Description
Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is a rich and creamy Indian curry made with tender marinated chicken simmered in a buttery tomato-based sauce infused with warm spices. The velvety sauce coats each piece of chicken, creating a comforting and flavorful dish perfect with rice or naan.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1½ tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp chili powder or paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, grated
3 tbsp butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, grated
1½ cups tomato puree
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp sugar
½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, salt, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil or butter. Cook the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the chopped onion until soft and golden. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato puree, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and sugar. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in the cream and simmer for 5 minutes. Adjust salt to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with basmati rice, naan, or roti.
Notes
For a smoky flavor, grill or broil the chicken briefly before adding it to the sauce.
Use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Adjust chili powder to control spice level.
Blend the sauce for a smoother texture if desired.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
