Homemade Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Homemade Indian butter chicken is a dish that effortlessly combines rich flavors and creamy textures, making it a favorite for many. The tender chicken, marinated in aromatic spices, is bathed in a luscious tomato-based sauce enriched with butter and cream. This popular Indian dish is often served with naan or rice, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. In this article, you’ll learn how to make butter chicken from scratch, with expert tips and step-by-step instructions to perfect this indulgent, flavorful dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Indian butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a dish that’s beloved for its velvety texture and complex yet balanced flavors. The chicken is marinated in a fragrant mixture of yogurt and spices, which tenderizes the meat and infuses it with deep flavors. Once cooked, the chicken is simmered in a rich, buttery sauce made from tomatoes, cream, and a blend of spices that create a harmonious, satisfying taste. The addition of ghee or butter makes the sauce exceptionally creamy, while a touch of garam masala and fenugreek adds an irresistible warmth and depth.

This dish is incredibly versatile—it can be served with a variety of sides, such as naan, basmati rice, or roasted vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, butter chicken brings the warmth of Indian cuisine to your table. What’s even better is that it can be made at home with fresh ingredients, allowing you to control the flavors and spice levels to your liking. The combination of creaminess and spice makes this dish a comforting choice that will delight anyone who enjoys rich, flavorful food.

Recipe Details

Butter chicken is said to have originated in Delhi, India, when it was first created by the founders of the famous Moti Mahal restaurant in the 1950s. The dish was born out of necessity when leftover tandoori chicken was combined with a rich, buttery tomato gravy, creating the perfect solution for making the chicken juicy and flavorful. Since then, butter chicken has become a staple of Indian cuisine, enjoyed not just in India but worldwide.

The beauty of homemade Indian butter chicken lies in its complexity of flavors. The marinade infuses the chicken with tangy yogurt, warm spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and a touch of heat from chili powder. After being grilled or cooked, the chicken is added to a luscious, buttery sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and garam masala. A dollop of cream at the end gives the sauce its signature silky texture, making it the perfect match for naan or rice.

What makes this version of butter chicken special is the balance between spice and creaminess. The careful combination of ingredients ensures the flavors are not too overpowering, with each element complementing the others in a perfect harmony.

Nutritional Information

Homemade Indian butter chicken is indulgent and comforting, but it also provides a variety of nutrients. A typical serving contains about 450-500 calories, with a healthy balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The chicken itself is a great source of lean protein, which supports muscle growth and overall health. The cream and butter provide healthy fats, though you can make the dish lighter by adjusting the amount of cream and butter used.

Tomatoes, one of the key ingredients in the sauce, are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to heart health. The spices used in butter chicken, such as turmeric and coriander, have anti-inflammatory properties and offer various health benefits. While this dish is rich and indulgent, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. To make it lighter, you can reduce the amount of cream and ghee or substitute with coconut milk or yogurt for a lower-fat option.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground fenugreek (optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

The ingredients used in butter chicken are simple yet incredibly flavorful. The marinade is packed with aromatic spices, which help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with bold flavors. The sauce is the star of the dish, with tomatoes and cream providing the base and ghee and butter adding richness and depth. The addition of garam masala and fenugreek is essential for creating that signature flavor profile that sets butter chicken apart from other curry dishes.

Equipment Needed

To make homemade Indian butter chicken, you’ll need a few basic tools:

• A mixing bowl for marinating the chicken
• A large skillet or saucepan for making the sauce
• A grill pan or regular skillet for cooking the chicken
• A sharp knife for chopping the onion, garlic, and ginger
• A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the sauce

The grill pan or skillet is important for achieving the perfect char on the chicken, adding flavor to the overall dish. A large skillet or saucepan will help you combine the sauce ingredients and simmer them together for the perfect consistency.

Pro Tips For Success

1. Marinate the Chicken for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to maximize flavor. The yogurt in the marinade tenderizes the chicken, while the spices infuse it with deep, aromatic flavors.
2. Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: While boneless chicken is convenient, using bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the dish. You can grill or bake the bone-in chicken before cutting it into smaller pieces and adding it to the sauce.
3. Balance the Spices: Butter chicken is about balance. While the dish has bold spices, they should not overpower each other. Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the spices to your liking, adding more chili powder for heat or garam masala for depth.
4. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Aim for juicy, tender chicken by cooking it just until it’s done. It will finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors.
5. Add Cream Gradually: Once you add the cream, let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to combine. Don’t add all the cream at once—taste as you go to ensure the sauce has the right texture and richness.

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, spices (coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder), garlic, ginger, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or regular skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Grill or pan-fry the chicken pieces in batches, cooking each side for about 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the ghee or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, coriander, cumin, garam masala, cinnamon, chili powder, and fenugreek (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Finish the Sauce: Add the heavy cream, and stir to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, and more spices if needed. Let the sauce simmer for another 5-6 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Add the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce, stirring to coat the chicken in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan, basmati rice, or roasted vegetables.

Recipe Variations

1. Make It Spicy: If you prefer a spicier butter chicken, increase the amount of chili powder and add fresh green chilies to the sauce.
2. Use Paneer: For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for paneer (Indian cottage cheese). Fry the paneer cubes until golden and add them to the sauce for a creamy, rich dish.
3. Make It Lighter: To lighten the dish, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or use a lower-fat yogurt in the marinade. You can also reduce the amount of butter and ghee for a lighter version.
4. Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or spinach to the sauce to make it more hearty and nutritious.

Storage Instructions

Homemade Indian butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze butter chicken for up to 2 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat on the stove until piping hot.

Serving Suggestions

Butter chicken pairs perfectly with naan or basmati rice. The naan is great for sopping up the rich sauce, while the rice complements the creamy flavors of the dish. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber raita to balance the richness of the chicken.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken and assemble the dish when ready to serve.
2. Can I make this dish without cream?
   Yes, you can use coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or opt for a lighter yogurt-based sauce.
3. Can I use frozen chicken?
   You can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before marinating and cooking.
4. Can I adjust the spice level?
   Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of chili powder and garam masala to make it spicier or milder according to your preference.
5. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, butter chicken is naturally gluten-free. Serve it with gluten-free naan or rice for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Homemade Indian butter chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The tender chicken, aromatic spices, and silky tomato-based sauce create a perfect balance of flavors. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy this restaurant-quality dish at home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this butter chicken recipe will transport your taste buds straight to India!

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