Indian Butter Chicken

Introduction

Indian Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is your ticket to experiencing the bold, comforting flavors of North Indian cuisine right in your own kitchen! This rich, creamy dish combines tender, marinated chicken with a velvety tomato-based sauce infused with butter, cream, and fragrant spices. The result? A perfectly balanced dish that’s mildly spiced, slightly tangy, and irresistibly indulgent.

I still remember the first time I made Butter Chicken at home—it instantly transported me to the bustling streets of Delhi, where the aroma of sizzling spices fills the air. The best part about this dish is its versatility. While it’s traditionally served with soft, pillowy naan or fragrant basmati rice, you can also enjoy it with roti, paratha, or even a side of roasted vegetables.

Making Butter Chicken from scratch is easier than you think! With just a handful of pantry staples—like tomatoes, butter, cream, and warm spices such as garam masala and cumin—you can recreate this restaurant favorite in no time. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner for guests or simply treating yourself to a cozy meal, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Special occasions
• Indian cuisine lovers
• Meal prep
• Entertaining guests

Why You’ll Love This Indian Butter Chicken

Here’s why Indian Butter Chicken will become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Rich & Creamy Sauce: The velvety tomato-based sauce, infused with butter and cream, makes this dish irresistibly smooth and flavorful.
• Tender & Juicy Chicken: Marinated in yogurt and spices, the chicken stays juicy and packed with flavor.
• Balanced Flavors: A perfect harmony of warmth from the spices, sweetness from the tomatoes, and richness from the butter and cream.
• Easy to Make: While it tastes like a restaurant-quality dish, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice level to suit your preference, making it perfect for the whole family.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make authentic Indian Butter Chicken:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 ½ lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter (or ghee for a more authentic taste)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 (14oz/400g) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for finishing)
• Salt to taste
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Yogurt Marinade: Tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with bold, aromatic flavors.
• Butter & Cream: These ingredients give the dish its signature rich and silky texture.
• Garam Masala: A blend of warming spices that adds depth to the sauce.
• Tomatoes: The base of the sauce, providing a slightly tangy contrast to the richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and all the spices for the marinade.
2. Add the chicken pieces and mix well to coat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for the best flavor).

Cook the Chicken:

4. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
5. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. (The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.)
6. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Make the Butter Chicken Sauce:

7. In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter and add the chopped onion. Sauté until soft and golden brown (about 5 minutes).
8. Add the garlic, ginger, cumin, garam masala, chili powder, coriander, and paprika. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
9. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sugar (if using). Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
10. Blend the sauce using an immersion blender (or let it cool slightly and blend in a regular blender for a smoother texture).
11. Return the sauce to the pan and stir in ½ cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons butter. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

Combine & Finish:

12. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, stirring to coat in the sauce.
13. Simmer for 10 minutes on low heat until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
14. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
15. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

How to Serve Indian Butter Chicken

Indian Butter Chicken is best enjoyed with:

• With Basmati Rice – Serve it over fragrant basmati rice to soak up the rich, creamy sauce.
• With Naan Bread – Pair with warm, buttery naan for scooping up the delicious curry.
• With Jeera Rice – Serve with cumin-flavored jeera rice for extra aroma and flavor.
• With Paratha – Enjoy with flaky, crispy parathas for a hearty meal.
• With Pulao – Serve alongside a mild vegetable pulao for a balanced meal.
• With Roti – Pair with soft whole-wheat roti for a classic Indian experience.
• With Garlic Naan – Enhance the meal with garlicky, flavorful naan.
• As a Wrap – Stuff butter chicken into a tortilla or paratha for a fusion-style wrap.
• With Quinoa – For a healthier twist, serve it over quinoa instead of rice.
• As a Butter Chicken Pizza – Use the sauce and chicken as a topping for naan or pizza crust.

Additional Tips for Indian Butter Chicken

• Marinate for Longer – Let the chicken marinate in yogurt, lemon juice, and spices for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for deeper flavor and tenderness.
• Use Bone-in Chicken – While boneless works well, bone-in chicken thighs add extra juiciness and depth to the dish.
• Char the Chicken – Grill, broil, or pan-sear the marinated chicken until slightly charred before adding it to the gravy. This enhances the smoky tandoori-style flavor.
• Use Fresh Tomatoes – Blend fresh ripe tomatoes instead of canned ones for a more authentic taste. Strain the puree for a smoother texture.
• Slow Cook for Richness – Simmer the gravy on low heat for at least 20-30 minutes to deepen the flavors and allow the spices to blend perfectly.
• Balance Sweetness and Acidity – Add a pinch of sugar or honey to balance the tanginess of tomatoes and the richness of the cream.
• Cashew Paste for Creaminess – Blend soaked cashews into a paste and add it to the gravy for extra richness and a velvety texture.
• Don’t Skip Fenugreek (Kasuri Methi) – Crushed dried fenugreek leaves add the signature restaurant-style aroma and taste to butter chicken.
• Finish with Butter and Cream – Stir in cold butter and fresh cream at the end for a glossy, luxurious finish.
• Let It Rest – Allow the curry to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Recipe Variations for Indian Butter Chicken

Here are 10 variations you can try for Indian Butter Chicken:

• Spicy Butter Chicken: Add extra chili powder or diced green chilies for more heat.
• Cashew Butter Chicken: Blend cashews into the sauce for a nutty richness.
• Coconut Butter Chicken: Use coconut milk instead of cream for a tropical twist.
• Paneer Butter Masala: Swap chicken for paneer for a vegetarian version.
• Tofu Butter Masala: Use tofu instead of chicken for a vegan alternative.
• Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours for an easy hands-off method.
• Instant Pot Butter Chicken: Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a quick release.
• Keto Butter Chicken: Reduce the tomatoes and skip the sugar for a low-carb version.
• Mushroom Butter Masala: Replace chicken with mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Butter Chicken Pizza: Use the sauce as a pizza base and top with cheese and cooked chicken.

Freezing and Storage for Indian Butter Chicken

• Freezing: Butter Chicken freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.

Special Equipment for Indian Butter Chicken

• Immersion Blender: For a smooth sauce.
• Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: Helps develop deep flavors.
• Garlic Press & Microplane: For finely minced garlic and ginger.

Frequently Asked Questions for Indian Butter Chicken

1. Can I use store-bought butter chicken sauce?
   Yes, but homemade sauce tastes much fresher and richer.
2. Can I make it without cream?
   Yes! Substitute with coconut cream or cashew cream.
3. How can I thicken the sauce?
   Let it simmer longer, or add blended cashews.

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Conclusion

Creamy Indian Butter Chicken is a rich and comforting dish that brings the bold flavors of Indian cuisine straight to your kitchen. With its velvety tomato-based sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic spices, this dish is an irresistible treat for any occasion. Serve it with warm naan or fluffy rice for a meal that’s sure to impress.

This recipe is as easy to make as it is delicious, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Whether you’re sharing it with family or indulging in a cozy night in, every bite of this butter chicken is pure comfort.

I’d love to see how your Creamy Indian Butter Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!