Irresistible Butter Chicken Recipe

Irresistible Butter Chicken Recipe

Few dishes can rival the creamy, flavorful magic of Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani. Originating in the heart of Delhi, India, this dish combines tender chicken pieces simmered in a silky tomato-butter sauce infused with aromatic spices. The result? A mouthwatering balance of heat, creaminess, and richness that makes Butter Chicken irresistible for everyone — from spice lovers to comfort food seekers.

🍗 The Origin of Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken was accidentally invented in the 1950s at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi. The chefs combined leftover tandoori chicken with a rich tomato gravy, butter, and cream to prevent it from drying out — and the rest is culinary history! Today, it’s one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide, often served with warm naan or fragrant basmati rice.

🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to create the perfect restaurant-style Butter Chicken at home:

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 ½ lbs (700 g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ¾ cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, and all the marinade spices. Add the chicken pieces and coat them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
This step tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with deep, aromatic spices.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and cook the marinated chicken in batches until lightly charred on the edges.
👉 Note: You don’t need to cook it all the way through — it will finish cooking in the sauce later.

Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce

In the same pan, melt the butter and add diced onions. Sauté until golden brown. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in cumin, garam masala, chili powder, and paprika. Let the spices bloom for 30 seconds — this releases their essential oils and enhances the flavor.

Add the tomato sauce, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and turns a deeper red.

Step 4: Add Cream and Chicken

Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add the cooked chicken and any juices left in the bowl. Let it simmer gently for another 10–12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Taste and adjust salt or sugar as needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a swirl of butter or cream on top and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve warm with basmati rice, naan bread, or even roti for a complete, satisfying meal.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with:

  • 🫓 Garlic Naan – the buttery flatbread perfectly soaks up the sauce.
  • 🍚 Jeera Rice – basmati rice flavored with cumin seeds.
  • 🥗 Cucumber Raita – a cool yogurt-based dip to balance the spice.
  • 🥒 Simple Green Salad – for a light, refreshing contrast.

You can also turn leftovers into:

  • Butter Chicken Wraps
  • Butter Chicken Pizza
  • Butter Chicken Pasta

💡 Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken

✅ Use Chicken Thighs: They stay juicy and tender compared to breasts.
✅ Toast Your Spices: It deepens the flavor and gives that authentic aroma.
✅ Don’t Skip the Marinade: Yogurt and lemon juice make the chicken melt-in-your-mouth soft.
✅ Adjust Spice Level: For milder flavor, reduce chili powder; for more heat, add a pinch of cayenne.
✅ Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with vegan butter and cream with coconut cream.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.
  • Easy enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests.
  • Can be made in under 40 minutes!
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day.

🧂 Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 480
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fat: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 6g

(Values vary based on ingredients used.)

🌍 A Comfort Dish Loved Worldwide

From London to Los Angeles, Butter Chicken has become a global favorite. Whether served in a fine dining restaurant or made in your home kitchen, its combination of buttery richness and bold spices never fails to impress. It’s a comforting reminder of how simple ingredients — when cooked with care — can create something truly extraordinary.

✨ Final Thoughts

The Irresistible Butter Chicken Recipe is more than just a dish — it’s an experience. Each bite brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of luxury to your dinner table. So next time you crave something hearty and full of flavor, skip the takeout and make this classic right at home. You’ll be amazed at how easy — and delicious — it is!

Related Posts