over the past 20 years!

Now, whenever I share this recipe with friends, it always gets rave reviews — and often becomes a new family staple!

What’s the Difference Between Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala?

Many people wonder about the difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala, two popular Indian dishes that often look similar but taste quite different. Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a classic North Indian recipe made with tender chicken simmered in a rich, buttery tomato sauce with cream. It is mild, slightly sweet, and very beginner-friendly for those new to Indian cooking. In contrast, chicken tikka masala typically features marinated, grilled chicken pieces cooked in a spicier, more robust tomato-based sauce. Chicken tikka masala is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom, blending Indian spices with British tastes, and usually has a smokier flavor because the chicken is roasted before being added to the sauce. While both dishes use similar ingredients like garam masala, cumin, and tomato, butter chicken is creamier and less spicy, making it a favorite for kids and anyone looking for an easy Indian recipe to try at home. Whether you choose butter chicken or chicken tikka masala, both are delicious ways to enjoy Indian flavors and are perfect recipes for beginners who want to start making Indian food at home.

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What Makes This Butter Chicken Special?

• Beginner-friendly
• Minimal prep and pantry-friendly spices
• Kid-approved!
• Restaurant-style flavor without complicated steps
• Ready in about 30–40 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1.5 to 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 2 teaspoons homemade or store-bought curry powder (see easy blend below!)
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 pounds chicken breast or thighs, cubed
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

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Easy Homemade Curry Powder:

• 5 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp turmeric
• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp black peppercorns
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp whole cardamom (pods removed)
• ½ inch cinnamon stick
• ¼ tsp whole cloves
• ¼ tsp ground ginger

(Optional: Dry-roast the whole spices in a pan for extra flavor before grinding!)

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Curry Powder

• In a spice grinder or blender, grind all curry powder ingredients into a fine powder.
• Store in an airtight jar for later use.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the ghee or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until aromatic.
3. Stir in the diced onions and cubed chicken. (Save time by cooking them together!)
4. Cook on medium-high, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and most of the liquid has evaporated.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. Add the ginger-garlic paste, curry powder, garam masala, ground cumin, chili powder, and salt.
2. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer the Tomato Sauce

1. Pour in the tomato sauce and bring to a gentle boil.
2. Let the tomato sauce cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   Important:
   You want the tomato sauce to darken in color and thicken slightly — this deepens the flavor and gives the curry its signature taste.

Step 5: Finish the Curry

1. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream.
2. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

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Serving Ideas:

• Serve hot over fluffy basmati rice
• Pair with warm naan or homemade chapatis
• Add a side of cooling cucumber raita or a simple salad

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Tips for Success:

• Don’t rush the tomato sauce. Letting it cook down properly makes all the difference!
• Customize the spice: Add a pinch of sugar if you like it sweeter, or a dash more chili powder for a spicier kick.
• Use boneless thighs for extra juicy chicken.

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Final Thoughts

If you’ve been nervous about trying Indian recipes at home, I hope you’ll give this easy butter chicken a try!
It’s simple, foolproof, and so rewarding.
Once you master this one, I promise you’ll be hooked on cooking Indian food just like I was.

Let me know in the comments if you try it — I would love to hear how it turns out!

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