Butter Chicken, known traditionally as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine. With its tender, juicy pieces of chicken enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, the Butter Chicken Recipe has become a worldwide favorite. Whether you’re looking to recreate the magic of a restaurant-style meal or impress family and friends, this detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making the ultimate Butter Chicken from scratch.
What is Butter Chicken?
Butter Chicken originated in Delhi in the 1950s, invented by Kundan Lal Gujral, the founder of the famous Moti Mahal restaurant. It was a creative solution to repurpose leftover tandoori chicken by simmering it in a buttery, creamy tomato sauce. The result was a luxurious dish packed with bold flavors and a silky texture that captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide.
Today, a Butter Chicken Recipe often involves marinating chicken in yogurt and spices, grilling or sautéing it, and then simmering it in a creamy tomato-based curry sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Butter Chicken Recipe begins with gathering high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs (preferred for juiciness) or breasts
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (for color and mild heat)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste
- 2 teaspoons garlic paste
- 2–3 large tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar (balances acidity)
- ¼ cup water (as needed)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro/coriander leaves for garnish
Optional Additions:
- 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for authentic flavor
- A touch of honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce
Step-by-Step Butter Chicken Recipe
Mastering a Butter Chicken Recipe is easy if you break it down into clear steps.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, cumin, coriander, chili powder, turmeric, and salt.
- Add the chicken pieces and coat thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- You can either grill the chicken, pan-fry it, or bake it.
- To grill: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grill for 15–20 minutes until slightly charred.
- To pan-fry: Heat a little oil in a pan and cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked.
Tip: A slight char on the chicken enhances the smoky flavor characteristic of authentic Butter Chicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In a large pan or skillet, heat butter and oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in ginger and garlic paste, cooking until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil begins to separate, around 10 minutes.
- Season with cumin, coriander, garam masala, chili powder, and sugar.
- Add water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
- Add the cooked chicken pieces into the sauce and simmer for 8–10 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the cream.
- Crush kasuri methi between your palms and sprinkle it over the dish (optional but highly recommended).
- Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring gently.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Top with an extra swirl of butter or cream.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken
Crafting the perfect Butter Chicken Recipe involves attention to small details:
- Use chicken thighs: They stay moist and tender during cooking.
- Marinate longer: Overnight marination deeply flavors the chicken.
- Char for flavor: Grilling or pan-frying with a slight char adds an authentic smokiness.
- Use Kashmiri chili powder: It adds beautiful color without overwhelming heat.
- Balance flavors: Adjust sweetness, salt, and cream to your taste.
Delicious Variations
While the classic Butter Chicken Recipe is unbeatable, you can customize it to suit your preferences:
- Spicier Version: Add green chilies or increase the amount of chili powder.
- Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for heavy cream.
- Vegan Butter “Chicken”: Replace chicken with tofu, paneer, or chickpeas, and use plant-based butter and cream.
- Butter Chicken Pizza: Use the sauce and chicken as a topping over naan or pizza dough for an Indo-Italian fusion treat.
Serving Suggestions
A good Butter Chicken Recipe deserves equally good accompaniments:
- Naan Bread: Soft, buttery naan is the classic choice.
- Steamed Basmati Rice: Fragrant rice helps soak up the creamy sauce.
- Jeera Rice: Cumin-flavored rice adds an aromatic twist.
- Paratha: A flaky, layered flatbread that’s hearty and delicious.
- Cucumber Raita: This cooling yogurt side balances the rich flavors.
Presentation Tip: Serve Butter Chicken in a warm dish, with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a restaurant-style look.
Final Thoughts
Crafting the perfect Butter Chicken Recipe at home may seem like a big task, but with the right ingredients, a little patience, and the techniques shared here, you’ll create a restaurant-worthy dish every time. Whether you’re preparing it for a special dinner, a family gathering, or simply to satisfy a craving, Butter Chicken never fails to impress.
Rich, creamy, mildly spiced, and deeply comforting—this Butter Chicken Recipe is more than just a meal. It’s an experience. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bring the flavors of India into your kitchen tonight!
Butter Chicken Recipe
Description
Tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich, buttery tomato sauce with warm spices, this authentic Butter Chicken recipe is a restaurant-quality Indian favorite made easily at home. Perfectly creamy, aromatic, and packed with flavor, it's the ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients
For the Marinated Chicken
For the Butter Chicken Sauce
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt. Add chicken pieces, coating them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces (shaking off excess marinade) and sear until lightly charred and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté chopped onions until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes and Spices
- Add crushed tomatoes to the pan. Stir in sugar, chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Simmer on low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the oil begins to separate.
Blend for a Smooth Sauce (Optional)
- For a restaurant-style silky sauce, use an immersion blender (or cool slightly and use a regular blender) to puree the sauce until smooth. Return to the pan.
Finish the Dish
- Return the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir in heavy cream and 2 tablespoons butter. Let simmer gently for 5-8 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Adjust salt to taste.
Garnish and Serve
- Drizzle with a little extra cream and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve hot with naan, roti, or basmati rice.
Note
Marination: Longer marination (overnight) results in more flavorful chicken.
Cream Substitute: You can use cashew cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Tomatoes: Use high-quality canned tomatoes for richer flavor if fresh ones are not in season.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Freezing: Butter Chicken freezes well for up to 2 months. Freeze without the cream and add cream when reheating for best results.
