What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade butter chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, offering rich flavors and simple steps everyone can follow. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
- The creamy tomato sauce is bursting with flavor, blending spices like garam masala and turmeric for an authentic taste.
- It’s easy to customize—add extra veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences.
- Making it from scratch means you know exactly what’s in your meal, creating a healthier, tastier version than takeout.
Recipe
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. This homemade recipe brings the flavors of Indian cuisine to your kitchen with ease.
Ingredients:
- 500g boneless chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh cream
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Let it sit for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Heat butter and oil in a pan. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook until tender and fully cooked.
- Stir in sugar and fresh cream. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
Notes:
- Adjust chili powder according to your spice preference.
- Use full-fat yogurt and cream for a richer flavor.
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan or skillet
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Cuisine:
Indian
Serving:
4
Nutrition
Butter chicken is a rich and flavorful dish but can be high in calories and fat. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Cholesterol | 120 mg |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade butter chicken with warm, fluffy naan bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Another favorite of mine is serving it over fragrant basmati rice, which adds just the right texture to the dish. You can even enjoy both together for an extra-satisfying meal!
Naan Bread
When you’re diving into a plate of rich, creamy butter chicken, you’ll want something to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce—and that’s where naan bread comes in. Naan is soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy, making it the perfect companion for scooping up that flavorful gravy. I love how it’s brushed with butter or garlic for extra yum, but even plain naan works wonders. It’s easy to make at home or grab from the store if you’re short on time. Trust me, tearing off a piece and dipping it into the sauce is pure comfort food heaven.
Basmati Rice
While butter chicken steals the spotlight, basmati rice plays a quiet yet essential role, bringing balance and texture to the meal. I love how its fluffy, fragrant grains soak up the rich, creamy sauce, creating the perfect bite. When I cook it, I rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which keeps it light and separate. A pinch of salt and a splash of butter while cooking enhances its natural nutty flavor. Sometimes, I’ll toss in a few whole spices like cardamom or a cinnamon stick for an extra aromatic touch. It’s simple, but it makes all the difference.
