Classic butter chicken

Butter chicken recipe

Butter chicken is one of the favourite must-have curries from any Indian takeaway. Traditionally known as murgh makhani (chicken with butter), the popular Indian dish is made from chicken pieces in a spiced tomato and butter sauce, known for its velvety texture. Originating in Delhi at the famous restaurant Moti Mahal, the dish began as a way to revitalise tandoori chicken in a basic gravy made from a blend of spices, cream, butter and tomato. The subtle tanginess and rich mouthfeel is what makes this a popular dish around the world. Our simple butter chicken recipe with a few basic spices will have you mastering this classic dish at home in no time! It’s so easy to recreate the favourite takeaway meal that tastes as good as at a restaurant, in the comfort of your own kitchen. Serve with steamed basmati rice and a side of naan bread for the full authentic experience.

Why butter chicken makes the ideal weekday meal

There are a variety of recipe bases and bottled sauces available at Coles to create butter chicken in a hurry, but this recipe is just as easy and adds that extra homemade touch. Just a handful of spices and a few ingredients are needed to create this luxurious weekday meal. And to make it even better, it can be ready and on the table in just over half an hour. That makes it great for nights when you need to feed the family but don’t want to spend the whole night in the kitchen. Everyone will enjoy this creamy dish served with steamed basmati rice and naan bread. And no one more than the person on dish duties – it’s made in one pot, so there’s very little clean up required. Although butter chicken is not traditionally made with vegetables, you could add carrots, zucchini or pumpkin during cooking or serve with steamed fresh broccoli beans or cauliflower on the side for a balanced meal.

Spices you will need for butter chicken

Butter chicken’s delicate spice profile is a large part of why it’s so popular with families. Rich and buttery sauce that’s not overpowered with spices and only a touch of chilli that even the most sensitive palates can enjoy. Starting with a base of ginger, onion and garlic the chicken is cooked and coated in garam masala, cumin and mustard seeds to create the fragrant flavour that butter chicken is so well known for.

While some recipes you find may feature other spices like cinnamon, paprika, coriander or cardamom, this one use a simple spice mix so you don't need to have an overcomplicated spice rack in order to enjoy this dish. You should have most of these simple spices available in your pantry, and if you don’t already then you will be sure to use them all again, and again and again. We all know that the simple things are often the best and this is a great example of that.

One of the great things about this recipe is that you can easily adapt the spices to suit your own tastes. Whether you want to add a little extra chilli or none at all, you could also boost the flavour with a little touch of cinnamon or play around with the quantities of garam masala to suit your preferences.

A delicious easy butter chicken recipe anyone can make

This easy butter chicken recipe was first shared on the Coles Cooking Club by member Lisa Fudge as one of the first dishes her 22-year-old son Nick learned to cook. “Our boy Nicholas is 22 years old and just so happens to have autism,” Lisa says. “His father and I know we won’t always be around to do things for him, so we enlisted the help of a habit coach to teach him to cook some basic meals. Nick’s butter chicken isn’t a traditional recipe by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s perfect for him to make,” she explains. “I love the look on Nick’s face while he’s eating it.”

Now get cooking

There’s a reason this dish is at the top of so many Indian takeaway or restaurant orders. Tender chicken in a rich, fragrant sauce will warm you up in the middle of winter and will taste just as good at the height of summer with a cold beverage of your choice. For a change from basmati rice, try it with cauliflower rice tossed with dried fruit, nuts and peas. Or for another veggie boost, try adding red lentils like we have in this easy butter chicken made with Coles Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce. For a simple twist on this classic dish, try our butter chicken tray bake. Plus, head to our hearty 30 minute meals collection for more easy dinner ideas. Need a refreshing dessert to follow your butter chicken dinner? Try our kulfi recipe and find more dessert inspiration in our dessert recipes collection.