Butter Chicken

The iconic Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide. Known for its rich, velvety tomato-butter sauce and perfectly spiced chicken, it’s a comforting, crave-worthy meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. This version stays true to its authentic roots while simplifying the process for home cooks. With a yogurt-marinated chicken base and a luscious spiced tomato-cream sauce, you’ll get that restaurant-style flavor with pantry-friendly ingredients. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned fan, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 500g boneless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 cup plain yogurt

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 1/2 cups tomato purée

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, garam masala, and salt. Mix well, cover, and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).

2. In a skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned and nearly cooked through. Set aside.

3. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and sauté onions until golden.

4. Add garlic, ginger, chili powder, coriander, cumin, and garam masala. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Pour in tomato purée and cook for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and darkens in color.

6. Stir in the cream and sugar (if using), and return the chicken to the pan. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is rich and creamy.

7. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Introduction to Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most iconic dishes in Indian cuisine. It is a rich and creamy tomato-based curry featuring tender pieces of chicken that have been marinated in yogurt and spices before being cooked and simmered in a buttery, mildly spiced sauce. Loved by foodies all over the world, this dish is both comforting and indulgent.

Created in the 1950s by chefs at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi, Butter Chicken was originally developed as a way to repurpose leftover tandoori chicken by simmering it in a creamy tomato gravy. Over the decades, it has evolved into an international favorite found on menus from London to New York to Sydney.

Origins and History

The origins of Butter Chicken date back to post-partition India when Kundan Lal Gujral, a refugee from Peshawar, opened Moti Mahal in Delhi. He introduced dishes such as Tandoori Chicken and Dal Makhani. One day, his team mixed leftover tandoori chicken with tomatoes, butter, and cream to create a new dish — and thus, Butter Chicken was born. It quickly gained popularity among diners for its rich taste and luxurious texture.

Today, Butter Chicken is a global ambassador of Indian cuisine. It’s often one of the first Indian dishes that people try when exploring Indian food and is considered the gateway to a deeper appreciation of Indian flavors.

Why Butter Chicken Is the Best Choice for Everyone

One of the major reasons Butter Chicken is so beloved is its universal appeal. Its flavor profile is perfectly balanced — mildly spiced but not overwhelmingly hot, rich without being too heavy, and aromatic yet accessible. This makes it ideal for all kinds of eaters, from spice lovers to those who prefer a gentler palate.

It’s also highly versatile: it can be served with naan, roti, or basmati rice. It pairs beautifully with both vegetarian sides and meat-based dishes, making it a favorite at family dinners, parties, and special occasions.

What Makes This Butter Chicken Recipe Stand Out

This homemade Butter Chicken recipe is not only delicious but also practical for home cooks. Here’s why it stands out:

• Authentic Flavors: The spice blend used in this recipe mirrors the traditional ingredients used in Indian kitchens, bringing a restaurant-quality taste right into your home.

• Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples like tomato purée, cream, butter, and basic Indian spices.

• Yogurt Marinade: The chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, which tenderizes it and allows the flavors to deeply penetrate.

• Balanced Heat: It’s perfectly spiced without being too hot, making it kid-friendly and suitable for those sensitive to spicy food.

• Quick and Easy: With just 45 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet fancy enough for a weekend feast.

Health Benefits of Butter Chicken

Though Butter Chicken is an indulgent dish, it does offer several nutritional benefits when made at home:

• Protein-Rich: The chicken provides a lean source of protein that’s vital for muscle repair and satiety.

• Calcium and Probiotics: The yogurt in the marinade is a great source of calcium and gut-friendly probiotics.

• Anti-Inflammatory Spices: Ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and garlic are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

• Control Over Ingredients: Making Butter Chicken at home allows you to control the amount of butter, cream, and salt used, making it healthier than most restaurant versions.

For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk and use a minimal amount of butter.

Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken Every Time

To get the most flavor and best texture from your Butter Chicken, follow these proven tips:

• Use Chicken Thighs: Thigh meat is more flavorful and remains juicy during cooking.

• Marinate Overnight: Letting the chicken marinate for at least 8 hours enhances flavor depth.

• Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the chicken before simmering in the sauce locks in flavor and adds a slightly smoky taste.

• Simmer the Sauce Slowly: Allowing the sauce to cook down slowly intensifies the flavors and thickens the gravy naturally.

• Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a swirl of cream adds visual appeal and extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

Butter Chicken is best served hot with freshly made naan, garlic naan, or steamed basmati rice. You can also serve it alongside:

• Cucumber raita (yogurt with grated cucumber and cumin)

• Pickled onions or mango chutney

• A light Indian salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lemon

• Jeera (cumin) rice or peas pulao

To elevate the experience, pair it with a chilled mango lassi or a light Indian lager.

Mistakes to Avoid When Making Butter Chicken

Here are some common mistakes that can make or break your dish:

• Skipping the Marinade: This step is key to flavor and tenderness.

• Using Too Much Cream: It can overpower the spices and make the dish too rich.

• Overcooking the Chicken: It leads to dry and chewy meat.

• Not Cooking the Sauce Long Enough: The tomato base needs to cook down to mellow its acidity and deepen the flavor.

• Adding Raw Spices: Always bloom your spices in oil or butter to unlock their aroma and flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight: Garam Masala

Garam masala is a staple spice blend in Indian cooking. It usually contains ground cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, and nutmeg. The term “garam” means “hot” in Hindi, but it refers to the warming quality of the spices, not necessarily the heat level.

In Butter Chicken, garam masala adds depth and a touch of warmth to the dish without overpowering the other ingredients. Always use it toward the end of cooking to preserve its aromatic profile.

Similar Dishes to Try

If you love Butter Chicken, here are a few more dishes you’ll likely enjoy:

• Chicken Tikka Masala – Similar to Butter Chicken but slightly spicier with a smoky flavor.

• Paneer Butter Masala – A vegetarian version using cubes of Indian cheese instead of chicken.

• Chicken Korma – A milder, creamier curry made with nuts and aromatic spices.

• Chicken Rogan Josh – A hearty, spicy Kashmiri-style curry with tomatoes and yogurt.

• Malai Chicken – A creamy chicken curry made with cashews and cream, usually less spicy.

Who Will Love This Dish

This recipe is ideal for:

• Families looking for a flavorful meal everyone will enjoy.

• New cooks trying Indian food for the first time.

• Anyone who wants a meal that feels special but is easy to prepare.

• People seeking a dish that’s both comforting and impressive enough for guests.

• Food bloggers and home chefs looking to showcase colorful, aromatic meals.

It’s also great for meal prep as it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have deepened.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken is more than just a curry—it’s a celebration of bold spices, rich textures, and cultural history. Whether you’re cooking it for a weeknight dinner or preparing it to impress your guests, this recipe offers a balance of flavor, ease, and tradition. With its creamy tomato sauce, tender marinated chicken, and aromatic Indian spices, it’s no wonder this dish has captured hearts around the world. This version simplifies the traditional preparation without compromising on flavor, making it an excellent addition to your culinary collection. Once you make it at home, you’ll understand why Butter Chicken continues to be one of the most beloved dishes globally. It’s soulful, satisfying, and utterly irresistible. Let this dish transport you to the bustling streets of Delhi, right from your kitchen.