How to Make Butter Chicken

How to Make Butter Chicken: Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved dishes from Indian cuisine. This creamy, spiced, and mildly sweet chicken dish is popular in Indian restaurants worldwide, particularly in the US. With tender, marinated chicken pieces simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce, Butter Chicken combines the richness of butter and cream with fragrant spices. While this dish might sound complex, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home with common ingredients you can find at any local grocery store.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through a detailed step-by-step guide to making Butter Chicken from scratch, so you can recreate the magic of this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen.

Ingredients For Making Butter Chicken (For 4 Person)

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (thighs are juicier, but breasts work well too)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (provides creaminess and helps tenderize the chicken)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika (adds a smoky flavor without too much heat)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (adds color and earthy flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala (an essential blend of Indian spices)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, adjust to your preferred spice level)
• Salt to taste

For the Butter Chicken Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (you can also use ghee for an even richer flavor)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes or tomato puree (whichever you have on hand)
• 1 cup heavy cream (for the signature creamy texture)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance the acidity of tomatoes)
• 1 teaspoon ground fenugreek (kasuri methi) (optional but adds an authentic flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste

Garnishes and Optional Additions

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnishing)
• Lemon wedges
• Slivered almonds or cashews (for extra richness)

Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Butter Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step in making Butter Chicken, as it ensures that the chicken absorbs all the wonderful flavors while becoming tender.

How to Marinate:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, and salt.
2. Add the chicken pieces and mix until they are fully coated with the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, marinate overnight.

Why Marinate?
Marination infuses the chicken with spices, tenderizes it, and ensures the flavors penetrate deep into the meat.

2. Grill or Sear the Chicken

You have two options here: grilling the chicken for a smoky flavor or searing it in a skillet. Grilling is more traditional, but searing works just as well and might be easier in a standard kitchen setup.

Grilling the Chicken:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates.
2. Place the marinated chicken pieces on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
3. Remove the chicken from the grill and set it aside.

Searing the Chicken:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil or butter.
2. Sear the marinated chicken in batches, making sure to cook each side for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
3. Set the cooked chicken aside.

Tip:
Don’t worry if the chicken is slightly undercooked—it will finish cooking when we add it to the sauce later.

3. Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce

The sauce is the heart of Butter Chicken. Rich, creamy, and packed with spices, this sauce is what makes the dish so luxurious.

Steps for the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. This step is important because caramelizing the onions brings out their sweetness, which balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
3. Add minced garlic and ginger to the onions and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes (or tomato puree) and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the tomatoes break down.

4. Blend the Sauce

For a smooth, silky texture, you’ll want to blend the sauce. This step helps to create the signature creamy consistency that Butter Chicken is known for.

How to Blend the Sauce:

1. Carefully transfer the cooked tomato mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth.
2. If using a traditional blender, blend in batches and make sure to let the steam escape from the top to avoid a mess.

5. Finish the Sauce

Now that you have a smooth tomato base, it’s time to add richness and flavor.

Steps:

1. Return the blended sauce to the skillet and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, sugar, fenugreek (optional), garam masala, chili powder, and salt.
2. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and develop a beautiful orange hue.

6. Add the Chicken to the Sauce

This is where everything comes together.

1. Add the grilled or seared chicken pieces into the simmering sauce.
2. Stir to coat the chicken thoroughly, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the sauce.
3. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

7. Garnish and Serve

Your Butter Chicken is ready! Before serving, garnish it with freshly chopped cilantro and serve it hot with basmati rice, naan, or paratha.

Optional Garnishes:

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a bright burst of flavor.
• Sprinkle slivered almonds or cashews for extra richness and texture.

Tips for Making the Best Butter Chicken

• Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs remain tender and juicy, making them ideal for Butter Chicken. If you prefer chicken breasts, keep a close eye on cooking time to avoid dryness.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of chili powder. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra chili powder.
• Make Ahead: Butter Chicken tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter dish.

Conclusion

Making Butter Chicken at home is easier than you might think. With just a handful of spices and a few simple steps, you can enjoy this rich, flavorful dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this Butter Chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite. Serve it with rice or naan, and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory goodness!

FAQs

1. Can I Use Store-Bought Butter Chicken Sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce provides fresher, more vibrant flavors. Store-bought sauces may contain preservatives or extra sodium, which can alter the taste.

2. Can I Make Butter Chicken Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute coconut milk for the cream and use oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.

3. How Long Does Butter Chicken Last?
Butter Chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat it gently on the stovetop for best results.

4. What to serve with Butter Chicken?
Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with Indian bread like naan or roti, which help soak up the creamy sauce. It’s also commonly served with fragrant basmati rice or jeera (cumin) rice. For a full meal, you can add a side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.

5. What does Butter Chicken taste like?
Butter Chicken has a mildly spiced, creamy, and slightly sweet flavor with rich undertones from butter and cream. The tender, marinated chicken absorbs the aromatic spices, while the tangy tomato sauce adds depth. It’s a perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and a hint of smokiness from grilled chicken.

6. Is Butter Chicken healthy?
Butter Chicken is relatively high in calories and fat due to the use of butter, cream, and sometimes sugar. However, you can make it healthier by using lighter alternatives like yogurt, reducing the amount of butter, or opting for coconut milk instead of cream. The dish does provide protein and can be part of a balanced diet if enjoyed in moderation.

Read more: Mushroom Chilli Recipe: A Delicious Indo-Chinese Twist