Posted by Mattai Group Compliance
on June 19, 2026
Butter chicken is one of the world's most loved Indian-inspired dishes.
Known for its rich tomato-based sauce, warm spices, and tender chicken, it's a meal that feels special while still being achievable in a home kitchen.
In this week's Happy Home Kitchen, Chef Makeda shows us how to prepare a delicious homemade butter chicken that's packed with flavour and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
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½ cup plain yogurt
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1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon garam masala
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1 teaspoon red chili powder
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1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
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2 pounds boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Sauce
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1 tablespoon ghee
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 small cinnamon stick
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1 small star anise
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1 black cardamom pod
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1 teaspoon cumin seeds
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1 onion, chopped
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½ cup whole cashews
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1½ tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
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1 teaspoon ground coriander
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1 teaspoon garam masala
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1 teaspoon red chili powder
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½ teaspoon turmeric
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1 cup tomato purée
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2 teaspoons sugar
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¼ cup water
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Salt to taste
For Serving
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Fresh chopped cilantro
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Steamed rice or warm naan bread
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine:
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Plain yogurt
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Lemon juice
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Garam masala
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Red chili powder
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Ginger-garlic paste
Mix until smooth.
Add the chicken pieces and coat thoroughly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight for even deeper flavour.
This step helps tenderize the chicken while allowing the spices to fully develop.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
Lightly oil the surface and grill the chicken until lightly charred and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
The chicken does not need to be fully finished at this stage since it will continue cooking in the sauce.
Set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat:
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Melt the ghee and butter.
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Add the cinnamon stick.
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Add the star anise.
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Add the black cardamom pod.
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Add the cumin seeds.
Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
This creates the aromatic foundation of the dish.
Step 4: Develop the Flavour
Add:
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Chopped onion
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Whole cashews
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Ginger-garlic paste
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Ground coriander
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Garam masala
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Red chili powder
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Turmeric
Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
At this stage, the kitchen should be filled with the warm aromas that make butter chicken so inviting.
Step 5: Create the Signature Sauce
Add:
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Tomato purée
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Sugar
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Water
Stir well and simmer for approximately 10 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until completely smooth.
Return the sauce to the saucepan and season with salt to taste.
The result should be a rich, velvety sauce with balanced sweetness and spice.
Step 6: Finish the Butter Chicken
Add the grilled chicken to the sauce.
Stir gently to coat each piece.
Allow the mixture to simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavours fully combine.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
Serve with:
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Steamed white rice
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Basmati rice
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Warm naan bread
The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with both.
Why Butter Chicken Remains a Favourite
Butter chicken has remained popular around the world because it combines rich flavour with comforting ingredients.
The balance of spices, creamy texture, and tender chicken creates a dish that feels both special and familiar.
It's perfect for family dinners, weekend meals, or whenever you're looking for something satisfying and full of flavour.
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