Butter Chicken Recipe

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Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a rich and creamy dish that’s a staple of Indian cuisine. Made with tender chicken simmered in a buttery tomato sauce, this recipe is packed with bold flavors and aromatic spices. It’s perfect for pairing with naan or rice for an unforgettable meal.

This dish delivers the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spiced flavors. Every bite is indulgent yet comforting, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Butter Chicken is surprisingly easy to make at home and tastes just as good as what you’d find in a restaurant. It’s customizable, flavorful, and ready to impress your taste buds!

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Blender or immersion blender
  • Spatula

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons ginger paste
  • 2 teaspoons garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Butter Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for spice level)
  • 2 cups canned tomato purée
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth (if needed for thinning)

For Garnish:

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Additional butter or cream for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

  1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, salt, and lemon juice.
  2. Add the chicken pieces and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil or butter.
  2. Cook the marinated chicken pieces until browned and partially cooked through (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Butter Sauce:

  1. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onion until soft and golden.
  2. Add the garlic, ginger paste, coriander, cumin, garam masala, and chili powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Add the heavy cream, sugar (if using), and salt to taste. Stir well to combine.

4. Simmer the Chicken:

  1. Return the chicken to the pan, coating it in the sauce.
  2. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is thick and creamy.

5. Serve:

  1. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of cream or butter, if desired.
  2. Serve hot with naan, basmati rice, or your favorite side dish.

Latest Recipes

Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a rich and creamy dish that’s a staple of Indian cuisine. Made with tender chicken simmered in a buttery tomato sauce, this recipe is packed with bold flavors and aromatic spices. It’s perfect for pairing with naan or rice for an unforgettable meal.
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Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Blender or immersion blender
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken Marinade:
  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons ginger paste
  • 2 teaspoons garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • For the Butter Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder adjust for spice level
  • 2 cups canned tomato purée
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth if needed for thinning
  • For Garnish:
  • Fresh cilantro chopped
  • Additional butter or cream for drizzling optional

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the Chicken:
  • In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, salt, and lemon juice.
  • Add the chicken pieces and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best flavor.
  • Cook the Chicken:
  • Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil or butter.
  • Cook the marinated chicken pieces until browned and partially cooked through (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Make the Butter Sauce:
  • In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onion until soft and golden.
  • Add the garlic, ginger paste, coriander, cumin, garam masala, and chili powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Add the heavy cream, sugar (if using), and salt to taste. Stir well to combine.
  • Simmer the Chicken:
  • Return the chicken to the pan, coating it in the sauce.
  • Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is thick and creamy.
  • Serve:
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of cream or butter, if desired.
  • Serve hot with naan, basmati rice, or your favorite side dish.

Tips for Cooking

  • Marinate for flavor: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
  • Use bone-in chicken: For even juicier chicken, consider using bone-in pieces instead of boneless.
  • Adjust spice level: Add or reduce chili powder based on your spice preference.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Butter Chicken is an irresistible combination of creamy, spiced flavors that’s easy to recreate at home. It’s versatile, delicious, and perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

This Butter Chicken Recipe brings the flavors of India right to your kitchen. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bold spices, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Try it tonight and savor every bite!

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