Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken—just saying the name makes your taste buds tingle, doesn’t it?
This iconic Indian dish, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a celebration of rich, velvety tomato-based gravy, tender chicken, and buttery goodness.
Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a lifelong fan, this recipe is a surefire way to turn any dinner into an indulgent feast.
So grab your naan or basmati rice, because this buttery bliss is about to become your new favorite comfort food!
How to Make It
Note: This is an overview. See the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Marinate the Chicken
Start by preparing a flavorful marinade for the chicken. In a large bowl, mix plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, cumin, paprika, garam masala, and a pinch of salt. Add the chicken pieces and ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Sear the Chicken
Heat a skillet with a splash of oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Sear the chicken until it develops a golden-brown crust with slightly charred edges, locking in the marinade’s flavor. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Base Sauce
In the same skillet, add a bit of butter and sauté finely chopped onions until golden and caramelized. Stir in ginger and garlic paste, cooking until fragrant. Sprinkle in turmeric, cumin, paprika, and garam masala, and stir to toast the spices. Add pureed tomatoes and let the mixture simmer until it thickens and reduces slightly.
Blend the Sauce
Carefully transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until it is completely smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the skillet for convenience. Return the silky sauce to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Add the seared chicken to the simmering sauce and stir well to coat each piece. Pour in heavy cream and a dollop of butter to create the dish’s signature creamy, buttery texture. Allow the chicken to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for brightness. Serve the butter chicken hot with fluffy naan or basmati rice for the ultimate indulgence.
Pro Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken
- Marinate Overnight: For the juiciest, most flavorful chicken, marinate it overnight.
- Blend the Sauce: Straining or blending the sauce ensures that restaurant-quality smoothness.
- Use Fresh Spices: For an authentic flavor, ensure your spices are fresh and fragrant.
- Don’t Skimp on Butter and Cream: These are key to the richness of the dish.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the curry (without cream) for up to 2 months. Add the cream when reheating for freshness.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to maintain consistency.
Butter Chicken: The Creamiest, Dreamiest Indian Comfort Food
Description
Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a timeless favorite known for its velvety sauce and rich flavors. This recipe brings the best of Indian cuisine to your table with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, cumin, paprika, garam masala, and salt. Add chicken, coat evenly, and marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet. Cook the marinated chicken until browned but not fully cooked. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onions until golden. Add ginger, garlic, and spices, cooking until fragrant. Stir in tomato puree, simmer, and blend until smooth.
- Finish the Curry: Add butter to the sauce, then stir in cream and chicken. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan or basmati rice.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 360kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
- Protein 28g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Storage Advice: To maintain the best texture, freeze the sauce separately from the chicken if you’re planning to make it ahead. Add cream during reheating for a fresh, creamy finish.
- Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the deeper the flavors will be. Overnight marination is highly recommended for the best results.
- Blending the Sauce: Blending the sauce is the secret to achieving the restaurant-style creamy texture. If you don’t have a blender, strain the sauce through a sieve for a similar result.
- Cream Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with plain Greek yogurt or coconut milk. However, this will slightly alter the flavor.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: Butter chicken is mildly spiced, but you can customize the heat by adding more chili powder or green chilies to the sauce.
- Serving Suggestions: While butter chicken is traditionally paired with naan or basmati rice, it also works well with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or roti for dietary variations.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully over time. Make it a day ahead for stress-free entertaining.
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.
