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299

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Zainab Khan

Posted in Cooked/fried/baked

21 March 2025

  1. Take a bowl and add yogurt, ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and lemon juice.

  2. Mix well and add washed chicken into it. Marinate and coat evenly.

  3. Heat a pan with a piece of butter and fry the chicken until golden brown.

With these simple steps, you can make butter chicken with ease.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken (substitute: paneer for a vegetarian version)

  • ½ cup plain yogurt (substitute: coconut yogurt for dairy-free)

  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

  • 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)

  • ½ tsp turmeric powder

  • 1 tsp garam masala

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter (substitute: ghee or oil)

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tsp grated ginger

  • 2 medium tomatoes, pureed (substitute: ½ cup canned tomato sauce)

  • 1 tsp cumin powder

  • 1 tsp coriander powder

  • ½ tsp garam masala

  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)

  • ½ cup heavy cream (substitute: coconut milk for dairy-free)

  • ¼ cup water (adjust for consistency)

  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Before We Start:

  • Marinate for at least 30 minutes – This makes the chicken tender and flavorful.

  • Use pureed tomatoes – For a smooth, restaurant-style sauce.

  • Butter makes it rich – But you can reduce it for a lighter version.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

Step 1: Take a bowl, add yogurt, lemon juice, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Mix it.
Step 2: Wash chicken thoroughly, add it into the spiced yogurt mixture, and marinate evenly. Let it rest for 30 minutes in the fridge or overnight.

Cook the Chicken

Step 3: After the time is done, take a pan, add butter, and heat it over medium flame.
Step 4: Add marinated chicken and cook each piece for 5-7 minutes until the color changes to golden brown. Set aside the chicken on plates.

Make the Sauce

Step 5: In the same pan, without chicken, add 1 tbsp butter, onions, garlic, and ginger. Fry for a minute until soft.
Step 6: Add tomato puree (by blending tomatoes), coriander, and garam masala. Cook for 5 minutes.
Step 7: Add sugar and water, then blend the sauce for a smooth texture.

Finish It

Step 8: Add fried chicken into the saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 9: Add cream, stir well, and cook for 2 minutes.

Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan. Enjoy!

Serve

Use a bowl to serve butter chicken and a tray to present it. Place napkins or tissues along with it. Top butter chicken with a butter swirl and fresh cilantro. Serve with small side bowls of raita, salad, and pickles. Done!

What Goes with Butter Chicken?

Side Dishes:

  • Naan or garlic naan

  • Boiled basmati rice

  • Cucumber raita

  • Onion and cucumber salad

  • Papad

  • Tandoori vegetables or paneer tikka

Side Drinks:

  • Lassi (salty or sweet)

  • Masala chai

  • Buttermilk

  • Lemon mint cooler

Pick the best choice for you!

Recipes Related to Butter Chicken

How to Make Peanut Butter Chicken?

Ingredients:

  • Chicken

  • Peanut butter

  • Tomato puree

  • Cream

  • Garlic

  • Garam masala

Steps:

  1. In a pan with oil, cook chicken until golden.

  2. Add garlic, ginger, tomato puree, and simmer for 5 minutes.

  3. Add peanut butter, cream, and spices. Simmer until thick.

Enjoy your peanut butter chicken!


How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken?

Ingredients:

  • Chicken

  • Butter

  • Garlic

  • Heavy cream

  • Tomato puree

  • Garam masala

Steps:

  1. In a pan, add butter and stir garlic for a minute.

  2. Add chicken and cook until golden brown.

  3. Add tomato puree, garam masala, and cream. Simmer for 15 minutes.

Done! Enjoy your garlic butter chicken.


How to Make Jar Butter Chicken Batter?

Ingredients:

  • Chicken

  • Store-bought butter chicken sauce

  • Butter

  • Cream

Steps:

  1. Cook chicken in a pan with butter until soft and tender.

  2. Add jar sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.

  3. Add cream, mix well, and cook for another 5 minutes.

And there you have it—easy butter chicken with jar sauce!


How to Make Butter Chicken Spicier?

To make it spicier, add more chili powder, cayenne powder, or chopped green chilies while cooking. Use spicy garam masala (hot spices) for an extra kick!


Conclusion


  1. In a bowl, add yogurt, lemon juice, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.

  2. Add washed chicken pieces, marinate thoroughly, and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight.

  3. Heat butter in a pan, add marinated chicken, and cook for 5-7 minutes until fried. Set aside.

  4. In the same pan, add butter, onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook for a minute.

  5. Add tomato puree (blend fresh tomatoes), cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Cook for 5 minutes.

  6. Add sugar and water, then blend the sauce for smoothness.

  7. Add the fried chicken back into the sauce, coat well, and simmer for 5 minutes.

  8. Stir in the cream, cook for a couple more minutes, and garnish with cilantro.

Your butter chicken is ready to serve!


For More Recipes, Check Out:

P.S. Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more recipes, tips, and ideas!

FAQs

How Many Calories Are in Butter Chicken?

Butter chicken contains 400-600 calories, depending on the amount of cream and butter used.

How Spicy Is Butter Chicken?

It is mildly spicy but can be adjusted by adding more or less chili powder or fresh chilies.

Can I Store Butter Chicken in the Fridge?

Yes! Store it in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Easy Steps to Prepare Quick Butter Chicken?

1. Cook chicken in butter until golden.
2. Add tomato puree, garlic, and spices. Cook for 10 minutes.
3. Add cream and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
4. Done! Serve and enjoy.

Why Was Butter Chicken Made?

It was created in India by chefs at Moti Mahal in Delhi to use leftover tandoori chicken in a creamy tomato sauce.