Looking for the best Indian Butter Chicken recipe you can make at home? This rich and creamy Murgh Makhani is one of the most popular Indian chicken curry recipes enjoyed around the world. Tender chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, then simmered in a luxurious tomato-cream sauce bursting with authentic Indian flavors. Perfect with basmati rice or naan bread, this restaurant-style butter chicken is surprisingly easy to make and ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or festive gathering.
⭐️ Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Recipe
- Authentic taste with simple ingredients
- Creamy and comforting
- Family-friendly, mild spice level (easy to adjust!)
- Ready in under an hour (excluding marination)
- Perfect for meal prep or special occasions
Here’s a simple recipe for Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) that you can easily make at home:
🛒 Ingredients for Indian Butter Chicken
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika or chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced or grated
- Salt to taste
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika or chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
👨🍳 How to Make Butter Chicken at Home – Step-by-Step
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, paprika), garlic, ginger, and salt. Add chicken and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for the best flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. You can also grill or pan-fry the chicken if preferred.
3. Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce
In a large skillet, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until golden and soft (about 5–7 minutes). Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1–2 minutes until aromatic. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes to reduce and thicken. Add spices (garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika), sugar (if using), and salt. Stir well.
4. Add Cream and Combine
Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce is rich and creamy. Simmer for another 5 minutes. Add the cooked chicken and stir to coat with the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
5. Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, butter naan, or garlic naan.
Enjoy your homemade butter chicken!
🍛 What to Serve with Butter Chicken
- Steamed basmati rice or jeera rice
- Garlic naan, plain naan, or roti
- Side of cucumber raita or kachumber salad
- Refreshing mango lassi or masala chai
📦 Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Butter chicken freezes well for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or water.
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📌 Save This Easy Butter Chicken Recipe for Later!
Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned home chef, this Indian Butter Chicken recipe is a must-try. Creamy, flavorful, and bursting with aromatic spices—Murgh Makhani is comfort food at its finest.