Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine. Its rich, creamy texture and aromatic flavor make it a crowd-pleaser. This iconic dish was first created in Delhi in the 1950s and has since become a global favorite. The chicken is marinated in a yogurt and spice mix, cooked to perfection, and then simmered in a luscious, buttery tomato gravy.

This Butter Chicken Recipe brings that restaurant-style flavor to your home kitchen, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can make this mouthwatering dish easily.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500 grams chicken (boneless, cut into pieces)
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Butter Chicken Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tomatoes (pureed)
• 1/2 cup cashew nuts (soaked in water for 10-15 minutes)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
• 1/2 cup cream
• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Preparation | How to Make Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt, and lemon juice.
• Add the chicken pieces and mix well to coat them evenly with the marinade.
• Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).

[Insert Image Placeholder: Chicken Marinating]

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Chicken Gravy

• Heat butter and oil in a large pan over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté until fragrant.
• Stir in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the mixture thickens and the oil starts separating from the masala.

[Insert Image Placeholder: Cooking Tomato Gravy]

• Blend the soaked cashews into a smooth paste and add it to the gravy.
• Stir in cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Cook the spices for 2-3 minutes.

[Insert Image Placeholder: Cashew Paste Gravy]

• Add 1-2 cups of water to adjust the consistency of the gravy, and let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

• Heat a pan or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Cook the marinated chicken pieces until they are cooked through and slightly charred (about 5-7 minutes per side).

[Insert Image Placeholder: Grilled Chicken]

• Add the cooked chicken to the prepared gravy and mix gently.

Step 4: Add Cream and Final Touches

• Once the chicken is fully coated with the gravy, add the cream and honey (optional) to make the sauce rich and creamy.
• Stir well and simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

[Insert Image Placeholder: Butter Chicken with Cream]

• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Step 5: Serve Butter Chicken

• Serve the creamy Butter Chicken hot with naan, roti, or jeera rice.

[Insert Image Placeholder: Butter Chicken Served]

Serving Suggestions

• With Naan or Roti: Butter Chicken pairs perfectly with soft, buttered naan or tandoori roti.
• With Jeera Rice: A bowl of fluffy jeera rice complements the richness of the Butter Chicken perfectly.
• With Salad & Pickle: A fresh onion salad with a bit of pickle adds a tangy contrast to the creamy dish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken Recipe

• Marinate the Chicken Well: Marinating the chicken for at least an hour (or overnight) ensures that the chicken absorbs all the spices and becomes tender.
• Use Fresh Cream: Fresh cream gives a rich, smooth texture to the gravy. Avoid using thickened cream or substitute it with milk for a lighter version.
• Adjust Spice Levels: You can adjust the amount of red chili powder and garam masala according to your spice preference.
• Cook the Chicken Separately: For the best texture, cook the marinated chicken separately before adding it to the gravy. This helps retain the charred flavor.

Variations You Can Try

• Makhani Chicken: Add extra butter and cream for a richer, more indulgent version of Butter Chicken.
• Paneer Butter Masala: Replace the chicken with paneer cubes for a vegetarian version.
• Kadai Butter Chicken: Add bell peppers and onions to the gravy for a more flavorful, chunky variation.

Butter Chicken is the epitome of comfort food — rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. With this recipe, you can recreate the magic of restaurant-style Butter Chicken recipe right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a hearty meal, Butter Chicken will never disappoint.

FAQs