Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

If there’s one dish that truly represents the magic of Indian cuisine, it’s Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani. This dish is a rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful curry featuring tender, marinated chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce infused with butter, cream, and aromatic spices. It’s the kind of meal that instantly comforts you with its deep flavors and velvety texture. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Indian food or trying it for the first time, Butter Chicken is an absolute must-try!

This dish has an interesting history, originating in the 1950s at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi, India. The story goes that chefs accidentally created this masterpiece by simmering leftover tandoori chicken in a buttery tomato sauce, and the rest is history! Today, Butter Chicken is enjoyed worldwide, from street food stalls to high-end restaurants, and even in home kitchens where it remains a beloved favorite.

One of the best things about Butter Chicken is its versatility. You can make it as mild or spicy as you like, adjust the richness by modifying the cream and butter content, or even swap in dairy-free alternatives for a lighter version. Whether served with fluffy naan, basmati rice, or roti, this dish never fails to impress. The balance of creamy, slightly tangy, and mildly spiced flavors makes Butter Chicken the perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken

There are countless reasons why Butter Chicken has gained worldwide popularity. First, it’s the perfect balance of flavors—rich and creamy, yet slightly tangy with a gentle kick of heat. The tomatoes provide a slight acidity, the butter and cream add luxurious smoothness, and the warming spices give it depth without overwhelming your palate.

Another reason to love this dish is its tender, juicy chicken. Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices allows it to absorb incredible flavors while staying moist and soft. Whether you choose to grill, pan-fry, or roast the chicken before adding it to the sauce, the result is a melt-in-your-mouth experience that makes every bite irresistible.

Finally, Butter Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that can be customized for any preference. Want it spicy? Add more red chili powder or green chilies. Prefer a milder version? Reduce the heat and increase the cream for an even silkier finish. You can also make it healthier by using coconut milk instead of heavy cream or swapping butter for ghee. No matter how you prepare it, Butter Chicken remains a deeply satisfying and soul-warming dish.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marination time)
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4-6 servings

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g

Ingredients for Butter Chicken

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 large chicken breasts or thighs, boneless & cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup Greek yogurt or plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon oil (for grilling or pan-frying)

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter (or ghee for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed (or 1 cup canned tomato puree)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (balances the acidity of the tomatoes)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
• ¼ cup water (adjust for consistency)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and all the spices for the marinade. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate for 2-4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they develop a light char on the outside and are cooked through. Set aside. (If you prefer, you can also roast the chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes.)

Step 3: Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce

In the same pan, add butter and oil. Once melted, add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown (about 5 minutes). Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Next, pour in the tomato puree and tomato paste, then cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and darkens in color. This step helps eliminate the raw tomato taste.

Step 4: Add Spices and Simmer

Stir in the cumin, coriander, garam masala, red chili powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well and let it cook for another 2 minutes to bring out the flavors.

Pour in ½ cup water to loosen the sauce, then add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Stir well and let it simmer for 10 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Butter

Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, making sure not to boil the cream to prevent curdling. Finally, stir in an extra tablespoon of butter for a silky texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top and serve hot with fluffy basmati rice, naan, or roti. Enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of homemade Butter Chicken!

Ingredient Background

The beauty of Butter Chicken lies in its carefully chosen ingredients, each contributing to its rich and complex flavor. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key elements that make this dish so special.

First, chicken is the heart of the recipe. Traditionally, Butter Chicken is made with tandoori-style chicken, which is marinated in yogurt and spices before being cooked in a tandoor oven. This step gives the dish its signature smoky, charred flavor. While most home kitchens don’t have a tandoor, grilling or pan-searing the chicken achieves a similar effect.

Next, we have tomatoes, which provide the slightly tangy and subtly sweet base for the sauce. Pureed tomatoes give Butter Chicken its rich red-orange hue, while their natural acidity balances the dish’s creaminess. Some chefs prefer to use fresh tomatoes, while others opt for canned tomato puree for a smoother consistency. Either way, slow-cooking the tomatoes ensures a deep, caramelized flavor.

And of course, there’s the butter! The addition of butter is what makes this dish so indulgent. It enhances the richness of the sauce and smooths out the spices, creating that luxurious, silky texture. Some versions use ghee (clarified butter) instead of regular butter for an even more intense depth of flavor.

Technique Tips for Butter Chicken

Making restaurant-quality Butter Chicken at home requires a few important techniques to get the flavors just right. One of the most critical steps is marination. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it becomes. Using Greek yogurt in the marinade helps break down the chicken’s fibers, ensuring it stays juicy and moist.

When cooking the sauce, be patient with the tomatoes. Letting them cook down slowly removes excess moisture and concentrates their natural sweetness. Some chefs even strain the tomato puree for an extra velvety consistency. Adding a touch of sugar helps balance out the acidity, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Finally, don’t rush the cream and butter. Stir in the heavy cream over low heat to prevent it from curdling. Adding an extra tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking gives the sauce a beautiful, glossy finish. If you want an even creamier consistency, try blending the sauce before adding the chicken back in!

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Butter Chicken is traditionally served with naan, roti, or basmati rice, but there are many creative ways to enjoy this dish. If you’re looking for something fun and unique, try these alternative presentation ideas!

One great way to serve Butter Chicken is stuffed inside naan pockets. Simply warm up some naan, cut them in half, and fill them with Butter Chicken for a delicious hand-held meal. This makes for a great appetizer or a creative way to serve guests at a dinner party.

For a low-carb option, try serving Butter Chicken over cauliflower rice. The light, fluffy texture of cauliflower rice soaks up the rich sauce beautifully, giving you all the flavor without the extra carbs. You can also serve it with zucchini noodles for a fresh, veggie-packed twist.

Another fun idea is turning Butter Chicken into a pizza topping. Spread a thin layer of the Butter Chicken sauce over a naan or pizza crust, add shredded mozzarella, and bake until bubbly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of yogurt for a fusion dish that’s sure to impress!

Freezing and Storing Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is a fantastic make-ahead dish that actually tastes even better the next day! If you plan to store leftovers, follow these tips to keep it fresh and flavorful.

For refrigeration, store Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious when reheated. To reheat, simply warm it over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

If you want to freeze Butter Chicken, it freezes exceptionally well! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove, stirring occasionally to restore its creamy texture.

For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from any rice or naan, as they don’t freeze as well. If making a big batch for meal prep, consider portioning it out into individual servings for easy grab-and-reheat meals.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Love Butter Chicken but looking for a lighter version? There are plenty of ways to make this dish healthier while keeping all the delicious flavors intact.

One easy swap is using coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Coconut milk adds a rich, velvety texture while reducing the overall calorie and fat content. Plus, it adds a slightly tropical undertone that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.

Another way to lighten it up is by using Greek yogurt in place of some of the butter and cream. A few tablespoons of Greek yogurt stirred into the sauce add creaminess while boosting the protein content. If you want to go even lower in fat, try using low-fat yogurt or cashew cream as a dairy-free alternative.

For a leaner protein option, you can substitute chicken breast for chicken thighs, or even swap the chicken entirely for paneer, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version. These options soak up the delicious sauce just as well while adding extra nutrients and fiber.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Butter Chicken is a showstopper at any gathering, making it the perfect dish for different occasions. If you’re hosting a formal dinner party, serve Butter Chicken in a large decorative bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of cream, alongside baskets of warm garlic naan and fluffy basmati rice. Pair it with a refreshing cucumber raita and a simple kachumber salad for a complete meal.

For a family-friendly dinner, serve Butter Chicken with jeera (cumin) rice and a side of roasted vegetables or dal. Kids love the mild, creamy sauce, and it’s easy to adjust the spice level to their liking. You can even make it interactive by serving it with naan pizzas, letting everyone customize their toppings.

If you’re making Butter Chicken for a potluck or casual get-together, keep it warm in a slow cooker or Instant Pot so guests can serve themselves. Offer a variety of sides like papad, pickles, and yogurt so everyone can build their perfect plate. Leftovers (if there are any!) are easy to pack up and take home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Butter Chicken without cream?

Yes! You can use Greek yogurt, coconut milk, or cashew cream instead for a healthier, dairy-free alternative.

2. How do I make Butter Chicken spicier?

Increase the red chili powder or add fresh green chilies while cooking the sauce for an extra kick.

3. What’s the best way to get restaurant-style Butter Chicken at home?

Use charred or grilled chicken, cook the tomatoes slowly, and finish the sauce with extra butter for that silky texture.

4. Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of fresh tomatoes?

Yes, but make sure to cook it down well to remove the raw taste and add a bit of sugar to balance the acidity.

5. Is Butter Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, the dish itself is gluten-free, but be sure to check that your spices and side dishes (like naan) are gluten-free if needed.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken is a timeless classic that brings warmth, comfort, and an explosion of flavors to every bite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a weeknight dinner, or meal prep, it’s a dish that never disappoints. With a perfect balance of spices, creaminess, and tender chicken, this rich and satisfying curry is a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful food.

So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate homemade Butter Chicken—a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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