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Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe: A Rich and Creamy Indian Classic

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish made with tender, marinated chicken cooked in a creamy, tomato-based sauce. This Best Butter Chicken Recipe combines rich flavors and a velvety sauce to create a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Serve it with naan or rice for a satisfying and delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Best Butter Chicken Recipe
Butter Chicken Recipe

Creamy and Rich Indian Comfort Food

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most popular Indian dishes around the world. It’s a mildly spiced, creamy curry made with tender, marinated chicken simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. This Best Butter Chicken Recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen with easy-to-follow steps and common ingredients. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or special occasion, butter chicken is sure to be a hit with its smooth, buttery sauce and succulent chicken.

What is Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken is a traditional North Indian dish that originated in Delhi, combining grilled or sautéed chicken pieces with a rich, flavorful sauce made from tomatoes, butter, and cream. The dish has a creamy texture and a mild heat level, making it a favorite for people who enjoy Indian cuisine but prefer something less spicy. The key to butter chicken is the marination of the chicken and the smoothness of the sauce, which is why heavy cream and butter play such a big role.

How Should Butter Chicken Taste?

A perfectly made Butter Chicken should have a velvety sauce that is rich in tomato flavor with hints of sweetness and spice. The chicken should be tender and succulent, having absorbed the flavors of the yogurt-based marinade. The cream and butter give the sauce a smooth, luscious texture, while the spices—garam masala, cumin, coriander, and chili powder—add depth and warmth without overwhelming heat. The end result is a balanced dish that is creamy, mildly spiced, and full of flavor.

Best Butter Chicken Recipe
Butter Chicken Recipe

Tips for Making the Best Butter Chicken

To make the best Butter Chicken, here are a few essential tips:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: The yogurt-based marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with flavor. For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is ideal.
  2. Cook the Chicken Separately: Browning the marinated chicken in butter before adding it to the sauce ensures it retains its texture and flavor. This also adds a layer of richness to the dish.
  3. Blend the Sauce for a Smoother Texture: If you prefer a smooth, restaurant-style butter chicken, blend the tomato sauce before adding the chicken. This helps to create a velvety texture without any chunks.

Read more: Authentic Dal Baati Churma Recipe: A Classic Rajasthani Feast

Variations of Butter Chicken

This Best Butter Chicken Recipe is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways you can customize it:

  • Lighter Version: Use coconut milk instead of cream for a lighter, dairy-free version. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness and complements the spices beautifully.
  • Spicy Version: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of red chili powder or add a chopped green chili to the sauce.
  • Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu, keeping the rich, creamy sauce the same.
Best Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish made with tender, marinated chicken cooked in a creamy, tomato-based sauce. This Best Butter Chicken Recipe combines rich flavors and a velvety sauce to create a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Serve it with naan or rice for a satisfying and delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6 People
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or pan
  • Blender or food processor
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 Ib (450g) boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • salt to taste

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 3 tomatoes chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch ginger minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup water
  • salt to taste
  • fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • 1. Marinate the Chicken
    In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Add the chicken pieces, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
    2. Cook the ChickenHeat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
    3. Prepare the Butter Chicken SauceIn the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
    Add the chopped tomatoes (or tomato purée) and tomato paste. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the mixture thickens. You can blend this mixture into a smooth sauce using a blender or food processor, or keep it chunky for texture.
    Add cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and red chili powder. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes, then stir in the cooked chicken.
    4. Finish the Dish
    Add the heavy cream and water to the sauce, stirring well to combine. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Season with salt to taste.
    5. Garnish and ServeGarnish the butter chicken with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.

Notes

  • Adjust the Spice: Butter chicken is mildly spiced, but you can increase or decrease the red chili powder to suit your taste.
  • Cream Substitutes: If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
  • Make Ahead: Butter chicken tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken is a dish that brings together the best of Indian flavors—creamy, mildly spiced, and incredibly satisfying. This Best Butter Chicken Recipe ensures that you can recreate this classic dish at home, with perfectly marinated chicken and a rich, buttery sauce that’s sure to impress. Serve it with warm naan, fluffy basmati rice, or roti, and enjoy a comforting, restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

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