Butter chicken

 

Introduction: What is Butter Chicken?

Among all Indian chicken dishes, Butter chicken stands as a worldwide favorite under its original name of murgh makhani. This dish provides a creamy richness which arises from the combination of butter with cream along with its strong aromatic spices. This step-by-step recipe delivers restaurant-style butter chicken so that both beginners and first-time chicken cooks can easily recreate this dish at home.

About Butter Chicken—A Taste of India’s Culinary Heritage

Butter chicken, also called murgh makhani, was a famous North Indian dish that started in Delhi in the 1950s at the well-known Moti Mahal restaurant। Accidentally, leftover tandoori chicken was mixed with a rich tomato, butter, and cream-based gravy, and that was it!

Today, butter chicken is loved in India and around the world for its taste।

• Smooth and velvety texture

• Buttery, mildly spicy flavor

• The ideal ratio of comfort to luxury

Butter chicken is ideal for kids and newcomers to Indian food because it is creamy and mildly spicy in contrast to spicy curries। It works well with jeera, naan, roti, or even plain basmati rice।

Butter chicken always steals the spotlight on the dinner table, whether you're making it for a family gathering or for a special occasion।

Ingredients You'll Need

For Marinating the Chicken:

• 500g boneless chicken (preferably thighs or breasts)

• 1/2 cup yogurt (curd)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste

• 1 tsp red chili powder

• 1/2 tsp turmeric

• Salt to taste

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp oil

• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)

• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste

• 3 medium tomatoes (pureed)

• 1/2 cup fresh cream

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1 tsp kasuri methi (dry fenugreek leaves)

• 1 tsp sugar (optional)

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• Salt to taste
  
  
  

  
  
  

  
  Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken

  • Mix all the marination ingredients with the chicken.

  • Cover and let it marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight in the fridge for better flavor).

  2. Cook the Chicken

  • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan.

  • Cook the marinated chicken until 80% done and slightly charred.

  • Take out and set aside.
    
    

    
    
    

  3. Make the Butter Chicken Gravy

  • In the same pan, add 2 tbsp butter.

  • Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.

  • Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1–2 minutes.

  • Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates (8–10 minutes).

  • Add garam masala, salt, sugar, and kasuri methi.

  • Add cooked chicken and simmer for 5 minutes.

  • Add cream and mix gently. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes.
    
    

    
    
    

  4. Final Touch

  • Garnish with a spoonful of cream and a small cube of butter.

  • Serve hot with naan, roti, or basmati rice.
    
    
    

    Tips for Beginners

    • Don’t skip marination — it makes the chicken juicy.

    • Use fresh cream for the best flavor.

    • Taste and adjust salt/spice before adding cream.

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    • Kasuri methi gives that "restaurant-style" aroma.
      

      
      
      

      Butter Chicken in India – A Dish Loved Nationwide

      Delhi is the birthplace of Butter Chicken, which is today popular throughout India and the world. Every North Indian restaurant, from 5-star hotels to roadside dhabas, serves it.
      
      This recipe is ideal if you're new to Indian cuisine and want to prepare Butter Chicken the traditional Indian way.

      Final Thoughts

      Butter chicken is a celebration of Indian flavors more than just a meal. This recipe will make everyone want more, whether you're cooking for friends or family. It will quickly become your favorite chicken recipe if you give it a try!