Butter Chicken

The magic of Indian Butter Chicken lies in its rich, aromatic sauce—packed with warm spices, creamy undertones, and a vibrant tomato base. This beloved dish is a comforting staple, bringing together tender marinated chicken simmered in a silky curry sauce that pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or naan.

Perfect for family dinners or special nights when you crave something bold and heartwarming, this Butter Chicken recipe balances spice, creaminess, and a hint of tang. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned pro, it’s a satisfying meal that comes together with ease and delivers major flavor in every bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
¾ cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
1 ½ teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 ½ cups tomato purée
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup heavy cream
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Add the chicken and stir to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add marinated chicken (shaking off excess marinade) and cook until lightly browned and almost cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in garlic, ginger, cumin, paprika, and garam masala. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add tomato purée and sugar. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Return chicken to the pan. Stir in heavy cream and cook on low heat for another 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

If there’s one dish that epitomizes rich Indian comfort food, it’s Butter Chicken—also known as Murgh Makhani in Hindi. This luscious, creamy curry has won hearts all around the globe, earning a spot on restaurant menus from London to New York, and now, on dinner tables everywhere. With its velvety tomato-based sauce, tender marinated chicken, and bold spices, it’s no wonder Butter Chicken is often the gateway dish for those new to Indian cuisine.

But what makes this Butter Chicken recipe truly special? Let’s dive into the rich history, health aspects, cooking process, and why this particular version might just become your go-to favorite.

The History of Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken was born in Delhi, India, in the 1950s at a famous restaurant called Moti Mahal. The chefs there were known for their flavorful tandoori chicken, and to avoid wasting leftover pieces, they began simmering them in a creamy tomato gravy, enhanced with butter and spices. The result? A rich, aromatic, and soul-satisfying dish that soon became iconic.

This dish represents the perfect blend of Indian culinary technique and adaptation. Traditionally, Indian curries are often bold, spicy, and complex, but Butter Chicken is milder, creamier, and slightly sweet—making it more approachable for global palates.

What Makes This Butter Chicken Recipe the Best?

This recipe strikes a beautiful balance between authentic Indian flavors and simplicity, making it approachable even for novice home cooks. Here’s why it stands out:

Rich, Authentic Flavor: Thanks to a flavorful marinade with yogurt, lemon juice, and warming spices, the chicken absorbs a depth of taste before even hitting the skillet.
Creamy, Velvety Sauce: Tomato purée and heavy cream form the silky base of this dish. A touch of sugar and butter ties it all together, creating a restaurant-quality finish.
Perfect Spice Balance: Garam masala, cumin, paprika, and turmeric come together to create warm, earthy notes without overpowering heat.
Simple Yet Flexible: While the traditional recipe calls for chicken thighs, it’s easily adaptable—breast meat, tofu, or even paneer work well as substitutes.
One-Pan Friendly: With a few prep steps and a single skillet, you can make this entire dish in under an hour—perfect for weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Ingredient Spotlight

Let’s look at some of the key ingredients and why they matter:

Chicken Thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and tender when cooked, chicken thighs are the preferred cut for Butter Chicken. They remain moist even after simmering in sauce.
Yogurt Marinade: The acidic and enzymatic properties of yogurt help tenderize the meat while infusing it with deep flavor.
Garam Masala: This classic Indian spice blend contains cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and cardamom, among others. It’s essential for that warm, comforting Indian curry aroma.
Tomato Purée: Using pureed tomatoes gives the sauce a smooth consistency and vibrant color while adding a touch of tanginess to cut through the cream.
Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness to the dish, giving Butter Chicken its signature silky texture.
Butter: As the name implies, butter is a must! It adds richness and balances the spices with mellow undertones.

Health Benefits of Butter Chicken (Yes, There Are Some!)

While Butter Chicken is indulgent, it can still be part of a balanced diet when eaten in moderation. Here’s why:

Protein-Packed: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, helping to build and maintain muscle mass.
Spice Boost: Many of the spices used—like turmeric, cumin, and ginger—have anti-inflammatory and digestion-friendly properties.
Customizable Creaminess: You can lighten the recipe by using coconut milk or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and cutting down on butter.
Satiety Factor: Because it’s high in protein and fat, Butter Chicken keeps you feeling full longer, reducing the need for snacking between meals.

Serving Suggestions

Butter Chicken is best enjoyed with:

Steamed Basmati Rice: The fluffy, long grains soak up the sauce perfectly.
Warm Naan or Roti: Scoop up that creamy curry with soft, oven-warmed bread.
Pickled Onions or Cucumber Raita: These fresh sides add crunch and balance.
A Glass of Mango Lassi: For a traditional Indian-style meal that soothes the palate.

Pro Cooking Tips

Marinate Longer: Although an hour is enough, marinating overnight in the fridge really deepens the flavor.
Don’t Burn the Spices: When toasting your spices, keep the heat on low to medium. This prevents bitterness and allows the aroma to develop slowly.
Use Ghee for Authentic Flavor: If you have it on hand, substitute some or all of the butter with ghee (clarified butter) for an even more authentic Indian taste.
Simmer Gently: Let the sauce simmer on low so the flavors meld together without reducing too quickly or splitting the cream.

Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? Here are some creative takes on Butter Chicken:

Vegan Butter Chickpeas: Use canned chickpeas and coconut milk for a plant-based alternative.
Butter Paneer: Substitute chicken with cubes of paneer (Indian cheese) for a vegetarian version.
Low-Calorie Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream, and opt for olive oil in place of butter.
Spicy Butter Chicken: Add a green chili or extra chili powder if you love heat.
Butter Chicken Pizza: Use leftovers as a topping over naan with melted cheese for a fusion twist.

Why You’ll Love Making This Dish at Home

Aside from the incredible flavor and aroma that fills your kitchen, there’s something deeply satisfying about making Butter Chicken from scratch. You control the ingredients, customize the spice level, and enjoy a dish that’s far healthier and more budget-friendly than ordering takeout.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself to a flavorful dinner, this Butter Chicken recipe is one that’s sure to impress. It brings the comfort of Indian restaurant dining straight to your table—without the need for fancy ingredients or hours of cooking.

Final Thoughts

Butter Chicken is a celebration of spice, cream, and comfort. Its deep roots in Indian culinary tradition combined with a universal appeal make it a must-have in any home cook’s recipe box. With just a handful of pantry staples and spices, you can recreate this timeless dish in your own kitchen, filling your home with the irresistible aroma of simmering curry.

Once you make it, chances are, it’ll find a permanent spot in your meal rotation. It’s more than a dish—it’s a delicious experience.

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