Winter Special: How to make Old Delhi’s famous Aslam butter chicken at home |

Aslam Butter Chicken recipe (Image source: aslam_chicken.official/Instagram)

Old Delhi’s winter evenings have their own rhythm. As the weather gets colder and the streets get busier, the smell of slow-cooked meat, butter, and spices starts to waft out of small restaurants hidden between buildings that have been around for hundreds of years. Aslam Butter Chicken is one of these places that has a reputation that goes far beyond Delhi. People wait in long lines, sometimes until late at night, for a plate of its rich, creamy chicken with soft rumali roti. The method, not just the taste, is what makes it special. Aslam’s butter chicken recipe is different from most because it doesn’t use tomatoes at all. Instead, it uses a lot of butter, cream, and spices that have been cooked just right.In the winter, this dish is especially comforting. The gravy is warm, the butter is rich, and the smoky notes from slow cooking make it perfect for cold nights. Eating it in Old Delhi is fun in its own way, but with some time and the right skills, you can make a close version at home. The secret is to keep things simple, use good ingredients, and let the flavours develop over time. This recipe is more about getting the spirit of Aslam’s butter chicken than copying it exactly. It stays true to its style and soul.

What makes Aslam butter chicken different

Most people are used to restaurant-style butter chicken, but Aslam Butter Chicken is different. The biggest difference is that there are no tomatoes. The dish doesn’t have a tangy base; instead, it has butter, fresh cream, and a mild mix of spices. It takes a long time to cook the chicken so that it becomes soft and takes in all the flavours. The final result is a gravy that is rich, smooth, and very comforting, with no sharpness.A lot of butter is another defining feature. It isn’t just added at the end; it’s used throughout the cooking process. This is what gives the dish its unique depth and texture.

Aslam Butter Chicken (Image source: aslam_chicken.official/Instagram)

Ingredients you need for preparing Aslam butter chicken

For the chicken:

For cooking:

Preparing the chicken

Clean the chicken well and let it drain first. Put the chicken in a big bowl with the salt, ginger-garlic paste, white pepper powder, garam masala, and lemon juice. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated by mixing everything well. For at least an hour, let this sit in the marinade. If you have more time, putting it in the fridge for two to three hours will make the flavour stronger.You don’t need to add a lot of yoghurt or spices like you do in a lot of other recipes. This must be simple.

Cooking the butter chicken

Put a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai on the stove over low to medium heat. Put in the oil and about half of the butter. When the butter is melted, add the chicken that has been marinated. Cook it slowly, stirring occasionally, so the chicken releases its juices. Do not rush this step. The chicken should cook in its own moisture and butter.As the chicken starts to soften, add the fresh cream and mix gently. Lower the heat and let it simmer. This stage is crucial. The gravy should thicken naturally, and the chicken should become tender without breaking apart. Add the remaining butter in stages, allowing it to melt and blend into the gravy.If the mixture feels too thick, add a small amount of warm water. Keep the flame low and continue cooking for another 15 to 20 minutes.

Getting the right texture and taste

The gravy on the finished dish should be smooth and shiny, and it should coat the chicken well. Taste it and add more salt if you need to. The taste shouldn’t be spicy; it should be mild, buttery, and fragrant. This dish needs more richness than heat.Let the butter chicken sit for a few minutes after you turn off the flame. This gives the flavours time to settle.

How to serve it like Old Delhi Aslam butter chicken

Rumali roti is the traditional side dish for Aslam Butter Chicken. At home, soft naan or plain paratha works well too. Don’t eat it with rice; it’s meant to be eaten with bread. You can serve it hot right from the pan, and if you want, you can add more cream on top.

Tips to get closer to the original taste of Aslam butter chicken

Why this dish feels perfect for winter

In the winter, dishes with a lot of butter are very comforting, and Aslam Butter Chicken is a great choice for the season. When cooked correctly, it is warming without being spicy and rich without being too much. When you make it at home, it becomes even more special and makes an ordinary winter evening into something to remember.This homemade version comes pretty close to the real thing, even though nothing can fully replace the experience of eating it in Old Delhi.