As the sun sets and the aroma of spices starts wafting through my kitchen, memories of vibrant markets and bustling dhabas come rushing back. This Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe, or Murgh Makhani, is my go-to comfort dish that never fails to warm both my heart and my home. Imagine tender chunks of chicken simmering in a rich, velvety sauce that’s bursting with flavors of ginger, cumin, and a hint of Kashmiri red chili.
What sets this recipe apart is its unique twist—a buttery, creamy finish that’s indulgent yet surprisingly lighter, thanks to a blend of milk and subtle nutty flavors from almonds and melon seeds. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish that impresses dinner guests, this one-pot wonder comes together seamlessly in just about 40 minutes. Pair it with buttery naan or fragrant rice, and you’ll have a meal worthy of any occasion. Let’s dive into this delightful journey of flavors!
Why is this Butter Chicken Recipe a must-try?
Comforting and Nostalgic: This Butter Chicken Recipe evokes warm memories of vibrant dhabas, making it perfect for cozy family dinners.
Indulgent Yet Lighter: A creamy finish from milk and nutty flavors offers a satisfying richness without the heaviness, making it guilt-free!
Quick One-Pot Wonder: In just about 40 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Flavor-Packed Experience: Bursting with spices like ginger and cumin, each bite is a journey through India’s culinary landscape.
Versatile Pairing Options: Serve it with buttery naan or fragrant rice for an authentic experience that your guests will rave about!
Butter Chicken Recipe Ingredients
For the Marination
• Boneless Chicken (400 g) – Main protein, cut into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
• Salt (1 tsp) – Essential for enhancing the flavor of the chicken.
• Coriander Powder (1 tsp) – Introduces an earthy, citrusy spice that complements the dish.
• Kitchen King Masala (1 tsp) – A complex blend that adds depth and richness to the marinade.
• Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder (1 tsp) – Provides mild heat and a vibrant color to the chicken.
• Oil (1 tsp) – Helps in evenly coating the chicken for better marination.
• Fresh Yogurt (3 tbsp) – Tenderizes the chicken while adding moisture and tanginess.
• Lime Juice (½ tbsp) – Brightens the overall flavor and aids in tenderizing the chicken.
For Grilling the Chicken
• Oil (1 tbsp) – Necessary for cooking the chicken pieces over medium heat for a slight crispiness.
For the Butter Chicken Sauce
• Oil (1 tbsp) – Base for sautéing the onions and spices, creating a flavorful foundation.
• Onion (1 medium, sliced) – Caramelizes to a golden brown for sweetness and body in the sauce.
• Tomatoes (3 whole) – Cooked down to create a tangy, rich base for the sauce.
• Ginger-Garlic Paste (1 tbsp) – Adds a delightful aroma and pungency to the dish.
• Turmeric Powder (½ tsp) – Infuses earthy flavor and enhances the color of the sauce.
• Red Chilli Powder (½ tsp) – Adds a mild heat that beautifully balances the richness.
• Cumin Powder (1 tsp) – Introduces warmth and a nutty flavor profile.
• Butter (3 tbsp total, in parts) – Contributes to the richness and silky texture of the sauce.
• Melon Seeds/Magaj (2 tbsp) – A creamy texture enhancer; this alternative to cashews works beautifully.
• Almonds (10 whole) – Adds creaminess and a delightful nuttiness to the sauce.
• Cooking Cream (¼ cup + 1 tbsp extra) – Ensures a velvety sauce that wraps around the chicken beautifully.
• Sugar (1 tsp) – Balances acidity from the tomatoes and spices for a well-rounded flavor.
• Butter Chicken Masala or Garam Masala (1 tbsp) – Signature spice blend that enhances the overall flavor.
• Milk (½ cup) – Lightens the sauce compared to using only cream, making the dish indulgently creamy.
• Water (2 tbsp) – Helps adjust the consistency of the sauce to perfection.
• Kasuri Methi (¼ tsp, dried fenugreek leaves) – Adds a characteristic aroma and finishes the dish with a touch of bitterness.
Embrace the rich, creamy flavors of this Butter Chicken Recipe and let every bite transport you to the heart of Indian cuisine!
How to Make Butter Chicken Recipe
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Marinate Chicken: Cut boneless chicken into 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, mix chicken with salt, coriander powder, kitchen king masala, Kashmiri chili powder, oil, yogurt, and lime juice until coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 12 hours for the best flavor.
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Grill Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook it for 5-6 minutes until it’s about 80% cooked and lightly crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Sauté Onions: In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon oil. Sauté the sliced onions until they turn golden brown, which brings out their natural sweetness.
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Cook Tomatoes: Add the whole tomatoes and ginger-garlic paste to the onions. Cook until the tomatoes soften and meld into a rich base.
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Spice it Up: Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and cumin powder. Let the spices infuse their warmth into the mixture.
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Add Nuts: Include melon seeds and almonds, cooking until fragrant and the flavors deepen beautifully.
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Incorporate Butter: Mix in 20 grams of butter, allowing it to melt and cook for 4-5 minutes for all flavors to meld seamlessly.
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Creamy Sauce: Pour in ¼ cup cooking cream and let it simmer for 2 minutes to build that creamy texture.
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Balance Flavor: Stir in sugar and butter chicken masala or garam masala, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to enhance the overall taste.
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Lighten it Up: Gently mix in ½ cup milk and let it cook for a minute, ensuring the sauce is creamy but not overly heavy.
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Blend Smooth: Puree the sauce in a blender until smooth and strain to remove lumps, creating a silky texture.
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Combine Chicken: Return the strained sauce to the pan, add the cooked chicken pieces, cover, and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to finish cooking and meld with the sauce.
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Finish with Kasuri Methi: Turn off the heat, sprinkle in the kasuri methi, and mix gently for a fragrant and flavorful finish before serving.
Optional: Serve with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a vibrant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Butter Chicken Recipe?
Creating a full meal to complement the rich and creamy butter chicken is essential for an unforgettable dining experience.
- Butter Naan: Soft, pillowy naan is perfect for scooping up the luscious sauce, enhancing every bite’s flavor.
- Jeera Rice: Fragrant cumin rice adds a wonderful aromatic touch, balancing the creamy richness of the chicken curry beautifully.
- Laccha Paratha: This flaky, layered flatbread pairs wonderfully, offering a delightful crunch that contrasts with the velvety sauce.
- Aromatic Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side with cucumber or mint helps to tone down the spices and refresh the palate.
- Spiced Lentil Soup: A warm, comforting lentil dish can be a heartwarming addition, supplying protein and an earthy flavor contrast.
- Indian Pickles: A tangy mango or lime pickle brings a burst of acidity, cutting through the richness and enhancing the meal’s complexity.
- Cucumber Salad: Fresh, crisp salads with herbs and a squeeze of lemon offer a light, refreshing contrast to the hearty elements.
- Chai: Conclude with a spiced chai to evoke a sense of warmth and comfort, transitioning perfectly from savory to sweet.
- Gulab Jamun: A soft, syrupy dessert is perfect for a sweet finish, balancing the meal with its delightful sweetness.
How to Store and Freeze Butter Chicken Recipe
Fridge: Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or milk to maintain creaminess.
Freezer: For freezing, place cooled butter chicken in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat on low heat, adding milk or water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Ensure it’s heated thoroughly.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days; just reheat and add grilled chicken before serving for a quick meal.
Butter Chicken Recipe Variations
Feel free to explore these creative twists to make this Butter Chicken Recipe uniquely yours!
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Nut-Free: Replace almonds and melon seeds with sunflower seeds for a nut-free creamy alternative.
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Coconut Cream: Use coconut cream instead of dairy cream for a tropical, plant-based twist that adds richness.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in finely chopped green chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra layer of heat.
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with paneer or tofu for a delightful vegetarian rendition that retains the creamy charm.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh cilantro or mint towards the end for bursts of freshness that brighten the dish.
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Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to achieve that authentic tandoor flavor in the sauce.
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Whole Wheat Naan: Serve it with whole wheat naan or chapati instead of white bread for a healthier accompaniment.
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Zesty Lime: Elevate the flavor by squeezing fresh lime juice over the finished dish for a delightful tangy finish that balances richness.
Make Ahead Options
These Authentic Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) preparations are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen for a more delicious outcome. Simply combine the chicken with the seasoning and yogurt, cover, and refrigerate. Additionally, the butter chicken sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just remember to reheat gently before adding the chicken. To serve, combine the prepped chicken with the warmed sauce, cover, and cook for about 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors beautifully. Enjoy a delightful homemade meal without the hassle on busy weeknights!
Expert Tips for Butter Chicken Recipe
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Marinate Longer: Allow your chicken to marinate for up to 12 hours; this enhances flavor depth and tenderness.
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Crispy Chicken: For a better texture, ensure the chicken is lightly crispy when grilling before adding it to the sauce.
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Nut Variations: Use melon seeds and almonds instead of cashews for a unique creamy twist that adds delightful nuttiness to your butter chicken recipe.
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Quick Option: If short on time, use rotisserie chicken. Just chop it up and add it to the sauce, cutting your cooking time to about 20 minutes.
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Strain for Smoothness: Straining the blended sauce is crucial—this step ensures a silky smooth consistency free of lumps.
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Balance Creaminess: Adjust the ratio of cream and milk to achieve the desired richness while keeping the dish lighter.
Butter Chicken Recipe Dhaba Style Murgh Makhani Recipe FAQs
What kind of chicken is best for this butter chicken recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend using boneless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1-inch pieces for the best results. Chicken thighs tend to remain juicier during cooking, but either option works beautifully.
How should I store leftover butter chicken?
Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or milk to maintain creaminess and prevent the sauce from thickening too much.
Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes! For freezing, let your butter chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on low heat, stirring in some milk or water to restore its creamy consistency.
What should I do if my butter chicken sauce is too thick?
If your sauce ends up too thick, don’t worry! Simply add 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk to loosen it up. Stir it well on low heat until you achieve your desired consistency. This works like a charm to create that velvety texture we all love!
Can I adjust the spice level in the recipe?
Very! You can easily customize the spice level to your liking. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of Kashmiri red chili powder or omit it completely. For more heat, feel free to add more chili powder to taste, or even a touch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
Is this butter chicken recipe suitable for special diets?
Yes, this butter chicken can be adapted for various dietary needs! For a lighter version, substitute cream with extra milk or yogurt. If you’re looking to make it keto-friendly, use extra cream in place of milk and omit sugar. Additionally, ensure any nuts used do not pose a risk for allergies.
Indulgent Dhaba Style Butter Chicken Recipe You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut boneless chicken into 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, mix chicken with salt, coriander powder, kitchen king masala, Kashmiri chili powder, oil, yogurt, and lime juice until coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 12 hours.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook it for 5-6 minutes until it’s about 80% cooked and lightly crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon oil. Sauté the sliced onions until they turn golden brown.
- Add the whole tomatoes and ginger-garlic paste to the onions. Cook until the tomatoes soften.
- Stir in turmeric powder, red chili powder, and cumin powder. Let the spices infuse.
- Include melon seeds and almonds, cooking until fragrant.
- Mix in 20 grams of butter, allowing it to melt and cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Pour in ¼ cup cooking cream and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in sugar and butter chicken masala or garam masala, cooking for 2 more minutes.
- Gently mix in ½ cup milk and let it cook for a minute.
- Puree the sauce in a blender until smooth and strain to remove lumps.
- Return the strained sauce to the pan, add cooked chicken pieces, cover, and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, sprinkle in the kasuri methi, and mix gently before serving.