Creamy Dreamy Butter Chicken Murgh Makhani

Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Butter Chicken Bliss
Ever crave something truly comforting and flavourful? These indian chicken recipes are amazing. I'm talking about a rich and creamy dish.
It will warm you from the inside out. We are talking about Butter Chicken , also known as Murgh Makhani .
Honestly, is there anything more satisfying than that?
Brief Overview: From Delhi with Love
Butter Chicken hails from Delhi, India. It's a dish steeped in history and flavour. It’s a medium difficulty recipe. It takes around 3 hours 15 minutes total (including marinating time).
This Butter Chicken recipe yields 4-6 servings.
Main Benefits: Healthyish Indulgence
This Creamy chicken recipe Indian is protein packed from the chicken and offers some healthy fats. Perfect for a cosy night in or a dinner party with friends.
It's special because it blends authentic Indian flavours with an easy-to-follow recipe. This easy butter chicken is something you’ll be making again and again.
What Makes This Butter Chicken Different
Okay, so what makes this Authentic Indian butter chicken special? Well, the secret is in the marinade and the kasuri methi .
Marinating the chicken overnight is important. It makes it super tender. The kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) adds a unique aromatic flavour.
It’s what separates this best butter chicken recipe from the rest. You can get that fantastic Restaurant style butter chicken at home.
Let's Talk Ingredients
So, you are probably asking what you need. You will need things like chicken, yogurt, tomatoes and spices. I will be talking more about the exact things and amounts you need next.
Honestly, getting everything together is half the battle! We want to make this homemade butter chicken perfect and not feel like a chore, so let’s get started.
Time to make some magic!
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Butter Chicken Adventure
So, you're ready to tackle Butter Chicken ! Awesome! It might seem a bit daunting, but trust me, it's easier than perfecting a Victoria Sponge.
We'll break down the ingredients. Then you can get on your way to making authentic indian chicken recipes
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific
For this Easy butter chicken recipe, here's what you need. No scrimping here, eh?
Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs give you moist meat
- 1 cup (240ml) full fat plain yogurt. Look for thick Greek yogurt.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) ginger garlic paste. Equal parts is key.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice. Freshly squeezed gives the best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) garam masala. Freshly ground for aromatic explosion.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) turmeric powder. Adds colour and earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) red chili powder. Adjust to your taste, mate.
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt. Season well.
Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil. Any neutral oil will do.
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter. Proper butter only, yeah?
- 1 medium onion , finely chopped. About 1 cup.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) ginger garlic paste. You remember the magic ratio?
- 1 (14.5 oz) (411g) can crushed tomatoes. Quality counts.
- 1 cup (240ml) tomato puree. Adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) garam masala. We need more aroma!
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) red chili powder. More heat, if you like it.
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) kasuri methi, crushed. Dried fenugreek leaves.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream. The magic ingredient
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) sugar. Optional, to balance the tomato acidity.
- Salt to taste. Always season.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped. For a final fresh flourish.
If your tomatoes are a bit acidic you might need to add more sugar
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Right!
The heart of any Indian chicken curry is its spice blend. Garam masala is your base. A quality garam masala smells of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
Kasuri methi, or dried fenugreek leaves, adds a unique, slightly bitter note.
Can't find kasuri methi? A pinch of dried thyme will do in a pinch! For the red chili powder, Kashmiri chili powder is mild and adds great color.
If you want proper heat, a dash of cayenne will sort you out.
Equipment Needed: Keeping it Simple
You don't need a fancy kit for a homemade butter chicken .
- Large mixing bowl. For marinating the chicken.
- Skillet or Dutch oven. A heavy bottomed pot is ideal.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Don't guess, measure!
- Wooden spoon or spatula. For stirring and scraping.
Don't have a Dutch oven? A deep frying pan will work just as well. The secret ingredient to the best butter chicken recipe is your love of food. Enjoy!
Unleash the Magic: Cooking Up Amazing Butter Chicken
Alright, let’s get cracking! As they say in Bollywood, "Picture abhi baaki hai, mere dost!" (The film is not over yet, my friend!).
We're diving into the wonderful world of indian chicken recipes , particularly, Butter Chicken , a crowd pleaser worthy of a spot on any curry night menu.
This version leans into the classic richness but remains approachable for the home cook.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place for Success
First, let's get organised. Chop 1 medium onion finely, grate ginger and garlic for 1 tablespoon of ginger garlic paste, measure all your spices (garam masala, turmeric, red chili powder, kasuri methi, salt).
Cut 1.5 lbs of chicken thighs into 1 inch pieces. This essential mise en place is key. It speeds up the cooking process.
Honestly, it's a game changer. It gives you the chance to focus on the flavor.
step-by-step to Deliciousness: Your Butter Chicken Journey
Here's how to make this amazing dish.
- Marinate : Mix chicken with yogurt, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, and spices. Chill for at least 2 hours .
- Sauté : Heat oil and butter. Cook onion until golden. Add ginger garlic paste. Cook until fragrant.
- Simmer : Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, spices, and kasuri methi. Simmer for 15- 20 minutes .
- Cook : Grill or pan-fry chicken until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165° F/ 74° C ).
- Combine : Add chicken to sauce. Coat evenly.
- Cream : Stir in heavy cream and sugar (optional). Simmer for 5 minutes .
- Garnish : Sprinkle with cilantro.
- Serve : With rice or naan.
Pro Tips to Elevate Your Murgh Makhani
Want to take your Easy butter chicken to the next level? Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavour. Don't burn the spices.
It can make the dish bitter. Kasuri methi can be substituted with a pinch of thyme. Avoid overcrowding the pan when pan-frying the chicken.
You know? That's how to get the best browning.
This creamy chicken recipe Indian style is one of the best butter chicken recipes I've ever had. I'm sure you'll love it! This recipe is so good it tastes like it is from a restaurant style butter chicken
Alright, let’s get cracking! As they say in Bollywood, Picture abhi baaki hai, mere dost! We're diving into the wonderful world of Indian chicken, particularly, Butter Chicken, a crowd pleaser worthy of a spot on any curry night menu.
This version leans into the classic richness but remains approachable for the home cook.
Recipe Notes to Nail That Indian Chicken Curry
Okay, so you're ready to tackle this Creamy Dreamy Butter Chicken recipe , huh? Honestly, it's easier than you think.
But like any good Murgh Makhani , a few tips and tricks can make all the difference. Here’s the lowdown, based on my kitchen adventures!
Serving This Indian Chicken Recipes Like a Pro
Presentation, people! A dollop of cream, a sprinkle of cilantro, and a side of fluffy basmati...boom! You can’t go wrong pairing your butter chicken with naan either.
Trust me. For drinks? I reckon a cold lassi or even just a crisp lager. This Indian chicken curry is delightful.
I usually pair this easy butter chicken with a side of raita to balance the creaminess.
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers of this restaurant style butter chicken ? Lucky you! Fridge wise, it'll keep happily for about 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezing works too. Just let it cool completely, then portion it out. When reheating, a low and slow simmer on the stove is best.
Maybe add a splash of water to keep it from drying out. You know?
Adaptations for Everyone
Got mates who are veggie? No sweat! Swap the chicken for paneer or tofu. Suddenly, you've got a totally banging vegan butter chicken recipe .
Boom. I've made this a bunch of times with cashew cream instead of regular cream. For a less spicy vibe, ease up on the red chili powder.
Nutrition Bits
Let's keep this simple: This authentic Indian butter chicken is protein packed. It's got a fair bit of fat from the cream.
But hey, everything in moderation, right? Think of the tomatoes as your vitamins. I like to think of it as a hug in a bowl, especially when it's cold outside!
So there you have it. My take on the humble homemade butter chicken . It's delicious, it's comforting, and with these tips, you're going to nail it. Happy cooking, friends!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to marinate the chicken for these indian chicken recipes? Should I leave it overnight?
For the most flavorful and tender Butter Chicken, marinating the chicken overnight is ideal. At a minimum, aim for at least 2 hours to allow the yogurt and spices to penetrate the chicken. Think of it like a spa day for your chicken it comes out feeling refreshed and delicious!
Can I make this Butter Chicken spicier? I like my Indian chicken recipes to have a bit of a kick!
Absolutely! The spice level is totally adjustable. The easiest way to increase the heat is to add more red chili powder to both the marinade and the sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce or, for a truly authentic kick, finely chop a green chili and sauté it along with the onions and garlic.
I don't have kasuri methi. Is it essential? What can I substitute?
Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) adds a unique, slightly bitter flavor that's characteristic of Butter Chicken, but it's not the end of the world if you don't have it! You can omit it without drastically changing the overall taste.
If you want a substitute, a tiny pinch of dried thyme or oregano can add a subtle herbaceous note.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? How should I store leftovers?
Yes, Butter Chicken is actually even better the next day as the flavors meld together! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2-3 months), but the texture of the sauce might change slightly upon thawing.
I'm trying to be health conscious. Any tips for making this Indian chicken recipes a bit lighter?
You can definitely lighten up Butter Chicken without sacrificing too much flavor. Use low-fat yogurt for the marinade and reduce the amount of heavy cream. Consider using half and-half or full fat coconut milk as a substitute for the cream (the coconut milk will add a slightly different flavour profile).
Also, use less butter or oil when making the sauce.
What should I serve with this Creamy Dreamy Butter Chicken?
This Butter Chicken is absolutely delicious with a variety of sides! Fluffy basmati rice is a classic choice, perfect for soaking up all that flavorful sauce. Naan bread is also a winner for dipping.
For a refreshing contrast, a side of raita (a yogurt based dip with cucumber and mint) or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette works wonders.
Creamy Dreamy Butter Chicken Murgh Makhani

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | N/A |