# Butter Chicken Recipe
Canonical URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/recipes/butter-chicken
Publication state: published
Updated: 2026-08-02
Primary keyword: butter chicken recipe
A practical, source-aware recipe for butter chicken, with the history kept close to the method.
## Timing and Yield
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
## Ingredients
- ½ cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
- 4 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 tablespoon fenugreek leaves (optional)
- 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup (1 stick) cultured or unsalted butter, divided
- 1 3-inch cinnamon stick
- 5 green cardamom pods
- 1 whole clove
- 2 teaspoons fenugreek seeds (optional)
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 2 serrano chiles, split lengthwise
- Kosher salt
- 4 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon fenugreek leaves (optional)
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 28-ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Chopped cilantro, steamed basmati rice, and naan (for serving)
## Method
1. Marinade: Marinade
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/butter-chicken-step-1.webp
   Image description: Step 1: Marinade for Butter Chicken.
2. Sauce and Assembly: Sauce and Assembly
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/butter-chicken-step-2.webp
   Image description: Step 2: Sauce and Assembly for Butter Chicken.
## Storage
Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat only when the texture benefits from it.
## History Context
This dinner builds on the history of from jungle fowl to the world's most eaten meat, linking the dish to chicken’s longer story in food culture.
## Primary Image
- URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/variants/butter-chicken/butter-chicken-og.webp
- Description: Butter Chicken. Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
- Status: editorial-placeholder
## Sources
1. Original Butter Chicken recipe. Bon Appétit. https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/butter-chicken