Butter Chicken also known as 'Murgh Makhani,' is a globally enjoyed dish that originated in Delhi, India, during the 1950s.
It is a popular Indian dish with a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. It features tender chicken simmered in spices, butter, cream, and tomato puree. Served with basmati rice or naan bread,...
Ingredients
For Marination
- 1kgChicken Thigh (cut into 2” pieces)
- 1cupHung Curd
- 2tbspKashmiri Red Chilli Powder (divided)
- 1 1/2tbspTandoori Masala Powder (homemade)
- 1tbspGinger Garlic paste
- 2tbspKasuri Methi (divided)
- 3tbspLemon Juice
- 2tbspMustard Oil
- 1tbspSalt (divided)
For Gravy
- 100gButter
- 4tbspOil (divided)
- 6medium-sized Onions (roughly sliced)
- 8medium-sized Tomatoes (roughly sliced)
- 1inGinger (roughly chopped)
- 5cloveGarlic
- 4Dry Kashmiri Mirch
- 15Cashew nut
- 2Bay Leaves
- 1inCinnamon stick
- 6Green Cardamoms
- 1tspCumin Powder
- 1/2tbspSugar
- 3Green Chillies (slit)
- 1/2cupCream
- 3cupWater (divided)
- Fresh Coriander leaves for garnishing
How to make Butter Chicken
For Marination
Cut the chicken thighs into 2” pieces, and place them in a mixing bowl.
Add hung curd, 1 tbsp kashmiri red chilli powder, tandoori masala, ginger garlic paste, 1 tbsp kasuri methi, lemon juice, mustard oil, and a tsp of salt.
Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight for enhanced flavours.
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a grill pan/ skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken until slightly charred on both sides, ensuring they are 80% cooked. Set aside.
For Gravy
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok over high heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until translucent. Add tomatoes, ginger, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes.
Add dry Kashmiri chillies, cashew nuts, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, green cardamoms, and 2 cups of water to the wok. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until soft.
Cool the mixture and blend it into a soft paste. Add a little water, strain the mixture through a strainer, and set aside.
Melt butter with 2 tbsp oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
Add 1 tbsp Kashmiri chilli powder, cumin powder, 1 tbsp kasuri methi, and 1 tsp salt. Stir for a few seconds.
Pour in the ground mixture, add sugar and green chillies, and mix. Stir for a minute.
Add the seared chicken pieces and a tbsp of butter. Mix well, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
Add the cream, adjust seasonings, cook for a few minutes cover, and turn off the heat. Let it rest for a few minutes.
Serve hot with tandoori roti, naan or steamed rice. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Adjust chillies according to taste.
Adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding more water when blending or simmering.
I've used my homemade tandoori masala but can substitute it with a store-bought one.
Reviews
olivia37
Cannot go wrong with this recipe! So creamy and nice!
leila
The best butter chicken recipe ever!
Leena Kohli
(@leenakohli)
Elevate your confidence through the magic of home cooking with my easy-to-follow recipes 👩🍳✨