Indian Butter Chicken Recipe (Authentic & Easy)

Welcome to the ultimate guide to creating a truly authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe right in your own kitchen. Forget takeout! This recipe delivers that rich, creamy, and mildly spiced tomato gravy you crave, with perfectly tender, flavorful chicken. We’ve simplified the traditional method without sacrificing the classic taste that has made Murgh Makhani a global phenomenon. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that tastes like it came straight from a top Indian restaurant.

What is Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)?

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a world-renowned dish originating from Northern India in the 1950s. It was created by Kundan Lal Gujral at the Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi. The dish features bite-sized pieces of marinated and grilled chicken (traditionally cooked in a tandoor) enveloped in a velvety, mildly sweet tomato and butter-based gravy. Its signature creaminess comes from a blend of cream, yogurt, and aromatic spices, making it a luxurious yet comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s an experience. Here’s why this will become your go-to Indian Butter Chicken Recipe:

• Authentic Flavor, Simplified: We use traditional ingredients and methods but break them down into easy, manageable steps for the home cook.
• Incredibly Creamy Gravy: The secret is in the sauce! We’ll show you how to get that signature silky-smooth texture every time.
• Perfectly Tender Chicken: Our two-step marination process ensures the chicken is juicy, flavorful, and infused with spices from the inside out.
• Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a mild, family-friendly curry that is beloved by both adults and children.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Butter Chicken

The magic of this dish lies in a few key ingredients. While the full list is in the recipe card below, let’s highlight the essentials:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are best for their flavor and tenderness, but chicken breast works too.
• Yogurt Marinade: A mix of plain yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, and spices like turmeric, garam masala, and Kashmiri red chili powder creates the first layer of flavor.
• Tomatoes: The base of our Makhani gravy. Use ripe, high-quality tomatoes for the best taste.
• Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its signature richness and creamy texture.
• Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): This is the secret ingredient! Crushing these leaves between your palms before adding them releases an incredible, aromatic flavor that is essential for authentic butter chicken.
• Garam Masala: A blend of warming spices that adds depth and complexity to the dish.

How to Make the Best Indian Butter Chicken

Making an authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe at home is a rewarding four-step process. Follow these steps closely for a perfect result.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

First, cut your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with all the marinade ingredients: yogurt, lemon juice, minced ginger and garlic, turmeric, garam masala, Kashmiri chili powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece of chicken is coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or preferably overnight for the most flavorful and tender results.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

You can cook the marinated chicken in a few ways. For the best flavor, grill or pan-sear it in batches until it’s cooked through and has a slight char on the edges. This char adds a smoky depth that mimics the traditional tandoor oven. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken in a hot oven or use an air fryer. Once cooked, set the chicken aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Tomato Gravy (Makhani Sauce)

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the ginger and garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the ground coriander, cumin, and Kashmiri chili powder. Next, add the tomato puree and cashews, cooking until the sauce thickens and the oil begins to separate at the edges. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer the mixture to a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve back into the pot for an ultra-silky texture.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the blended gravy to the pot over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, sugar, garam masala, and the cooked chicken pieces. Crush the Kasuri Methi between your palms and add it to the pot. Let the curry simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Be careful not to boil it after adding the cream. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Your delicious homemade butter chicken is now ready!

What to Serve with Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is best served hot with traditional Indian breads to soak up all the delicious gravy. We highly recommend serving it with warm naan, especially our homemade Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread. Steamed basmati rice is also a classic and perfect pairing. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of cucumber raita to provide a cooling contrast.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

You can store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen and become even better the next day! To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken tough and cause the cream-based sauce to separate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Butter Chicken

More Delicious Recipes To Try

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love exploring other bold flavors. For a fiery experience, try our Dragon Chicken Recipe, or for a taste of Southeast Asia, check out these amazing Thai Drunken Noodles.

Share Your Creations!

We are so excited for you to try this authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s a true labor of love that is worth every moment. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!

Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

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Indian Butter Chicken Recipe (Authentic & Easy)

This authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe (Murgh Makhani) is incredibly creamy, flavorful, and easy to make at home. Follow these simple steps for tender chicken in a rich, velvety tomato gravy that's better than takeout!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 580

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder adjust to taste
• 1 tsp salt

For the Makhani Gravy (Sauce)

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
• 1/4 cup raw cashews soaked in hot water for 20 minutes
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp sugar or to taste
• 1 tbsp Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 1 tsp garam masala

Equipment

• 1 Large Bowl
• 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven
• 1 Blender

Method

 

Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with all the marinade ingredients (yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, turmeric, garam masala, Kashmiri chili powder, and salt). Mix well to coat the chicken completely.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.

Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a tablespoon of oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and cooked through.
2. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Makhani Gravy

1. In the same pot or a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the ground coriander, cumin, and another teaspoon of Kashmiri chili powder.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes and soaked cashews. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
4. Carefully transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until very smooth. For an extra velvety texture, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve back into the pot.

Combine and Finish

1. Return the gravy to the pot over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, sugar, and the final teaspoon of garam masala.
2. Add the cooked chicken to the gravy. Crush the Kasuri Methi between your palms and stir it in.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Do not boil. Serve hot with naan or rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalProtein: 42gFat: 40gFiber: 3g

Notes

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Soaking the cashews helps them blend easily, creating a creamier sauce.
Straining the sauce is an optional but highly recommended step for a restaurant-quality smooth gravy.

Keyword butter chicken,Indian chicken recipe,murgh makhani

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