Authentic Punjabi Butter Chicken Recipe: Creamy, Spicy, and Irresistibly Delicious

Discover the authentic Punjabi Butter Chicken recipe — rich, creamy, and packed with bold North Indian flavors. Learn the step-by-step method to make this restaurant-style dish at home effortlessly.

Punjabi Butter Chicken, Butter Chicken Recipe, Indian Chicken Curry, North Indian Cuisine, Creamy Chicken Recipe, Restaurant Style Butter Chicken, Homemade Butter Chicken

Few dishes represent the essence of North Indian cuisine quite like Punjabi Butter Chicken — also known as Murgh Makhani. With its rich, velvety gravy and tender chicken pieces drenched in a buttery tomato sauce, this dish is a celebration of comfort, flavor, and indulgence. Originating from the heart of Punjab, it’s a timeless recipe loved across India and around the world.

The Origin of Punjabi Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken was born in the kitchens of Delhi’s Moti Mahal restaurant in the 1950s when leftover tandoori chicken was simmered in a buttery tomato gravy. This accidental invention became a global sensation. True Punjabi-style Butter Chicken remains distinct for its smoky flavor, balanced spice, and the use of fresh cream and butter that give it its iconic richness.

https://aamnewsnetwork.com/restaurant-style-grilled-chicken-at-home-easy-juicy-recipe/

Ingredients You’ll Need: Authentic Punjabi Butter Chicken Recipe

To recreate the magic of restaurant-style Butter Chicken at home, gather the following:

For the chicken marinade:

1. 500g boneless chicken (preferably thighs)
2. ½ cup yogurt
3. 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
4. 1 tsp red chili powder
5. 1 tsp garam masala
6. 1 tbsp lemon juice
7. Salt to taste

For the gravy:

1. 2 tbsp butter
2. 1 tbsp oil
3. 2 large tomatoes (pureed)
4. 1 onion (finely chopped)
5. 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
6. 1 tsp red chili powder
7. ½ tsp turmeric powder
8. 1 tsp cumin powder
9. 1 tsp coriander powder
10. ¼ cup fresh cream
11. 2 tbsp cashew paste
12. Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

How to Make Punjabi Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken: Combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and spices in a bowl. Add chicken pieces, mix well, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for the best flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken until golden brown. This gives the dish its signature smoky flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Gravy: In a pan, heat butter and oil. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden. Cook for one minute after adding the ginger-garlic paste. Then add pureed tomatoes and spices. Cook until the oil separates, then stir in the cashew paste for creaminess.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Gravy: Add the grilled chicken pieces to the sauce and simmer for 10–15 minutes. Pour in fresh cream and a knob of butter for that silky texture. Add a dollop of cream and some coriander leaves as garnish.

Serving Suggestions

Punjabi Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice. For a restaurant-style experience, brush your naan with melted butter and serve it with pickled onions on the side.

https://chillybite.com/chilli-mushroom-recipe-crispy-spicy/

Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken

1. Always use fresh cream for authentic richness.
2. Roasting the chicken before adding it to the gravy enhances the smoky depth.
3. Don’t rush the cooking process — let the gravy simmer to blend all flavors beautifully.

Why It’s Loved Worldwide

From Indian households to international restaurants, Butter Chicken stands as a symbol of Indian culinary excellence. Its combination of spice, cream, and butter appeals to every palate. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this Punjabi Butter Chicken recipe promises warmth, nostalgia, and the unmistakable taste of Punjab.