Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide โ and for good reason. This dish features tender, marinated chicken cooked in a luxuriously creamy, mildly spiced tomato-based sauce. With its rich aroma, warm spices, and velvety texture, Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food and an excellent introduction to Indian cuisine.
Whether youโre serving it with naan, basmati rice, or even over cauliflower rice for a lighter twist, this easy homemade version tastes even better than takeout โ and itโs surprisingly simple to make at home. Great for cozy dinners, gatherings, and meal prep!
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๐ Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1ยฝ tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chili powder (or Kashmiri chili for color)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1ยฝ cups tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), optional
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients and mix well. Add chicken, coat thoroughly, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 hour or overnight.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces (in batches if needed) until browned on all sides. They donโt need to be fully cooked. Set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter. Add chopped onion and sautรฉ until golden brown. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute. Stir in garam masala, chili powder, and cumin. Add tomato puree, season with salt, and simmer for 10โ12 minutes until thickened.
4. Blend for Smooth Texture (Optional)
For a silky texture, blend the sauce using an immersion blender or transfer to a blender and return to the pan.
5. Simmer the Chicken
Return the chicken to the pan. Stir in cream and sugar. Simmer for 10โ15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender. Add fenugreek leaves if using.
6. Serve
Garnish with chopped cilantro and a swirl of cream. Serve with steamed rice, naan, or roti.
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๐ง Storage Notes
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
- Reheating Tip: Add a splash of cream or water while reheating to maintain the creamy texture.
๐ Best Creamy Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Description
Tender marinated chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-butter-cream sauce with fragrant Indian spices. Perfect for a comforting dinner served with naan or rice.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
Instructions
- 1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients and mix well. Add chicken, coat thoroughly, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 hour or overnight.
- 2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces (in batches if needed) until browned on all sides. They donโt need to be fully cooked. Set aside.
- 3. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter. Add chopped onion and sautรฉ until golden brown. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute. Stir in garam masala, chili powder, and cumin. Add tomato puree, season with salt, and simmer for 10โ12 minutes until thickened.
- 4. Blend for Smooth Texture (Optional): For a silky texture, blend the sauce using an immersion blender or transfer to a blender and return to the pan.
- 5. Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken to the pan. Stir in cream and sugar. Simmer for 10โ15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender. Add fenugreek leaves if using.
- 6. Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro and a swirl of cream. Serve with steamed rice, naan, or roti.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 29g45%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Cholesterol 105mg35%
- Sodium 720mg30%
- Potassium 650mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 34g68%
* 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
๐ง Storage Notes
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
- Reheating Tip: Add a splash of cream or water while reheating to maintain the creamy texture.
