Mughlai Butter Chicken Recipe

Serves: 2–3
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Skill Level: Easy

This Mughlai Butter Chicken is rich, creamy and full of aromatic flavour. Using our Mughlai Butter Chicken Spice Mix, this recipe delivers the luxurious taste of Northern India’s royal cuisine, made simple for home cooking.

Shopping List

  • Chicken breast – 500 g, diced
  • Ginger paste – 1 tbsp
  • Garlic paste – 1 tbsp
  • Tomatoes – 125 g
  • Onions – 250 g
  • Yoghurt – 1 tbsp
  • Butter – as required
  • Oil – as required
  • Salt – to taste
  • Pepper powder – ½ tsp
  • Optional: green chillies (2–3) for added heat
  • Optional: double cream for finishing
  • Optional: Chopped fresh coriander for finishing

Cooking Method

  1. Marinate the chicken
    Mix the diced chicken with yoghurt, salt and pepper powder.
    Leave for 1 hour.
    Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes.
  2. Prepare the base
    Heat ½ tbsp butter and 1 tbsp oil in a pan.
    Add the roughly chopped onions and sauté until soft.
    Add 1 tbsp garlic paste and 1 tbsp ginger paste.
    Optional: add 2–3 chopped green chillies for extra heat.
  3. Add tomatoes and spices
    Sauté for 3–4 minutes.
    Add the tomatoes, salt to taste and 2 tbsp Mughlai Butter Chicken Spice Mix.
    Cook for 4–5 minutes until everything is well combined.
    Allow this mixture to cool slightly, then blend into a smooth paste.
  4. Finish the sauce
    In a hot pan, melt 2 tbsp butter.
    Pour in the blended paste and add an equal amount of water.
    Bring to the boil and simmer gently.
  5. Add the chicken
    Add the baked chicken pieces into the sauce.
    Cook until the chicken is fully coated and the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
    Add additional water if needed.
  6. Pour and garnish
    Finish with a splash of double cream, if desired.
    Garnish generously with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve hot with naan or warm basmati rice.

Recipe Notes

  • Gluten free and nut free
  • Optional cream for a richer finish
  • Based on our authentic Kerala family recipe

Pair with Onion Bhaji or Kerala Pilav for a complete meal.