Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter Chicken
Photo by Hrushi Chavhan on Unsplash

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes to emerge from Indian cuisine.

This creamy, mildly spiced tomato-based curry features succulent pieces of grilled or pan-cooked chicken drenched in a velvety sauce. Revered worldwide for its luxurious texture and balanced flavors, Butter Chicken has earned a place on dinner tables from Delhi to New York.

This guide not only walks you through a traditional Butter Chicken recipe but also dives into its origins, variations, serving tips, and more.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 500g boneless chicken (preferably thigh), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup thick yogurt (curd)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (Kashmiri for color, optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon oil or melted butter

For the Butter Chicken Gravy:

  • 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups tomatoes, pureed (about 4 medium tomatoes)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or fresh cream)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup water (adjust for consistency)
  • 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Serves

This recipe serves 4 people.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and oil.
  2. Add the chicken pieces and coat well.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  • Grilling method: Thread chicken onto skewers and grill in an oven at 220°C (430°F) for 15-20 minutes, turning once midway.
  • Pan-frying method: Heat a tablespoon of butter or oil in a non-stick pan and cook chicken until golden brown and just cooked through. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

  1. In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon oil.
  2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until raw smell disappears.
  4. Add tomato puree and cook for 10-12 minutes on medium heat, until oil separates from the mixture.
  5. Add chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala. Cook for 2 more minutes.
  6. Add sugar and salt to balance flavors.

Step 4: Finish the Butter Chicken

  1. Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce.
  2. Pour in 1/2 cup water and simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.
  3. Stir in the cream and crushed kasuri methi.
  4. Simmer for another 5 minutes on low heat. Adjust salt and spices.
  5. Garnish with fresh coriander and a drizzle of cream or butter.

Serving Suggestions

  • Breads: Best paired with naan, butter naan, roti, or paratha.
  • Rice: Basmati rice or jeera (cumin) rice complement it beautifully.
  • Accompaniments: Onion rings, cucumber salad, lemon wedges, and mint chutney.
  • Drinks: A chilled mango lassi or plain salted lassi makes the perfect beverage pairing.

Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken

  • Use thigh meat: Chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful than breast meat.
  • Marinate well: A long marination enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • Don’t skip kasuri methi: It adds a unique, slightly bitter aroma that defines Butter Chicken.
  • Balance the flavors: Adjust sugar and salt to get the perfect blend of savory and sweet.
  • Slow cooking: Simmering the gravy after adding chicken makes it richer.

Healthier Alternatives

  • Low-fat version: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream and reduce the butter to 1 tablespoon.
  • Grill instead of fry: Cooking chicken in an air fryer or grill avoids extra oil.
  • Swap cream: Use cashew paste or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Add veggies: Sneak in finely pureed carrots or spinach into the gravy for added nutrients.

Creative Variations

  1. Paneer Butter Masala: Replace chicken with paneer cubes for a vegetarian twist.
  2. Tofu Butter Masala: Vegan option using tofu and coconut cream.
  3. Spicy Butter Chicken: Add green chilies or extra chili powder for heat lovers.
  4. Smoky Butter Chicken: Use a piece of hot coal with ghee in a bowl to infuse a smoky aroma.
  5. Butter Chicken Pizza: Use the curry as a pizza base sauce topped with mozzarella.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using raw chicken in the sauce: Always pre-cook the chicken.
  2. Overcooking chicken: Especially if using breast, this can make it dry.
  3. Too much tomato: It can make the gravy sour if not balanced with sugar or cream.
  4. Skipping cream or butter: These are essential for the classic taste.
  5. Not cooking the tomato base properly: The gravy will taste raw if not sautéed well.

History of Butter Chicken

The Accidental Invention

Butter Chicken is said to have been created in the 1950s at Moti Mahal, a legendary restaurant in Old Delhi, by Kundan Lal Gujral. The dish was born out of necessity rather than innovation. Leftover tandoori chicken would dry out quickly, and to reuse it, the chefs started simmering it in a buttery tomato-based gravy enriched with cream and spices. The result was a rich, luscious dish that transformed dry tandoori leftovers into a culinary sensation.

Butter Chicken
Photo by Hrushi Chavhan on Unsplash

A Delhi Phenomenon Goes Global

Once Butter Chicken gained popularity at Moti Mahal, it didn’t take long to become a staple across North Indian restaurants. The creamy, slightly sweet, tomato-forward sauce with smoky chicken struck a balance between comfort and luxury. Its appeal wasn’t limited to Indian audiences; international chefs and food lovers embraced it, leading to countless versions and adaptations worldwide.

Modern-Day Popularity

Today, Butter Chicken has achieved legendary status globally. It’s often the gateway dish for those exploring Indian cuisine for the first time. From upscale restaurants to local takeaways in London, Toronto, or Sydney, you’ll find Butter Chicken on menus almost everywhere. It has even inspired fusion dishes like Butter Chicken pasta, pizza, and pies, proving that its influence knows no bounds.

FAQs about Butter Chicken

  1. What makes Butter Chicken different from Chicken Tikka Masala?
    While both are creamy tomato-based curries, Butter Chicken is slightly sweeter and creamier, whereas Chicken Tikka Masala tends to be spicier and uses grilled chicken tikka.
  2. Can I make Butter Chicken without cream?
    Yes, use full-fat milk, cashew paste, or coconut milk as alternatives.
  3. Can I freeze Butter Chicken?
    Absolutely. Cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.
  4. Is Butter Chicken gluten-free?
    Yes, the basic recipe is naturally gluten-free.
  5. How can I make it spicier?
    Add chopped green chilies or increase the red chili powder quantity.
  6. Can I make Butter Chicken with bone-in chicken?
    Yes, though boneless is traditional, bone-in pieces can add extra flavor.
  7. What kind of tomatoes are best?
    Use ripe, red tomatoes for a sweeter, richer gravy. Avoid overly tart ones.
  8. Can I cook Butter Chicken in a slow cooker?
    Yes, cook the chicken separately and simmer the sauce on low for enhanced depth.
  9. How long does it take to make Butter Chicken?
    With prep and cooking, about 1.5 hours. Marination time adds more.
  10. Is Butter Chicken healthy?
    It can be calorie-rich due to butter and cream. Use lighter alternatives to make it healthier.

Butter Chicken is more than just a dish, it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and culinary history. Its creamy richness, paired with smoky chicken and aromatic spices, makes it a timeless comfort food loved across continents. Whether you’re cooking it for a cozy family dinner or an indulgent weekend treat, mastering Butter Chicken is a rewarding experience for any home cook.

With variations for all preferences and dietary needs, you can adapt this classic recipe to suit your style while still savoring its authentic charm. So roll up your sleeves, fire up your stove, and let the aroma of Butter Chicken fill your kitchen, it’s time to create magic!