Butter Chicken Recipe: Creamy, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Occasion

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide. Rich, creamy, and mildly spiced, this dish features tender chicken pieces cooked in a luscious tomato-based sauce, finished with butter and cream. Here’s how you can recreate this classic restaurant favorite at home.

Part 1: Ingredients for Butter Chicken

For the Marinade:

• 500g chicken (boneless or with bone)

• 1/2 cup yogurt (curd)

• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• Salt to taste

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 tomatoes, pureed

• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

• 1/2 cup fresh cream

• Salt to taste

Part 2: Marinating and Cooking the Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.

• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best results).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan or grill and cook the marinated chicken until it is slightly charred and cooked through. Set the cooked chicken aside.

Part 3: Making the Butter Chicken Gravy

Step 3: Prepare the Gravy

• In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

• Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

• Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4: Add the Tomato Puree and Spices

• Add the pureed tomatoes to the pan and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.

• Mix in red chili powder, turmeric, and garam masala. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the gravy thickens.

Part 4: Bringing It All Together

Step 5: Add the Chicken and Cream

• Add the cooked chicken pieces to the gravy and stir well.

• Crush kasuri methi between your palms and add it to the gravy for a smoky flavor.

• Stir in fresh cream to give the gravy its signature creamy texture. Simmer the butter chicken on low heat for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.