Description
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a rich and creamy Indian dish made with tender chicken pieces simmered in a spiced tomato and butter sauce. It’s perfect served with naan or rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 1/2 cups tomato purée
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), optional
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Heat oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add remaining butter. Sauté chopped onions until golden.
- Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute. Stir in tomato purée and cook for 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens and deepens in color.
- Stir in cream, sugar, and fenugreek leaves if using. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer for another 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan or basmati rice.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use kasuri methi (dried fenugreek) for authentic taste, but it’s optional.
- This dish freezes well and tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
