Indian Butter Chicken

Indian Butter Chicken—also known as Murgh Makhani—is a rich, creamy, and flavorful curry made with tender marinated chicken simmered in a velvety tomato-based sauce. Infused with warm spices, butter, and cream, this dish is a beloved classic of Indian cuisine and a true comfort food favorite. Serve it with rice, naan, or cauliflower rice for a satisfying, restaurant-style meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavor at Home – A traditional Indian dish made simple for home cooks.
• Ultra Creamy & Rich – Butter and cream create a luxurious texture.
• Spiced to Perfection – Bold but balanced with warming spices and a touch of heat.
• Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
• Perfectly Pairable – Serve with rice, naan, or low-carb options for any lifestyle.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Marinade

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
• Plain yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Garam masala
• Turmeric
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder or cayenne pepper
• Salt

For the Butter Chicken Sauce

• Butter
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
• Garam masala
• Ground coriander
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Heavy cream
• Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and spices.
2. Add chicken pieces, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the marinated chicken in batches until browned and just cooked through. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onions until soft and golden.
2. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in tomato puree, garam masala, coriander, cumin, paprika, and salt. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in cream and a pinch of sugar if needed. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

1. Add cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for 5–10 minutes to absorb flavors.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan, or your favorite side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating)

Variations

• Lighter Option: Use half-and-half or coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt for the marinade and coconut milk or cashew cream for the sauce.
• Extra Spicy: Add chopped green chilies or increase cayenne.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute tofu or paneer for chicken.
• Grilled Chicken: Grill the marinated chicken for extra smoky flavor before adding to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if needed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Breasts work well too—just don’t overcook.

What’s the difference between butter chicken and tikka masala?

They’re similar, but butter chicken is creamier and slightly sweeter; tikka masala tends to be spicier and more tomato-forward.

Is butter chicken spicy?

It’s mildly spiced. You can adjust the heat with more or less chili powder.

Can I skip the marinating step?

You can, but marinating adds flavor and tenderness. At least 30 minutes is recommended.

What’s the best side dish for butter chicken?

Serve with basmati rice, garlic naan, roti, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all sauce ingredients and marinated chicken to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours. Stir in cream at the end.

Can I use store-bought tomato sauce?

Yes, but look for one with no added sugar or seasonings for best control over the flavor.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just double-check packaged items like yogurt.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

Simmer longer uncovered or add a spoonful of cashew paste or almond flour.

Can I add vegetables?

Sure! Peas, bell peppers, or spinach can be added toward the end of cooking.

Conclusion

Indian Butter Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish that brings bold, traditional Indian flavors into your kitchen with minimal effort. With tender marinated chicken and a rich tomato-cream sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. Serve it with warm naan or rice and enjoy a flavorful escape to your favorite Indian restaurant—without leaving home!

Print