Butter Chicken – A Rich and Creamy Indian Delight

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a globally loved Indian dish known for its rich, creamy, and indulgent tomato-based sauce. This recipe features tender, marinated chicken cooked in aromatic spices and smothered in a buttery, velvety gravy. Paired with fluffy naan or basmati rice, it’s the ultimate comfort food that brings the authentic flavors of India straight to your kitchen.

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Number of Servings: 4
• Serving Size: 1 generous bowl

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 30g
• Dietary Preferences: Gluten-free

Ingredients List

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 pound (450g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup (120ml) plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

For Serving:

• Fresh naan or basmati rice
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Detailed Method of Preparation

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re well-coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. (They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.) Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden and soft. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Spice it up: Add ground coriander, cumin, garam masala, and chili powder to the pan. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices and enhance their aroma.
5. Create the base sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly and the raw tomato flavor is cooked out.
6. Blend for smoothness: Transfer the sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. (This step is optional but creates the signature velvety texture.) Return the sauce to the pan.
7. Add cream and chicken: Stir in the heavy cream, sugar (if using), and salt. Add the partially cooked chicken back into the sauce, along with any juices that have collected. Simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld beautifully.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the Butter Chicken and serve hot with fluffy naan or basmati rice. Enjoy the rich, creamy indulgence!

Tips for Culinary Success

• Marination magic: For the most tender and flavorful chicken, marinate it overnight. The yogurt and spices infuse the chicken with incredible depth.
• Adjusting spice levels: To make the dish milder, reduce the chili powder and add an extra splash of cream. For more heat, include finely chopped green chilies.
• Make it dairy-free: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Leftovers: Butter Chicken tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought tomato puree instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, tomato puree works well and gives a smoother sauce. You may need to adjust the sugar to balance the flavor.

2. Is Butter Chicken spicy?
Traditional Butter Chicken is mildly spiced but rich in flavor. You can easily adjust the heat level by increasing or reducing the chili powder.

3. What can I substitute for garam masala?
If you don’t have garam masala, a mix of ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper can work as a substitute.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or hearty vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian version.

Butter Chicken is more than just a dish—it’s an experience. With its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly spiced flavors, it’s no wonder this Indian classic has become a worldwide favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a festive celebration, this recipe is sure to wow your taste buds and transport you to the streets of India. Don’t forget to grab some naan or basmati rice to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce!