Butter Chicken

This rich and creamy Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a staple of Indian cuisine and a global favorite. It’s deeply spiced without being overpowering, and its lush tomato and cream sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan. What makes this recipe special is its accessibility — no trip to a specialty store required!

With a simple yogurt marinade and pantry spices, you can transform everyday chicken thighs into a dish that rivals your favorite Indian restaurant. Whether you’re cooking for guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this Butter Chicken will quickly become your go-to comfort meal.

Full Recipe:

For the Marinade:

1/2 cup full-fat plain yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp turmeric powder

2 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper
1 tsp ground cumin

1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1.5 lb (750 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

For the Curry Sauce:

2 tbsp ghee or butter (or 1 tbsp vegetable oil)

1 cup tomato passata (pureed tomatoes)
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp sugar

1 1/4 tsp salt

To Serve (Optional):

Basmati rice or white rice
Fresh coriander leaves

Directions:

In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients and mix well with the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
Heat ghee in a large skillet over high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (do not scrape off excess) and cook for 3–4 minutes, until chicken is opaque.

Add passata, cream, sugar, salt, and any remaining marinade to the skillet. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, until sauce thickens and deepens in color.
Garnish with coriander if desired, and serve hot with rice or naan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 402 kcal | Servings: 4

Introduction to Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved and iconic dishes in Indian cuisine. With its rich, creamy tomato sauce, tender chicken pieces, and a perfect blend of spices, it has earned its place in kitchens across the globe. This dish has become synonymous with Indian comfort food, combining aromatic spices with a creamy texture that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Whether served with rice, naan, or simply enjoyed on its own, Butter Chicken offers an unforgettable culinary experience.

The Origins and History of Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken was born in Delhi, India, in the 1950s. It was created by the chefs at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant, who were looking for a way to use up leftover chicken. They decided to cook it in a rich, spiced tomato sauce with butter and cream, resulting in the buttery, creamy dish we know today. The original recipe was a stroke of culinary genius, and it quickly gained popularity across India, eventually making its way to the global stage.

The dish’s rise in fame is often attributed to the broader Indian diaspora and the global spread of Indian cuisine. As more people around the world were introduced to Indian food, Butter Chicken became a staple at Indian restaurants, especially in the West. Its mild flavor and creamy sauce made it accessible to a wide range of palates, contributing to its widespread appeal.

Key Ingredients in Butter Chicken

At the heart of Butter Chicken is a handful of simple, but essential ingredients that come together to create the dish’s signature flavor profile. The key components are:

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in or boneless, chicken thighs are often preferred for their juiciness and tender texture when cooked in the rich sauce. They also absorb the marinade better than chicken breasts.
Yogurt: Used as the base for the marinade, yogurt tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the sauce.
Spices: Garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, and chili powder are the fundamental spices that give Butter Chicken its distinct flavor. These spices are often tempered in hot ghee or butter, releasing their aromas and creating a fragrant base for the sauce.

Tomatoes: Tomato passata or pureed tomatoes are used to create the sauce base. They bring acidity and sweetness, which help to balance out the richness of the butter and cream.
Cream and Butter: The addition of cream and butter is what makes Butter Chicken so indulgent. The cream gives the sauce a velvety texture, while the butter adds a layer of richness.
Ghee: Traditional clarified butter, ghee is often used for cooking the chicken and tempering the spices. It adds an authentic flavor that makes Butter Chicken taste even more luxurious.

Variations of Butter Chicken

While the traditional Butter Chicken recipe is beloved for its rich and creamy nature, there are numerous regional and personal variations of the dish. Some of the most notable include:

Tandoori Butter Chicken: This variation of Butter Chicken involves marinating the chicken in a tandoori-style marinade, which includes yogurt, spices, and sometimes food coloring. The marinated chicken is then cooked in a tandoor (clay oven) before being added to the sauce.

Healthy Butter Chicken: For a lighter version of Butter Chicken, some opt for substituting full-fat cream with coconut milk or yogurt. You can also use skinless chicken breast instead of thighs and reduce the amount of butter used.
Vegan Butter Chicken: Vegan variations replace chicken with tofu, paneer (Indian cottage cheese), or even cauliflower, and substitute dairy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream to keep the dish rich and creamy.
Spicy Butter Chicken: For those who enjoy more heat, the spice level of Butter Chicken can be elevated by adding more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or other hot spices. This variation is often paired with a cooling yogurt-based raita or a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Tips for Perfecting Butter Chicken

Marinate the Chicken: For the best flavor and texture, marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours, but overnight is ideal. The longer the chicken marinates in the yogurt and spices, the more flavorful and tender it will be.
Use Full-Fat Cream: For the creamiest texture, always opt for full-fat cream. It adds richness and helps balance out the acidity of the tomatoes in the sauce.
Cook the Chicken in Ghee or Butter: While you can use vegetable oil, cooking the chicken in ghee or butter adds authentic flavor to the dish. Ghee also helps the spices bloom more effectively.

Simmer the Sauce Slowly: After adding the cream and butter, let the sauce simmer on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. Don’t rush this step – a slow simmer makes all the difference in achieving a rich, velvety sauce.
Taste and Adjust the Seasoning: The balance of flavors is key to a perfect Butter Chicken. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt, sugar, and spices as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Cultural Significance of Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken holds a special place in Indian cuisine, not only as a popular dish but also as a symbol of how food can bring people together. The creation of Butter Chicken is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Indian chefs, who turned simple ingredients into a dish that would go on to capture the hearts of people worldwide.

The dish is often served at celebrations and gatherings, where it becomes a centerpiece of a larger feast. Whether at weddings, family dinners, or casual gatherings with friends, Butter Chicken has a way of uniting people over a shared love of food. In India, it is commonly served with naan, rice, or paratha, making it a versatile dish that fits into various meal occasions.

Moreover, Butter Chicken represents the global influence of Indian cuisine. As Indian immigrants settled across the world, they brought their culinary traditions with them, and Butter Chicken quickly became one of the most recognizable dishes of Indian food in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The dish has evolved, with some restaurants adding their own spin, but the essence of Butter Chicken remains the same – a creamy, flavorful curry that brings comfort and joy.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you to the heart of Indian cuisine. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and complex spices, it’s no wonder that Butter Chicken has become a beloved dish around the world. Whether you’re enjoying it at an Indian restaurant or making it at home, the rich, comforting flavors of Butter Chicken are sure to satisfy your taste buds. So, why not try your hand at making this iconic dish? With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen and enjoy the taste of India right at home.