Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is an iconic Indian dish that has captivated food lovers worldwide. Known for its creamy, mildly spicy, and rich tomato-based sauce, butter chicken is a comfort dish that’s easy to make at home. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to create this delicious creamy butter chicken right in your kitchen.
This recipe is ideal for those who enjoy well-rounded flavors with the warmth of spices but without overwhelming heat. With tender chicken pieces marinated in a flavorful yogurt blend and simmered in a rich tomato-cream sauce, this butter chicken is bound to become a favorite.
Ingredients for the Best Creamy Butter Chicken
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces): Chicken thighs bring juiciness and flavor, but you could substitute with chicken breasts.
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: This serves as the base for the marinade, tenderizing the chicken and allowing the spices to coat it evenly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced and 1 Tbsp ginger, minced: Fresh garlic and ginger bring depth and authenticity to the dish.
- Spices: 1 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp red chili powder, and 1 tsp sea salt. These spices form a warming, earthy flavor profile.
For the Sauce:
- 2 Tbsp oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado): Any neutral cooking oil will work here.
- 2 Tbsp ghee or butter: Ghee has a nutty richness, but butter is a fine substitute.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic helps to build up the base flavor in the sauce.
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin, 1 1/2 tsp garam masala, and 1 tsp ground coriander: These spices create a rich and aromatic base for the sauce.
- 14 oz tomato sauce: This forms the foundation of the sauce, adding tanginess and sweetness.
- 1 tsp red chili powder and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper: Adds a mild heat to the sauce. Feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk: Cream provides a luxurious richness; coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative.
- 1/2 tsp dried fenugreek (or crushed kasoori methi): This is optional but adds a distinct, aromatic note.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional): Adds color and a refreshing flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Butter Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, minced garlic, minced ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir well until the marinade is smooth and evenly mixed.
- Add the chicken pieces, tossing them to coat evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for even more flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is sizzling, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Discard any extra marinade. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
- Allow the chicken to brown on each side. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked here as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan, cover, and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of ghee or butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about a minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the cumin, garam masala, coriander, red chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir the spices around in the hot pan for about 30 seconds to release their aromas.
- Add the tomato sauce and salt to the pan, using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to scrape up any brown bits at the bottom of the pan. These bits add deep flavor to the sauce. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
- Finish the Sauce and Add Chicken:
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking as you pour to ensure the cream blends smoothly with the tomato sauce.
- Stir in the dried fenugreek (if using), which will add a slightly sweet, nutty taste to the sauce.
- Add the browned chicken pieces and any accumulated juices back into the pan. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce and simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and bubbling.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a bit more ghee or butter to loosen it up.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the pan from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Serve the butter chicken with warm naan bread and fluffy basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips and Variations for Perfecting Your Butter Chicken
Here are some helpful tips and tasty variations to make your butter chicken even more versatile and suited to your preferences.
1. Adjust the Spice Levels
- The beauty of homemade butter chicken is that you can customize the spice level. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of red chili powder and cayenne pepper, or even omit the cayenne entirely. For a medium spice, stick to the recipe as written, and for a spicier dish, add an extra pinch of chili powder or a dash of freshly chopped green chilies.
- If you’re cooking for a mixed group, keep the spice mild, and offer hot sauce or chili powder on the side so everyone can adjust to their taste.
2. Substitute Heavy Cream with Coconut Milk
- For those who are dairy-free or seeking a lighter alternative, replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. This not only makes the dish dairy-free but also adds a subtle, nutty sweetness that complements the spices beautifully. Coconut milk will make the sauce a bit thinner, so you might want to let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
- Another non-dairy option is cashew cream. Simply blend soaked cashews with a small amount of water until smooth, and use it in place of the cream for a similarly rich texture without the dairy.
3. Using Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs
- While chicken thighs are recommended for their juicy, tender texture, you can easily substitute them with chicken breasts. Just be cautious when cooking, as chicken breasts can dry out more quickly. Consider cutting them into slightly larger chunks and reducing the cooking time slightly to keep them tender and moist.
- Alternatively, try a mix of thighs and breasts if you have both on hand. This way, you’ll enjoy a variety of textures in your dish.
4. Amp Up the Marinade
- For even more flavor, you can extend the marinade time up to 24 hours. This longer marination lets the yogurt and spices penetrate deeper, making the chicken extra tender and flavorful.
- You could also add a small pinch of saffron or a splash of lemon juice to the marinade for an extra layer of complexity and brightness.
5. Add More Veggies
- Butter chicken pairs well with a variety of vegetables. You could add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or even peas during the final simmer to create a more substantial, veggie-packed meal.
- If you want a creamier sauce with more texture, stir in a handful of cashews or almonds. These will soften as the dish cooks and add a nutty richness to the sauce.
6. Try a Smoky Flavor with Charred Chicken
- For an authentic touch, consider cooking the marinated chicken on a grill or under the broiler for a few minutes to give it a slight char before adding it to the sauce. This method mimics the traditional clay oven (tandoor) cooking and brings a subtle smokiness to the dish.
- If grilling isn’t an option, you can achieve a similar effect by using a stovetop grill pan to quickly sear the chicken before finishing it in the sauce.
7. Thicken the Sauce with Additional Ghee or Butter
- If the sauce is too thin for your preference, try adding a bit more ghee or butter while it simmers. This will make the sauce richer and give it a glossy, luscious finish.
- Another way to thicken the sauce is to let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. For an even richer texture, add a spoonful of Greek yogurt at the end.
8. Include Extra Herbs and Garnishes
- While cilantro is a classic garnish, you can also add fresh mint leaves for a unique twist. Mint complements the flavors of the spices, adding a cooling effect to balance out the heat.
- A sprinkle of chopped green onions or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can also add a bright, fresh element.
9. Serving Ideas Beyond Rice and Naan
- While butter chicken is delicious served with basmati rice and naan, you can also serve it with other sides. Try pairing it with quinoa, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even pita bread for a different twist.
- For a fusion flair, consider making butter chicken wraps with warm tortillas, adding a bit of cucumber or cabbage slaw for crunch. This makes for a great lunch or quick dinner option.
10. Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Butter chicken is known to taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- If you want to make a big batch, butter chicken also freezes well! Simply allow it to cool, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce.
With these tips and variations, you can make this butter chicken recipe uniquely yours and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal that can adapt to different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re preparing it for a special dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish will never disappoint.
Why This Butter Chicken Recipe is So Popular
Butter Chicken is famous for its perfect balance of spices, creamy texture, and the ease of customizing spice levels. The yogurt marinade helps to tenderize the chicken, and the cooking process allows each flavor to build upon the last, resulting in a dish with deep, rich flavors. The addition of dried fenugreek or kasoori methi gives the dish an extra layer of complexity, bringing it closer to what you’d enjoy in an authentic Indian restaurant.
Storing and Reheating Butter Chicken
This butter chicken keeps well and can even taste better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water or cream to keep the sauce from becoming too thick.
Final Thoughts
Making butter chicken at home is incredibly rewarding. You get to control the spices, adjust the creaminess, and enjoy a homemade version that rivals restaurant-quality meals. Give this recipe a try, and get ready to savor every creamy, flavorful bite of this delicious butter chicken with family and friends!
