Tag: Butter Chicken

Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish featuring marinated and grilled chicken pieces simmered in a rich, velvety tomato and cream-based sauce. Its signature flavor comes from a balanced blend of mild spices, tangy tomatoes, and the richness of butter and cream, creating a comforting and luxurious curry.

Craving the rich, creamy butter chicken you love at your favorite Indian restaurant? Many home cooks feel intimidated by this classic dish, fearing complex ingredients or difficult techniques. But making restaurant-quality butter chicken at home is surprisingly simple. This guide will help you leave complicated recipes behind and create something truly special in your own kitchen.

At Recipesmondial, we believe delicious, family-friendly meals should be accessible to everyone, regardless of cooking experience. That’s why we created this easy butter chicken recipe, designed with beginner-friendly recipes in mind. Our step-by-step instructions will guide you through each stage, ensuring great results and building your confidence. You’ll see how simple it is to turn everyday ingredients into an amazing meal, transforming a culinary challenge into a fun adventure.

This guide shares everything you need to know to make the best butter chicken, from marinating the chicken to perfecting the silky, creamy tomato sauce. We cover practical tips, smart ingredient substitutions, and how to avoid common mistakes for a stress-free cooking experience. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why Is This The Best Butter Chicken Recipe for Home Cooks?

This butter chicken recipe is a game-changer for home cooks. We know that finding an easy version can feel overwhelming, as many recipes call for too many ingredients or complex techniques. That’s why our guide focuses on an incredibly flavorful meal that’s approachable for everyone, from beginners to seasoned cooks.

What makes our specific butter chicken recipe stand out?

• Simple, Step-by-Step Guidance: We eliminate confusion with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. By breaking down each stage into simple, actionable steps, you’ll build kitchen confidence and enjoy a stress-free cooking experience.
• Everyday Ingredients: Forget trips to specialty stores. This delicious, budget-friendly dish uses common ingredients you can find at your local grocery store, making it easy to create amazing global comfort food at home.
• Guaranteed Flavorful Results: This isn’t just an easy recipe—it’s a truly delicious one. You’ll create a rich, creamy, and wonderfully spiced butter chicken that tastes just like your favorite restaurant version, making it simple to enjoy flavorful meals at home.
• Time-Saving for Busy Lives: We know your time is valuable, so this recipe is designed for efficiency. It delivers a fantastic, family-friendly meal without hours in the kitchen, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights.
• Boost Your Cooking Confidence: Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or just want to build your skills, this recipe is the perfect starting point. You’ll master basic techniques and discover how satisfying it is to prepare a delicious meal from scratch.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: As a universally loved dish, butter chicken’s mild, creamy flavor appeals to all ages—even picky eaters. It’s an ideal choice for simple dinner recipes and is sure to become a family favorite.

At Recipesmondial, we specialize in approachable home cooking. Our step-by-step guidance helps you move from uncertainty to confidence, transforming simple ingredients into delicious, visually appealing meals. Discover new flavors and recipes with ease.

What Ingredients Do You Need for Butter Chicken?

Ready to make delicious butter chicken? The secret to a truly flavorful dish is using the right ingredients. Don’t worry—we’ll guide you through each component. A global comfort food, this classic recipe traces its origins to Delhi, India, in the 1950s ^[1]. The best part? You likely have many of these items in your pantry already.

For the Chicken Marinade

First, gather the ingredients for the chicken marinade. This essential step infuses the chicken with spices, ensuring every piece is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces. (Thighs are recommended for juiciness and tenderness).
• Plain Yogurt: 1/2 cup (120ml) full-fat plain yogurt. (Greek yogurt also works well; it helps tenderize the chicken and bind the spices).
• Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon. (Available pre-made, or you can make your own by crushing equal parts fresh ginger and garlic).
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon. (Adds brightness and aids in tenderizing).
• Ground Turmeric: 1/2 teaspoon. (For color and a touch of earthy flavor).
• Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (or paprika for a milder kick if preferred).
• Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon. (A fragrant Indian spice blend crucial for authentic taste).
• Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon.

For the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Next up is the heart of the dish: the rich and creamy makhani sauce. This is what gives butter chicken its famously silky texture and incredible depth of flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: 3 tablespoons. (It’s butter chicken, after all! Using unsalted butter allows you to control the final saltiness of the dish).
• Vegetable Oil (or Ghee): 1 tablespoon. (For sautéing aromatics at the start).
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped. (Forms the sweet and savory base of the sauce).
• Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon. (This essential aromatic adds another deep layer of flavor to the sauce).
• Canned Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28-ounce/794g) can, or tomato purée. (This is key for the sauce’s body and tangy depth).
• Whole Cashews: 1/4 cup (about 30g). (Soaking them in hot water for 15 minutes is recommended. They blend to create a luxurious, creamy thickness).
• Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon.
• Ground Turmeric: 1/2 teaspoon.
• Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (adjust to your personal spice preference).
• Fenugreek Leaves (Kasoori Methi): 1 tablespoon, crushed between your palms. (This dried herb is essential for authentic flavor. Look for it in Indian grocery stores—its unique taste is a game-changer!).
• Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon. (Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavors).
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml). (Adds the signature rich and velvety finish to the sauce).
• Salt: To taste.
• Water or Chicken Broth: 1/2 to 1 cup (120-240ml), as needed. (Use as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency).

How to Make Butter Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Marinating is the key to tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken. This essential step allows the spices to penetrate the meat, creating a delicious foundation for your butter chicken.

• Prepare your chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere properly.
• Combine the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and all marinade spices until well combined.
• Add the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss gently to ensure every piece is fully coated.
• Chill and wait: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best results, marinate for 2 to 4 hours, or even overnight.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip this step! Even a 30-minute soak will significantly improve the flavor and tenderness of your chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Next, we will cook the marinated chicken. Searing the pieces until golden-brown adds a rich, deep flavor to the final dish.

• Heat your pan: Place a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat and add oil or ghee. Ensure the pan is hot before you begin.
• Sear the chicken: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add the chicken pieces to the hot pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side until golden-brown and slightly charred. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
• Remove and set aside: Once seared, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Cooking Confidence Boost: Overcrowding the pan steams the chicken instead of searing it. Give each piece enough space to develop that perfect golden crust. Building flavor step-by-step is the secret to great results.

Step 3: Prepare the Makhani (Butter) Sauce

Now it’s time to create the creamy, rich butter chicken sauce, also known as Makhani sauce. Achieving a restaurant-quality flavor at home is easier than you think.

• Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
• Bloom the spices: Add all the sauce spices (turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, etc.). Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until their aroma is released.
• Add tomatoes and simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Add the cashews (if using) and a splash of water, then bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Blend for smoothness: Carefully transfer the sauce to a blender (an immersion blender also works well) and blend until completely smooth. For an extra-silky texture, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve back into the pan.

Chef’s Secret: Thoroughly blending the sauce is crucial for achieving the signature velvety texture of authentic butter chicken. Take your time on this step.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

You’re almost done! The final step is to bring all the components together to create your delicious, finished butter chicken.

• Combine sauce and chicken: Return the smooth Makhani sauce to the pan over low heat. Gently add the seared chicken pieces and stir to coat them evenly.
• Enrich the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream. Crush the kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) between your palms as you add it to the sauce to release its aroma, then stir everything together.
• Simmer to finish: Let the butter chicken simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, uncovered. This allows the chicken to finish cooking and the sauce to thicken slightly.
• Season and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. Garnish with fresh cilantro and an optional drizzle of cream before serving.

Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs perfectly with warm naan bread or fluffy basmati rice for a truly satisfying meal. Enjoy!

What Are Some Tips for the Perfect Creamy Butter Chicken?

Achieving the Silky-Smooth Sauce

The hallmark of a truly great butter chicken is its rich, silky-smooth sauce. Achieving this texture is simpler than you might think. With a few easy steps, your homemade butter chicken will rival any restaurant dish.

• Blend for Bliss: After simmering the tomato sauce base, blend it until completely smooth. An immersion blender works directly in the pot, or you can carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender. This step creates a luxurious foundation for your meal.
• Strain for Perfection: For an extra-velvety, restaurant-quality texture, pass the blended sauce through a fine-mesh sieve. This removes any remaining bits of onion or tomato skin.
• Simmer Slowly: Gently simmer the sauce to allow the flavors to meld together. This slow simmer also thickens the sauce naturally, ensuring a rich and creamy finish.
• High-Quality Tomatoes: The quality of your tomatoes makes a big difference. Use good canned crushed tomatoes to create a deep, rich flavor base for your sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about cooking is making a recipe your own. This butter chicken recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to adjust it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Chicken Alternatives: Not a fan of chicken? No problem!
  • Paneer: For a vegetarian option, use cubed paneer. Add it during the final simmering stage to heat through.
  • Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas work well as a quick protein source. Simply drain, rinse, and stir them into the sauce at the end.
  • Mixed Vegetables: Add florets of cauliflower or broccoli and cook them in the sauce until tender for a healthy, balanced meal.
• Dairy-Free Options: You can still enjoy creamy butter chicken without dairy.
  • Coconut Milk: Substitute full-fat coconut milk for heavy cream. It adds a subtle, tropical richness to the sauce.
  • Cashew Cream: Soak raw cashews in hot water for 30 minutes, then blend with fresh water until smooth. Use this as a direct replacement for heavy cream.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat to your preference.
  • More Heat: Add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper or include a chopped green chili with the onions.
  • Less Heat: Reduce the amount of chili powder, or skip the cayenne pepper entirely for a milder dish.
• Healthier Twists: You can lighten up this dish with a few simple swaps.
  • Less Cream: Use half the amount of heavy cream and replace the other half with milk or plain yogurt.
  • Ghee Instead of Butter: Ghee (clarified butter) is a flavorful alternative with a higher smoke point.

How to Avoid Common Mistakes

Cooking butter chicken is a delightful process, but a few common pitfalls can affect the result. Follow these simple tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Marinated chicken cooks quickly, so cook it just until browned and cooked through. Overcooking will make the chicken dry and tough instead of juicy and tender.
• Sauté Spices Properly: To develop their full flavor, sauté your aromatics and ground spices until they become fragrant. Undercooked spices can taste raw, so don’t skip this vital step.
• Add Cream at the End: Add heavy cream at the very end of cooking and simmer gently for just a few minutes. Boiling cream vigorously can cause it to separate, ruining the sauce’s smooth texture.
• Balance Flavors: A great butter chicken has a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes. Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust with a pinch of sugar or a squeeze of lemon juice as needed.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ginger and garlic instead of powdered versions. Their vibrant flavor truly elevates the dish. For instance, fresh garlic is not only more flavorful but also provides more health benefits than dried garlic [source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-garlic].

What Should You Serve With Butter Chicken?

Best Breads for Butter Chicken

Butter chicken’s rich, creamy sauce is its signature, and you’ll want the perfect bread to scoop up every last drop. Serving the right bread completes the meal. Here are some fantastic and easy options:

• Naan Bread: A classic for a reason, naan is a soft, fluffy flatbread traditionally baked in a tandoor oven. Its texture is ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce. You can find ready-made plain or garlic naan in most grocery stores—just warm it in the oven or on a pan before serving.
• Roti or Chapati: As a lighter alternative to naan, these thin, unleavened flatbreads are a great choice. Roti is typically made with whole wheat flour, offering a simple and wholesome pairing. They are available fresh or frozen and cook up in minutes.
• Pita Bread: If you can’t find Indian flatbreads, pita bread is an excellent substitute. It has a similar soft texture that works well with the curry. For easy dipping, warm the pita and cut it into triangles. This is a practical and convenient option.
• Garlic Bread: For a fun, non-traditional twist, try garlic bread. Its crunchy texture and savory garlic butter complement the creamy curry beautifully. This is a family-friendly choice that is sure to be a hit.

Rice and Side Dishes

Beyond the bread, the right rice and side dishes will round out your butter chicken dinner. These simple options add balance and texture, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

• Basmati Rice: Fragrant, long-grain basmati rice is the classic partner for butter chicken. Its delicate aroma and fluffy texture complement the curry without overpowering it. For extra flavor, cook it with a pinch of salt and a bay leaf.
• Jasmine Rice: Jasmine rice is another excellent and fragrant option, similar to basmati but with a slightly stickier texture. It’s easy to prepare and widely available, making it another great choice.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier whole-grain option, try brown rice. It has a nuttier flavor and offers more fiber, though it does take longer to cook than white rice.
• Cucumber Raita: This cool, yogurt-based side provides a refreshing contrast that cuts through the richness of the curry. To make it, simply combine plain yogurt with grated cucumber, fresh mint, and a sprinkle of cumin. It’s a simple recipe that adds a big impact.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp green salad acts as a wonderful palate cleanser. Dressed lightly with a lemon vinaigrette, it adds a welcome freshness and a pop of color to your meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans make a simple and healthy side. Just toss them with a little oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender-crisp. They add satisfying texture and nutrition to the meal.

How Do You Store and Reheat Leftovers?

Refrigerating

Properly storing leftover butter chicken keeps it fresh for several days, making it a great option for meal prep. Follow these steps to ensure your meal stays safe and delicious.

How to Refrigerate Butter Chicken

1. Cool It Quickly: Let the butter chicken cool to room temperature, making sure this happens within two hours of cooking. This step is crucial for preventing bacterial growth (source).
2. Store Airtightly: Transfer the cooled butter chicken to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. This locks in freshness by keeping air out.
3. Refrigerate Promptly: Place the sealed container in the refrigerator. Your butter chicken will stay delicious for 3 to 4 days.

How to Reheat Refrigerated Butter Chicken

When you are ready to eat, reheat the leftovers gently. You can warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring often to ensure it heats through evenly.

Freezing

Yes, you can absolutely freeze butter chicken! Freezing is a fantastic meal prep solution that extends the life of your flavorful meal for months.

To preserve its taste and texture, follow these steps:

• Cool It Down: Always allow the butter chicken to cool completely before placing it in the freezer.
• Portion It Out: Divide the cooled butter chicken into single or family-sized servings using freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Seal Tightly: Remove as much air as possible from the container or bag before sealing to help prevent freezer burn.
• Label and Date: Clearly write the date on each container so you can keep track of how long it’s been stored.
• Freeze: Place the sealed portions in the freezer. Your butter chicken will maintain its quality for 2 to 3 months.

Reheating frozen butter chicken is simple. For the best results, follow these tips:

• Thaw Slowly: For the best texture, transfer the frozen butter chicken to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Pour the thawed butter chicken into a saucepan and warm it over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally until it is simmering gently and heated through.
• Microwave Option: For a quicker method, place the thawed butter chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1- to 2-minute intervals, stirring between each one to ensure even warming.
• Add Moisture (Optional): If the sauce seems thin after thawing, stir in a splash of cream or water to restore its original creamy texture.
• Serve Fresh: Enjoy your reheated butter chicken with fresh naan or rice. It will taste just as delicious as the day it was made!

Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Chicken

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Sources

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butter_chicken
2. https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/food-wine/butter-chicken-history-birthplace-7634351/