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Best Homemade Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most loved Indian dishes worldwide. Its creamy tomato gravy, tender chicken, and perfectly balanced spices make it a comforting and flavorful meal. Whether you enjoy it with naan, rice, or even by itself, this dish never fails to impress. Let’s explore what makes Butter Chicken so special — from its taste and variations to its storage tips and perfect pairings.
What Makes Butter Chicken So Delicious?
The taste of Butter Chicken is a beautiful harmony between richness and spice. The sauce is velvety smooth, made from butter, cream, and tomatoes that blend together to create a slightly sweet yet tangy flavor. The chicken, often marinated in yogurt and spices, becomes juicy and tender when simmered in this luscious gravy. It’s this balance of creamy texture and smoky aroma that gives Butter Chicken its iconic flavor profile.
Unlike many curries, Butter Chicken has a universal appeal. It’s mild enough for those who don’t prefer too much heat, yet flavorful enough to satisfy spice lovers. The hint of butter gives it a luxurious touch, making every bite melt in your mouth.
Health Benefits of Homemade Butter Chicken
When prepared at home, Butter Chicken can be both indulgent and wholesome. By controlling the amount of butter and cream, you can make a lighter version without losing its rich flavor. The yogurt-based marinade helps tenderize the chicken naturally, while the tomato sauce provides antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health.
Chicken itself is a great source of lean protein, helping build muscle and boost energy levels. Paired with spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic, this dish can also help improve digestion and strengthen immunity. So, while Butter Chicken may feel like comfort food, it actually offers a good balance of nutrition when made thoughtfully.
Popular Variations of Butter Chicken
There are countless variations of Butter Chicken depending on your taste preference and cooking style. Here are some popular ones you can try:
1. Creamy Cashew Butter Chicken
Replace some cream with blended cashews for a nutty richness. This version is slightly thicker and pairs wonderfully with garlic naan.
2. Spicy Butter Chicken
If you like more heat, add extra red chili powder or garam masala. It transforms the dish into a bold, fiery version while keeping the same creamy balance.
3. Vegan Butter Chicken
Yes, you can enjoy this classic without meat. Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower and use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free twist.
4. Quick Butter Chicken
Short on time? Use pre-cooked grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken. Just add it to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes for an easy Butter Chicken fix.
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Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
A rich and creamy Indian curry featuring tender, marinated chicken in a velvety tomato and butter sauce. This restaurant-style dish is surprisingly achievable at home with the right technique and spices.
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt full-fat preferred
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ginger freshly grated
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp kashmiri red chili powder or 1/2 tsp paprika + 1/2 tsp cayenne for color and heat
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee, for cooking
- 2 tbsp butter unsalted
- 1 large onion diced
- 1.5 cups tomato puree or 4-5 large tomatoes, blended
- 1 tsp sugar to balance acidity
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) crushed between palms
- 2 tbsp butter for finishing the sauce
- 2 tbsp cilantro freshly chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, half of the minced garlic, half of the grated ginger, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, salt, and turmeric. Add the chicken pieces and mix until thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
- Cook the Marinated Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches) and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked inside at this stage. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Start the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Add the remaining garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Tomato Base: Add the tomato puree and sugar to the skillet. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomato mixture thickens and deepens in color, and the oil starts to separate at the edges.
- Blend the Sauce (Optional but Recommended): For an ultra-smooth and restaurant-style sauce, let the tomato mixture cool slightly, then transfer it to a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Always be cautious when blending hot liquids.
- Finish the Curry: Pour the smooth sauce back into the skillet over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the crushed dried fenugreek leaves. Add the partially cooked chicken pieces and any accumulated juices back into the sauce. Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking and the flavors to meld.
- Final Enrichment: Turn off the heat. Stir in the final 2 tablespoons of butter until it melts and creates a glossy, rich sauce. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with basmati rice or warm naan bread.
Notes
🔹 Marinating is Key: Do not skip the marinating time. It tenderizes the chicken and is crucial for authentic flavor.
🔹 Kashmiri Chili Powder: This provides the classic vibrant red color without excessive heat. It’s worth seeking out in Indian grocery stores.
🔹 Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi): This is the signature flavor of butter chicken. Do not omit it.
🔹 Blending the Sauce: For the silkiest texture, blending is highly recommended.
🔹 Adjusting Heat & Creaminess: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your preference. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
Nutrition
Calories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 38gFat: 41gSaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 245mgSodium: 980mgPotassium: 720mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 35IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 15mg
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How to Serve Butter Chicken Perfectly
Butter Chicken tastes best when served hot and fresh. Traditionally, it’s enjoyed with fluffy basmati rice or buttery naan. For a lighter option, try pairing it with brown rice or quinoa. Adding a side of cucumber raita or a crisp green salad helps balance out the richness.
For a complete Indian-style feast, pair it with vegetable samosas or a bowl of dal makhani. If you’re hosting a dinner, garnish the curry with fresh cream and coriander leaves for a restaurant-style presentation.
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about homemade Butter Chicken is that it tastes even better the next day. You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove and add a splash of water or milk to restore its creamy consistency.
If you want to store it longer, freeze the curry in portions. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly. Avoid microwaving directly from frozen, as that can make the chicken dry.
Perfect Pairings for Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken is versatile enough to pair with a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious combinations:
- Naan Bread: Classic soft naan or garlic naan soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Jeera Rice: Cumin-flavored rice complements the subtle sweetness of the curry.
- Mango Lassi: A refreshing, sweet drink that balances the spices in the dish.
- Mint Chutney: Adds a cool, zesty flavor to every bite.
Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive celebration, Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) always stands out as a comforting centerpiece. It’s a dish that brings people together, offering warmth, flavor, and a taste of India’s culinary heritage in every spoonful.
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