Indian Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a rich and creamy dish that’s full of warm, aromatic flavors. Tender chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices, then cooked in a buttery, tomato-based sauce infused with garam masala, cumin, coriander, and a touch of cream. The result is a velvety, comforting dish that’s perfect when served with basmati rice or warm naan. The balance of spices, creaminess, and depth of flavor makes this dish a favorite for both special occasions and weeknight dinners.
I first made Indian Butter Chicken when I was craving a flavorful, comforting meal with a bit of spice. The rich sauce and tender chicken had me hooked from the first bite, and I loved how easy it was to recreate a restaurant-style dish at home. It quickly became one of my go-to recipes for a satisfying and indulgent meal.
What I love most about this dish is how customizable it is. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder or garam masala. For a lighter version, you can use less cream or substitute with coconut milk. Indian Butter Chicken is always a crowd-pleaser, and the depth of flavors makes it feel like a luxurious meal without being overly complicated to prepare!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Special occasions
- Celebratory meals
- Comfort food cravings
- Indian food enthusiasts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Indian Butter Chicken will become your favorite dish:
- Creamy and Rich Sauce: The luxurious tomato-based sauce with butter and cream creates an indulgent experience.
- Tender Chicken: Marinated and cooked to perfection, the chicken is juicy and flavorful.
- Perfect Blend of Spices: A balance of warm spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander makes the dish aromatic and flavorful.
- Versatile Dish: It pairs beautifully with naan, basmati rice, or even a vegetable side dish.
- Authentic Taste: The recipe captures the essence of traditional Indian flavors, giving you a true restaurant-style experience at home.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
- Customizable Heat: You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, whether you prefer it mild or hot.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors deepen when made ahead, making it ideal for meal prepping.
- Impressive Presentation: With its vibrant red sauce and tender chicken, this dish looks as good as it tastes.
- Perfect for Leftovers: The sauce and chicken only get better the next day, making for a delicious leftover meal.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 25g
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced red onions
Ingredient Highlights
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy, these are ideal for this rich, flavorful dish.
- Full-Fat Yogurt: Helps tenderize the chicken while adding creaminess to the marinade.
- Spices: Garam masala, cumin, and chili powder bring depth and warmth to the dish.
- Butter and Cream: Create a luxurious sauce that’s smooth and indulgent.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and chili powder.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat Butter: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
- Cook Chicken: Add the marinated chicken in batches, cooking until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Spices and Tomatoes: Add garam masala, cumin, chili powder, coriander, and paprika to the onions. Stir to combine, then add the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Add Chicken to Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken in the sauce. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and spice levels as needed.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan or rice.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Indian Butter Chicken:
- With Warm Naan: Pair with soft, pillowy naan for the perfect bite.
- Over Steamed Rice: Serve over basmati rice to soak up the rich sauce.
- With Raita: Balance the spice with a side of cooling cucumber raita.
- For a Special Dinner: Make it the centerpiece of an Indian-inspired feast.
- For a Casual Meal: Serve with a side of sautéed vegetables for a simple, satisfying dinner.
- As a Meal Prep Option: Prepare in advance and store in the fridge for an easy, flavorful lunch.
- With Mango Chutney: Add a sweet touch with a spoonful of mango chutney on the side.
- For a Spicy Kick: Top with a drizzle of extra chili oil for an added heat.
- With Indian Sweets: Serve with a side of traditional Indian sweets like gulab jamun for dessert.
- For a Family Feast: Make a larger batch and serve to a crowd of hungry guests.
Additional Tips
- Tender Chicken: Marinating the chicken for longer enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust Heat Levels: Use mild chili powder for less heat or increase the chili powder for more spice.
- Thicker Sauce: For a thicker sauce, simmer the sauce longer or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water.
- Use Ghee: For an authentic flavor, substitute butter with ghee.
- Balance the Flavors: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to balance the richness of the butter and cream with the spices.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Butter Chicken: Use tofu or tempeh in place of chicken and coconut cream in the sauce.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb option.
- Spicy Butter Chicken: Add extra chili peppers or chili flakes for a spicier version.
- Lemon Butter Chicken: Add fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a citrusy twist.
- Tandoori Butter Chicken: Marinate the chicken in tandoori masala for an additional smoky flavor.
- With Vegetables: Add peas, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Peanut Butter Chicken: For a unique variation, add a spoonful of peanut butter to the sauce for a nutty flavor.
- Coconut Butter Chicken: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a tropical, dairy-free version.
- Minty Butter Chicken: Add fresh mint leaves to the sauce for a refreshing finish.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
- Sharp Knife: For chopping the chicken and vegetables.
- Whisk: For combining spices and yogurt in the marinade.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the sauce and ensuring smooth texture.
- Spice Grinder: Optional for freshly grinding whole spices for an aromatic boost.
FAQ Section
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and tenderness. Chicken breasts may dry out slightly. - Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the butter chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen if made ahead, so it’s perfect for prepping the day before. - How can I make the sauce spicier?
Increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh chopped chilies to the sauce. - What can I serve with butter chicken besides rice?
Naan, roti, or a simple salad would all pair beautifully with this dish. - Can I skip the cream?
Yes, you can use coconut milk or a lighter cream alternative for a lower-fat version. - Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can cook the marinated chicken in a slow cooker on low for 4 hours before preparing the sauce. - How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Always add the cream at a lower temperature and stir well to prevent curdling. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger pan to accommodate the larger batch.
Conclusion
Indian Butter Chicken is the epitome of comfort and indulgence, offering a rich and creamy sauce that envelops tender chicken in a symphony of spices. It’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal, making it perfect for both casual dinners and festive occasions.
With its balanced flavors and ease of preparation, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re an experienced cook or new to Indian cuisine, this butter chicken is sure to impress and delight every time. Enjoy the delicious harmony of spices, butter, and cream—this dish is comfort food at its best!