Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved dishes from Indian cuisine. Famous for its velvety, mildly spiced tomato-based gravy enriched with butter and cream, it has become an international favorite in restaurants and households alike. Tender chicken pieces simmered in this luxurious sauce create a dish that is both comforting and indulgent. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making authentic Butter Chicken at home.

Ingredients

For the chicken marinade:

500 grams boneless chicken (thighs preferred, cut into bite-sized pieces)
½ cup plain yogurt (curd)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon cumin powder
Salt to taste

For the gravy:

3 tablespoons butter (unsalted, divided)
1 tablespoon oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, pureed
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1–2 green chilies (optional, slit)
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
½ teaspoon garam masala
2 tablespoons fresh cream
10–12 cashew nuts, soaked and blended into a paste
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Marinating the chicken

In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and the dry spices (turmeric, chili powder, cumin, and garam masala).
Add the chicken pieces, coat them well, and cover the bowl.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but for best results, marinate overnight. This tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with rich flavor.

2. Cooking the chicken

Heat a grill pan, tawa, or oven. Lightly brush with oil.
Cook the marinated chicken pieces until they are about 80% done. They don’t need to be fully cooked as they will finish cooking in the gravy.
Set the chicken aside.

3. Preparing the gravy base

In a deep pan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter along with 1 tablespoon of oil to prevent burning.
Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, cooking until the raw aroma disappears.
Add turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Mix well to release the spice aromas.

4. Tomato-cashew mixture

Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the masala.
Stir in the cashew paste, which will thicken the gravy and give it a creamy texture.
Cook this mixture for 6–8 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.

5. Adding the chicken

Gently add the partially cooked chicken pieces to the gravy.
Pour in a little water to adjust consistency. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.

6. Finishing touches

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 2 tablespoons fresh cream to enrich the gravy. Stir gently.
Sprinkle garam masala and simmer for 2–3 minutes on low heat.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a drizzle of cream for presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Butter Chicken is best enjoyed with:

Indian breads: naan, roti, tandoori roti, or paratha.
Rice dishes: steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, or pulao.
A side of fresh salad or pickled onions complements the richness of the dish.

Health Benefits

While Butter Chicken is indulgent, it also offers nutritional value when prepared thoughtfully:

Chicken provides lean protein, supporting muscle health.
Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C.
Spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic have anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties.
Using moderate butter and cream can keep the dish balanced between flavor and health.

Variations

Restaurant-style: Add a smoky flavor by placing a hot charcoal piece in a small bowl, setting it inside the curry, and drizzling ghee over it. Cover immediately for a few minutes.
Healthier version: Replace cream with low-fat yogurt or coconut milk for fewer calories.
Spicier version: Add extra green chilies or chili powder to increase heat.
Paneer Makhani: Replace chicken with paneer cubes for a vegetarian twist.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken is more than just a recipe—it is a symbol of Indian culinary richness. With its velvety gravy, tender chicken, and comforting spices, this dish brings people together at family dinners, festive celebrations, and cozy nights in. Whether paired with naan or rice, Butter Chicken continues to be a timeless classic loved across the globe. Preparing it at home lets you control the richness and spices, creating a dish that matches your taste while capturing its authentic essence.