Butter Chicken Recipe is one of the most searched and loved Indian recipes across the world. Known for its creamy texture, smoky aroma, and perfectly balanced spices, restaurant-style butter chicken feels indulgent, comforting, and unforgettable. While many try making it at home, the taste often doesn’t match what you get at a good Indian restaurant.
In this blog, we’ll break down a restaurant-style Butter Chicken recipe, along with expert hacks that chefs use to get that signature color, richness, and flavor.
What Makes a Restaurant Style Butter Chicken Recipe Special?
Unlike regular chicken curry, butter chicken (Murgh Makhani) is all about:
- Smoky grilled chicken
- Silky tomato-based gravy
- Perfect balance of butter, cream, and spices
- No overpowering heat—only richness
Restaurants focus on technique more than just ingredients, and that’s where most home recipes miss the mark.
Ingredients for Restaurant Style Butter Chicken
For Chicken Marinade:
- Boneless chicken (thighs preferred)
- Thick curd (yogurt)
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Kashmiri red chilli powder (for color, not heat)
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Garam masala
- Mustard oil (chef’s hack)
For Butter Chicken Gravy:
- Ripe tomatoes (or tomato puree)
- Butter (yes, generously!)
- Fresh cream
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Cashew paste
- Kashmiri red chilli powder
- Garam masala
- Sugar or honey (very little)
- Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
Step-by-Step Butter Chicken Recipe (Restaurant Style)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Marinate the chicken for at least 6–8 hours, preferably overnight. This helps tenderize the meat and allows flavors to penetrate deeply—an essential step in any authentic Butter Chicken Recipe.
Step 2: Grill or Roast for Smoky Flavor
Restaurants usually grill the chicken in a tandoor. At home, you can:
- Grill it in an oven
- Pan-roast on high heat
- Use the dhungar method (coal smoke infusion)
👉 Hack: Slight charring adds that signature restaurant taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Silky Tomato Gravy
Cook tomatoes until soft, then blend into a smooth puree. Strain it for a silky texture—this is a chef-level hack that makes all the difference.
In butter, sauté ginger-garlic paste, add tomato puree, cashew paste, spices, and cook slowly until the butter starts separating.
Step 4: Balance the Flavors
This is where restaurants win:
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity
- Use Kashmiri chilli powder for rich color
- Add cream in stages, not all at once
The gravy should be mildly sweet, creamy, and aromatic—never spicy.
Step 5: Combine Chicken & Finish
Add grilled chicken pieces to the gravy and let them simmer for 5–7 minutes. Finish with:
- Butter
- Cream
- Crushed kasuri methi
This final touch transforms a good butter chicken into a restaurant-style Butter Chicken recipe.
Top Restaurant Hacks for Perfect Butter Chicken
âś” Use Chicken Thighs, Not Breast
Thighs stay juicy and tender even after cooking in gravy.
âś” Cashew Paste = Creamy Without Overpowering
Restaurants use cashews for body and richness without excessive cream.
âś” Butter in Layers
Add butter at different stages—not all at once.
âś” Strain the Gravy
For that smooth, glossy restaurant finish.
âś” Let It Rest
Butter chicken tastes better after resting for 30 minutes before serving.
Best Side Dishes with Butter Chicken
- Butter naan
- Garlic naan
- Jeera rice
- Laccha paratha
These pair perfectly with the rich gravy and soak up all the flavors.
Why Butter Chicken Is Loved Worldwide
Butter chicken is the perfect introduction to Indian cuisine. It’s rich but not spicy, flavorful yet comforting—making it one of the most ordered Indian dishes globally.
Whether you’re cooking for guests or treating yourself, mastering this Butter Chicken Recipe is a game changer.
Craving Authentic Restaurant-Style Butter Chicken?
If you want the real deal without spending hours in the kitchen, we’ve got you covered.
👉 Visit https://indianjunction.nl/
Enjoy authentic, restaurant-style Butter Chicken made by expert chefs using traditional techniques and premium ingredients.
🍛 One bite, and you’ll know—this is how butter chicken is meant to taste.
Order now or dine in at Indian Junction and experience Indian food at its finest.