Best & Easy Butter Chicken Recipe | Chicken Makhani
Best & Easy Butter Chicken Recipe | Chicken Makhani

Butter Chicken, or Chicken Makhani, is a beloved dish across the world. Butter Chicken’s known for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, flavored with aromatic spices. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, this easy Butter Chicken Recipe will help you create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.

What is Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken, also known as “Murgh Makhani,” is one of the most popular Indian dishes, renowned for its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic spices. Originating from Delhi, India, Butter Chicken has become a globally loved dish, often associated with North Indian cuisine. The balance of flavors in butter chicken is a perfect harmony of spicy, sweet, tangy, and creamy, making it a favorite for many across cultures.

History of Butter Chicken

The history of Butter Chicken dates back to the 1950s in Delhi, India. It was first created in a small restaurant called “Moti Mahal” by Kundan Lal Gujral. The dish was born out of necessity when leftover tandoori chicken was mixed with a tomato-based gravy and butter to keep it from drying out. This innovative combination soon became a hit, and today, butter chicken is served in Indian restaurants around the world.

Key Ingredients in Butter Chicken

The key ingredients that give Butter Chicken its signature taste include:

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 500g boneless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
  • 2 cups tomato puree (fresh or canned)
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or fresh cream)
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, for balancing flavors)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

How to Make Butter Chicken at Home

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for better flavor, marinate overnight.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
  1. Preheat a grill pan or a regular skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add a little oil to the pan and grill the marinated chicken pieces until they are cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side.
  3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. You can also bake the chicken in an oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Butter Chicken Sauce
  1. In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter along with 1 tablespoon of oil. This prevents the butter from burning.
  2. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown.
  3. Add minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the tomato puree and cook the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil begins to separate from the sauce.
  5. Add cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder, and garam masala. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  6. Stir in the cream and sugar, and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
  1. Add the grilled or baked chicken pieces to the sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken with the creamy sauce.
  2. Let the butter chicken simmer on low heat for another 10 minutes so that the chicken absorbs all the flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
  1. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and an extra drizzle of cream (optional) for a beautiful presentation.
  2. Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice for the ultimate comfort meal.

Video of Making Butter Chicken Recipe

Best & Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter Chicken, also known as Chicken Makhani, is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Here’s a simple recipe to help you enjoy this classic Indian dish with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 500g boneless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • Salt to taste

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, minced
  • 2 cups tomato puree (or 3 large tomatoes, pureed)
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, mix well to coat, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for better flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook the marinated chicken pieces until they are golden and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
  1. In the same pan, melt the butter and add oil to prevent burning.
  2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
  3. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
  4. Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the oil starts to separate from the tomatoes.
  5. Add cumin, coriander, and garam masala, stirring for a couple of minutes to release the flavors.
  6. Pour in the cream and sugar, mixing well. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
  1. Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken with the creamy sauce.
  2. Simmer the butter chicken on low heat for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
  1. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

Quick Tips:

  • Marination time: If you’re short on time, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for deeper flavors, aim for overnight marination.
  • Cream substitute: If you’re looking for a lighter option, replace the cream with yogurt or coconut milk.
  • Customize the heat: Adjust the chili powder to make it spicier or milder depending on your taste.

Best Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is one of the most famous Indian dishes around the world. Known for its creamy, mildly spiced, and flavorful sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser and easier to make than you might think. Here’s the best butter chicken recipe for you to try at home!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt to taste

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, minced
  • 2 cups tomato puree (or canned tomatoes, pureed)
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, coat them well, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for better flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook the marinated chicken pieces until they are golden and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Butter Chicken Sauce
  1. In the same pan, melt the butter and add the oil. This prevents the butter from burning.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
  4. Add the tomato puree and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and the oil starts to separate from the tomatoes.
  5. Add cumin, coriander, and garam masala, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  6. Stir in the cream and sugar (if using), and let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
  1. Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce, stirring to coat the pieces well.
  2. Let the butter chicken simmer on low heat for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to soak up the rich sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
  1. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
  2. Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Variations of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken has evolved over the years, and there are many regional and international variations. Some notable ones include:

  • Punjabi Style: A more robust and spicier version with extra butter and cream.
  • Western Adaptations: Often milder, with less spice and more emphasis on creaminess.
  • Instant Pot Versions: A quicker method that still retains the traditional flavors.

The Role of Spices in Butter Chicken

The spices are what truly elevate the dish to its iconic status. Garam masala, coriander, cumin, and cardamom form the backbone of the flavor profile. These spices add warmth, depth, and complexity, blending perfectly with the sweetness of tomatoes and the richness of butter and cream.

Is Butter Chicken Healthy?

Butter chicken can be high in calories due to the use of butter and cream, but it’s also a good source of protein from the chicken. Health-conscious versions of the dish can reduce the use of cream or replace it with healthier alternatives like yogurt. It’s essential to balance it with fiber-rich sides like whole-grain rice or a salad.

How to Serve Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is best served with traditional Indian breads like naan or roti, or with basmati rice. A side of cooling raita or a simple salad can complement the rich flavors of the dish, adding a refreshing contrast.

Butter Chicken vs. Chicken Tikka Masala

Though Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala are often confused, they are distinct dishes. Chicken Tikka Masala tends to be spicier and less creamy, while Butter Chicken is known for its milder, creamier sauce. Both dishes share similar origins but have taken different paths in their flavor profiles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Butter Chicken

  1. Overcooking the Chicken: This can lead to dry, tough chicken.
  2. Not Marinating Long Enough: Marination is key to tender, flavorful chicken.
  3. Using Store-Bought Sauces: While convenient, they often lack the depth of flavor found in homemade versions.

Why is Butter Chicken So Popular?

Butter chicken’s global appeal lies in its ability to cater to a wide range of palates. Its mild flavor makes it accessible to those who may not tolerate spicy food well, while its rich, layered taste still satisfies more experienced eaters. The combination of comfort and indulgence in one dish is hard to resist!

The Importance of Marinade in Butter Chicken

Marinating the chicken in yogurt, spices, and aromatics before grilling or cooking is a crucial step. It not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps tenderize the meat, ensuring that it remains juicy and flavorful in the final dish.

Can You Make Butter Chicken Vegan?

Yes! Vegan versions of Butter Chicken can be made using tofu, cauliflower, or chickpeas in place of chicken. For the creamy sauce, substitutes like coconut milk or cashew cream can be used, maintaining the dish’s richness without dairy.

Where to Eat Authentic Butter Chicken

If you’re looking for the best butter chicken, visit these iconic spots:

  • Moti Mahal in Delhi, where the dish was invented.
  • Karim’s in Old Delhi, known for its authentic Mughlai cuisine.
  • Numerous fine dining Indian restaurants globally that specialize in North Indian food.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Butter Chicken

1. What is Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish where chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, cooked, and then simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce made with butter and heavy cream. It’s mildly spiced, creamy, and flavorful.

2. How is Butter Chicken different from Chicken Tikka Masala?

Both dishes are similar in that they use chicken and a creamy tomato sauce. However, Butter Chicken is usually milder, creamier, and slightly sweeter than Chicken Tikka Masala, which has a more pronounced spicy and tangy flavor.

3. Can I make Butter Chicken without cream?

Yes, you can substitute the cream with yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious, but slightly less rich than the traditional recipe.

4. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, both chicken thighs and chicken breasts work for Butter Chicken. However, thighs are preferred because they are juicier and more flavorful, while breasts tend to be leaner and can dry out more easily if overcooked.

5. How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. If possible, marinating it overnight in the fridge will give the chicken even more flavor and tenderness.

6. Can I make Butter Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Butter Chicken actually tastes better the next day because the flavors continue to develop as it sits. You can make it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat it before serving.

7. How do I store leftover Butter Chicken?

Store leftover Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little water or cream to bring back the creamy texture of the sauce.

8. What can I serve with Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken is best served with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice. You can also pair it with a side of salad or pickles for a more complete meal.

9. Is Butter Chicken spicy?

Butter Chicken is usually mild compared to other Indian curries, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder. If you want it spicier, you can add fresh green chilies or extra chili powder to taste.

10. Can I make Butter Chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Simply marinate the chicken, sear it (optional), and then transfer it to a slow cooker with the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and the sauce is well combined.

11. Is Butter Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, Butter Chicken is naturally gluten-free if made with the traditional ingredients. Just make sure to check labels on store-bought spices and dairy products to ensure they don’t contain any gluten.

12. Can I use store-bought Butter Chicken sauce?

Yes, using store-bought sauce is a quicker option if you’re short on time. However, making the sauce from scratch ensures better flavor and allows you to control the ingredients and spice levels.

13. Can I add vegetables to Butter Chicken?

While traditional Butter Chicken doesn’t contain vegetables, you can add options like bell peppers, spinach, or peas to make the dish more nutritious and colorful. Add them during the simmering stage of the sauce.