Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine, renowned for its creamy, flavorful, and mildly spiced tomato-based gravy.
Originating in Delhi during the 1950s, this dish was created by accident when leftover tandoori chicken was simmered in a rich sauce of butter, cream, and tomatoes. The result was a velvety curry that perfectly balanced tangy, savory, and slightly sweet notes.
The dish typically features marinated chicken pieces cooked until tender, then simmered in a luscious sauce made with pureed tomatoes, butter, cream, and a fragrant blend of spices such as garam masala, cumin, coriander, and fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi).
Its texture is smooth and indulgent, while the flavors are mild enough to appeal to a wide range of palates, making it popular both in India and internationally.
Why You’ll Love Butter Chicken
If you love rich, creamy, and comforting Indian flavors, Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is a must-try! This dish features tender, marinated chicken cooked in a velvety, spiced tomato-based sauce enriched with butter and cream. It’s flavorful but not too spicy, making it a family favorite.
Best served with naan, basmati rice, or roti, Butter Chicken is a restaurant-style dish made easily at home. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this buttery, mildly spiced curry will become a staple in your kitchen!
Butter Chicken
Description
Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice, soaking up the rich gravy in every bite.
It is often enjoyed as a comfort food, special-occasion dish, or restaurant favorite, thanks to its satisfying, creamy nature and aromatic spice profile.
Whether served at home or in a fine-dining setting, Butter Chicken remains a timeless classic in Indian gastronomy.
Butter Chicken is a classic Indian dish made with marinated, juicy chicken cooked in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. This dish is buttery, mildly spiced, and incredibly rich, perfect for pairing with naan or basmati rice.
Ingredients
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken:
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In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and salt.
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Add chicken, coat well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best flavor).
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Cook the Chicken:
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Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
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Cook marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred.
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Remove and set aside.
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Make the Butter Chicken Sauce:
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In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onions until soft (3-4 minutes).
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Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
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Stir in cumin, garam masala, coriander, paprika, and chili powder, sauté for another minute.
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Pour in tomato purée, simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
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Stir in cream, sugar (if using), and kasuri methi, then add the cooked chicken.
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Simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat until flavors meld.
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Serve & Garnish:
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan or basmati rice.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Sodium 750mg32%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 38g76%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips & Serving Tricks
- Marinate Overnight for Maximum Flavor
- The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
- Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness
- Thighs are more tender and flavorful compared to chicken breasts.
- Balance the Spice Level
- Reduce chili powder for a mild version or add more for extra heat.
- Blend the Sauce for a Smooth Texture
- If you prefer a silky sauce, use a blender before adding the cream.
- Make It Dairy-Free
- Swap butter for ghee or coconut oil and cream for coconut milk.
- Pair with Sides
- Serve with naan, paratha, or steamed basmati rice for the perfect meal.
Variations and Storage :
Variations
- Paneer Butter Masala – A vegetarian adaptation where paneer cubes replace chicken, offering the same creamy, spiced gravy for those avoiding meat.
- Butter Chicken with Bone-In Pieces – Using bone-in chicken adds depth to the flavor as the bones release additional richness while cooking.
- Spicy Butter Chicken – For heat lovers, increase the amount of red chili powder or add fresh green chilies for a fiery kick.
- Lightened Butter Chicken – Replace cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a healthier, lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
- Smoky Butter Chicken – Add a charcoal smoking step (dhungar method) for a deep, smoky aroma reminiscent of tandoor-cooked dishes.
- Cashew-Based Butter Chicken – Blend cashews into the gravy for a thicker, nuttier texture and natural sweetness.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store cooled Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often develop and intensify over time, making it taste even better the next day.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To prevent texture changes, freeze without adding fresh cream; stir in cream after reheating.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen Butter Chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water, milk, or cream to restore its consistency.
- Meal Prep Tip: You can make the gravy ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it separately. Cook the chicken fresh and combine with reheated gravy before serving for the best taste and texture.
Proper storage and reheating preserve Butter Chicken’s signature creamy flavor, ensuring you can enjoy this rich, comforting dish even days after it’s made.
Conclution:
In conclusion, Butter Chicken is a timeless classic that captures the essence of rich, comforting Indian cuisine in every bite. Tender pieces of marinated chicken are simmered in a velvety, spiced tomato and cream sauce that’s as indulgent as it is deeply flavorful.
The balance of warming spices, buttery richness, and gentle heat makes Butter Chicken a universally beloved dish—perfect for both seasoned fans of Indian food and newcomers alike.
Served over steamed basmati rice or with soft naan to scoop up every last bit of sauce, it’s a meal that’s as satisfying as it is soul-soothing.
What truly sets Butter Chicken apart is its harmony of flavors. The marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with a warm, tangy base, and the sauce brings everything together with a blend of garlic, ginger, garam masala, and cream that creates a luxurious, slightly sweet finish.
The dish feels both cozy and refined, making it equally suited for a casual weeknight dinner or a special meal shared with friends and family.
Butter Chicken is also incredibly versatile. You can make it dairy-free with coconut milk, reduce the cream for a lighter version, or add a splash of chili for extra heat.
It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep. And while it might taste like it took all day to cook, the process is straightforward enough for any home cook to master.
Whether you’re seeking comfort food with international flair or wanting to introduce bold, warm spices into your cooking routine, Butter Chicken is a must-try recipe that never fails to impress.
Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, it’s the kind of dish that earns its place in your regular recipe rotation and keeps people coming back for more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I make Butter Chicken without cream?
Yes! Use coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to refresh the sauce.
