The Ultimate Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved dishes in North Indian cuisine. Known for its rich, creamy texture and tantalizing flavors, it has earned a special place in the hearts of food lovers worldwide. This dish is famous for its tender chicken pieces cooked in a luscious, tomato-based gravy spiced with aromatic Indian spices and finished with a generous dollop of butter and cream. While Butter Chicken is a restaurant favorite, you can recreate this iconic dish right at home with simple ingredients and a few easy steps. In this article, we’ll guide you through the entire process—from marinating the chicken to creating the perfect gravy—so you can enjoy restaurant-style Butter Chicken anytime.

Understanding Butter Chicken: A Classic Dish

Butter Chicken originated in Delhi in the 1950s at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant, where it was created by accident when leftover tandoori chicken was simmered in a buttery tomato gravy. The result was a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth dish that became an instant hit. Today, Butter Chicken is found on the menu of virtually every Indian restaurant, and it’s often served with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice. The secret to the success of Butter Chicken lies in its balanced combination of tender chicken, flavorful spices, and the rich, velvety gravy that’s both tangy and creamy. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting meal, this dish never fails to impress.

Ingredients

The ingredients for Butter Chicken are simple yet come together to create an unforgettable dish. Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Butter Chicken at home.

For the Chicken Marinade:

500g boneless chicken (thighs or breasts, cut into cubes)

1/2 cup yogurt

1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

1 tsp red chili powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp garam masala

1 tbsp lemon juice

Salt to taste

2 tbsp oil or butter (for grilling)

For the Butter Chicken Gravy:

2 tbsp butter

1 onion (finely chopped)

2 tomatoes (pureed)

1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

1 tsp red chili powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp garam masala

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional)

1 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step in ensuring that it is flavorful and tender. The marinade helps the spices infuse into the meat, creating a deep flavor profile.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well to combine.

Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and mix until each piece is thoroughly coated. Make sure that the chicken is well-covered in the marinade.

Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap or lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight, allowing the spices to fully infuse and tenderize the meat.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to cook it. The ideal method for cooking Butter Chicken is to grill or pan-fry the marinated chicken, which helps develop a smoky flavor and seals in the juices.

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook them until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. This should take about 6-8 minutes. If you have a grill, you can grill the chicken for an even smokier flavor.

Once the chicken is cooked, set it aside. We’ll add it to the gravy later.

Step 3: Prepare the Butter Chicken Gravy

The gravy is the heart of Butter Chicken, and it’s what gives the dish its iconic rich and creamy texture.

In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt over medium heat.

Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown. This caramelization process adds depth to the flavor of the gravy.

Next, add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Pour in the pureed tomatoes and cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, or until the oil begins to separate from the sauce.

Add the red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir everything together, allowing the spices to bloom and enhance the flavor of the gravy.

Now, pour in the heavy cream and stir to create a smooth, rich sauce. This is where the creaminess of the gravy comes from.

Add the kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves). Crush the leaves between your palms before adding them to release their aroma and flavor. This ingredient is key to achieving the authentic taste of Butter Chicken.

Let the gravy simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Now that both the chicken and the gravy are ready, it’s time to bring them together.

Add the cooked chicken pieces to the gravy. Stir gently to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce.

Allow the chicken to simmer in the gravy for 5-7 minutes, so it absorbs the flavors of the sauce.

Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a touch of sweetness in your Butter Chicken, you can add a tablespoon of honey or sugar at this point.

Garnish with extra cream and fresh coriander leaves to add a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note.

Serving Suggestions

Butter Chicken is typically served with naan, roti, or basmati rice. The rich gravy pairs wonderfully with the soft, pillowy naan or the delicate grains of basmati rice. For an authentic North Indian meal, serve the dish with a side of raita (a yogurt-based side dish) and a few slices of fresh cucumber.

Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken

Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicier than chicken breasts, making them ideal for this dish. The extra fat ensures that the chicken remains tender and moist when cooked.

Marinate Overnight: While you can marinate the chicken for just an hour, marinating overnight allows the spices to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in better flavor.

Grill the Chicken: For the most authentic taste, try grilling the chicken instead of pan-frying it. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that is characteristic of traditional Butter Chicken.

Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of red chili powder or omit it altogether. Adjust the spices to your preference.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and tomatoes will yield a richer, more vibrant flavor than pre-packaged versions.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken is a dish that perfectly balances the rich and creamy with the bold and spicy, creating a comforting and indulgent meal that’s hard to resist. By following this simple recipe and using fresh, high-quality ingredients, you can recreate the magic of a restaurant-style Butter Chicken right in your own kitchen. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a warm, delicious bowl of Butter Chicken with naan or rice. You’ll have a taste of North India at your fingertips!