What is Butter Chicken?


Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a North Indian dish made with marinated chicken cooked in a rich tomato, butter, and cream sauce. The dish is mildly spicy and full of flavor. It’s best enjoyed with naan, roti, or a bowl of steamed basmati rice.

This dish is often featured in top menus at popular places like Jewel of India, a favorite Indian restaurant in Seattle, where locals enjoy the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine.


Ingredients You’ll Need


To make butter chicken at home, gather the following ingredients:


For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 500g boneless chicken (cut into pieces)
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste


For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 3-4 tomatoes, blended into puree
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup fresh cream
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • A few fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)


Step-by-Step Instructions


Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).


Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a pan with a little oil. Add the marinated chicken and cook until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. You don’t need to cook them completely at this stage—they will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.


Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same pan, heat butter and a little oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Now pour in the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate. This step is important as it helps remove the raw taste of the tomatoes.

Add red chili powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir well and cook the spices for a few minutes.


Step 4: Add Chicken and Cream

Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce and mix well. Pour in the fresh cream and a tablespoon of honey if you like a slightly sweet flavor. Let the butter chicken simmer for 10–15 minutes on low heat.

Taste and adjust salt and spice if needed. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.


Tips for Best Results

  • For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken before adding it to the sauce.
  • Use fresh cream or even cashew paste for a richer taste.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors blend perfectly.


Enjoy Butter Chicken at an Indian Restaurant in Seattle

If you’re not in the mood to cook, you can always enjoy this dish at a quality Indian restaurant in Seattle like Jewel of India. Our butter chicken is one of our most loved dishes, cooked using authentic spices and traditional methods. Whether you dine in, order takeout, or look for an Indian restaurant near me, Jewel of India is here to bring real Indian flavor to your table.


We serve butter chicken with soft naan, rice, and other classic Indian sides that make every meal complete. It’s perfect for family dinners, casual lunch, or even catering for special events.


Final Thoughts

Butter chicken is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting and flavorful dish that brings people together. Whether you’re making it at home or visiting your favorite Indian restaurant in Seattle, it’s a dish that never disappoints.

If you're in Seattle and looking for fresh, real Indian food, visit Jewel of India. We promise the taste will remind you of home.