Step 1 of 5
Butter chicken
Mix yoghurt, half the ginger and garlic, 1 tsp garam masala, cumin, paprika and salt. Coat chicken. Marinate at least 1 hour.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips — not a chatbot.
How long does Butter chicken take?
2 hr 5 min all in — 25 min prep, 40 min cook, 1 hr rest. That is the time on this recipe, not a guess.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
Mild.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Milk. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Gluten-free.
What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Oven, Saucepan, Blender.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1 tsp.
What can I use instead?
Cream → More butter and a splash of milk. Lighter, still restaurant-adjacent. Chicken → Paneer. Paneer makhani. Skip the long roast; brown the paneer instead.
Any tips from this recipe?
Kashmiri chilli powder is colour. Cayenne is heat. Do not confuse them in the dark. A tiny pinch of sugar is allowed if the tomatoes are mean. A handful of sugar is a different sauce.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.