Introduction: The Rich Legacy of Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, also known as “Murgh Makhani,” is one of the most beloved dishes from Indian cuisine. Originating in Delhi during the 1950s, this creamy and mildly spiced chicken dish has won hearts worldwide. If you’re craving an authentic Butter Chicken experience, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the history, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions on how to prepare a restaurant-quality Butter Chicken in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a cozy homemade meal, this recipe is perfect for all occasions.

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What Makes Butter Chicken So Special?

Butter Chicken stands out for its rich, velvety sauce made with tomatoes, butter, and cream. This classic recipe combines the warmth of Indian spices with the comforting texture of the creamy sauce. The key to making the perfect Butter Chicken is balancing the tangy tomato base with the sweetness of cream and the depth of spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander.

Another highlight is the chicken itself. Marinated in yogurt, lemon juice, and spices, the chicken is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, but this recipe shows how to achieve similar results using an oven or stovetop.

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Ingredients for Authentic Butter Chicken

To create the best Butter Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients. We’ve categorized them to make your shopping easier:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500g boneless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1/2 cup yogurt (full-fat for richness)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 large tomatoes, pureed
• 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
• 1/4 cup fresh cream (heavy cream preferred)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• 1 tablespoon Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Salt to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro leaves (coriander)
• Extra cream for drizzling
• Lemon wedges

Ingredient Insights:

• Kasuri Methi is the secret to authentic Butter Chicken flavor. It adds a unique earthy taste to the dish.
• Ginger-garlic paste is used in both the marinade and the sauce to create a deep, aromatic flavor.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinating the Chicken

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, red chili powder, garam masala, turmeric, ginger-garlic paste, and salt.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are well-coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best results).

Tip: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes. Yogurt not only tenderizes the chicken but also allows the spices to penetrate deep into the meat.

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) or prepare a stovetop grill pan.
2. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet or grill pan and cook for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through. The chicken should be slightly charred on the outside and juicy inside.
3. Once done, set the chicken aside.

Alternative: If you prefer, you can cook the chicken directly in the sauce after marinating.

Step 3: Preparing the Butter Chicken Sauce

1. In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle for a few seconds.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Pour in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates from the mixture (about 10–15 minutes). Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
4. Add garam masala, ground coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
5. Add sugar and continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.

Tip: Cooking the tomatoes thoroughly is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

Step 4: Bringing It All Together

1. Add the cooked chicken pieces into the sauce, stirring gently to coat them.
2. Pour in the fresh cream and mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for another 5–7 minutes on low heat.
3. Crush the Kasuri Methi between your palms and sprinkle it into the sauce for added flavor.

Tip: For extra richness, you can add another tablespoon of butter at this stage.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving

1. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a drizzle of cream before serving.
2. Serve your Butter Chicken hot with naan, roti, or basmati rice.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken

Here are some expert tips to make sure your Butter Chicken turns out restaurant-quality every time:

1. Marinate the Chicken: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the spices and yogurt to work their magic, tenderizing the meat.
2. Don’t Skip Kasuri Methi: This dried fenugreek herb is what gives Butter Chicken its signature aroma and taste. A small amount goes a long way.
3. Cook Tomatoes Well: The key to a perfect Butter Chicken sauce is cooking the tomatoes until the oil separates. This step ensures the sauce isn’t too tangy and that all the flavors are well-blended.
4. Balance the Flavors: The sweetness from the cream and sugar should complement the tanginess of the tomatoes and spiciness of the chili powder. Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and sugar levels accordingly.
5. Char the Chicken: If possible, cook the chicken on a grill or in the oven until it gets a slight char. This adds a smoky flavor to the dish, similar to what you would get in a tandoor.

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Nutritional Information for Butter Chicken

For those interested in the nutritional breakdown of this classic dish, here’s an overview of the typical nutritional values per serving of Butter Chicken (assuming a standard serving size of 200g):

• Calories: 400–450 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 30g (mostly from butter and cream)
• Fiber: 2g

Butter Chicken, while indulgent, is packed with protein from the chicken and essential fats from the butter and cream. You can always adjust the fat content by reducing the amount of cream or using a lighter version.

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1. Can I Make Butter Chicken Dairy-Free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the yogurt in the marinade with coconut yogurt and replace the cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

2. Can I Make Butter Chicken in Advance?

Absolutely. In fact, Butter Chicken often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

3. What Can I Serve with Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken pairs perfectly with naan, roti, or basmati rice. You can also serve it with a side of cucumber raita to cool down the spices.

4. How Spicy Is Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken is mildly spiced, making it ideal for those who aren’t used to very spicy food. You can adjust the heat level by reducing or increasing the chili powder to suit your taste.

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Conclusion: Enjoying Your Authentic Butter Chicken

Making Butter Chicken at home is simpler than you think, and the results are absolutely worth it.