The Ultimate Butter Chicken Recipe: Ingredients, Instructions, and Expert Tips for the Perfect Dish

Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a rich and creamy dish that has gained worldwide fame for its delicious blend of spices and flavors. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips to help you create the best butter chicken at home. We will also dive into some history and frequently asked questions about this beloved dish.

The Origin and Popularity of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken originated in the early 1950s at the Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi, India. The creation of the dish is credited to the restaurant’s founders, who wanted to utilize leftover tandoori chicken. They simmered the chicken in a creamy tomato-based sauce, giving rise to a unique and flavorful dish. The concept was simple, yet the results were extraordinary. Today, butter chicken has become a global phenomenon, loved for its tender chicken pieces and indulgent sauce.

But why is it called “butter chicken”? The dish owes its name to the generous use of butter in the sauce, which gives it a smooth, velvety texture.

Now that you have a little history behind the dish, let’s move on to the ingredients and cooking steps.

Pair your Butter Chicken with the perfect drink—check out our drink category now at.

Ingredients for Butter Chicken

To make the perfect butter chicken, the ingredients must be fresh, aromatic, and well-balanced. Here is a detailed look at each component of the dish.

For the Chicken & Marinade:

Ingredient	Quantity
Skinless, boneless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized chunks)	1 ½ pounds (680g)
Salt	1 teaspoon
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
Sweet paprika	1 teaspoon
Curry powder	½ teaspoon
Greek yogurt	1 tablespoon

Marinating the chicken is crucial for infusing it with flavor. The yogurt helps tenderize the chicken, while the spices give it a subtle but rich base flavor.

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

Ingredient	Quantity
Vegetable oil	3 tablespoons
Butter	3 tablespoons (divided)
Garlic cloves (minced)	6 cloves
Onion (diced)	1 medium
Tomato sauce	15-ounce can (425g)
Sugar	1 teaspoon
Salt	1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Black pepper	½ teaspoon
Heavy cream	2 cups
Cayenne pepper (optional)	½ teaspoon (for heat)
Garam masala	1 teaspoon
Curry powder	½ teaspoon
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)	¼ cup

To Serve:

• Naan bread
• Steamed rice

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

The first step is to prepare the chicken. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Mix everything together, ensuring that the chicken is fully coated with the spices and yogurt. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, but for the best flavor, marinate it for 30 minutes or even overnight. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more intense the flavors will be.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sauté the chicken for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly and becomes golden brown on all sides. After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Leave the oil in the pan for the next step.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. As the butter melts, scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze it, releasing the flavorful browned bits stuck to the surface. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, along with a pinch of salt, and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, which will take about 3-4 minutes. The garlic should be fragrant by this point, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add the tomato sauce and sugar to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, so the flavors can meld together. Then, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken pieces in the sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. The sauce should now turn a beautiful orange hue and start to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Add the cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir everything together and allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. This simmering time allows the spices to fully infuse into the sauce, creating a rich, flavorful base. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or spices, if necessary.

Discover great ideas like our Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

To finish the sauce, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter and stir it in until it melts smoothly into the sauce. This final step adds richness and silkiness to the sauce, giving it a luxurious texture. If you want a burst of freshness, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving.

Serving Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is typically served with naan bread or steamed rice. The naan, with its soft, pillowy texture, is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce, while the rice provides a neutral base that complements the rich flavors of the dish. You can also serve it with a side of sautéed vegetables or a refreshing cucumber salad to add a light contrast.

For a more indulgent experience, consider making a side of mango chutney or raita (yogurt with cucumbers and spices) to balance the creamy heat of the butter chicken.

Why Is Butter Chicken So Popular?

Butter chicken is beloved by people around the world for several reasons:

1. Mild Flavor: Unlike some Indian dishes, butter chicken has a mild spice level, making it appealing to a wide range of palates.
2. Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and butter results in a rich, smooth sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
3. Versatility: Butter chicken is flexible in terms of ingredients and spice levels. You can adjust the heat by controlling the amount of cayenne pepper and garam masala.
4. Comfort Food: The richness of the dish makes it incredibly comforting, perfect for cozy meals or special gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic, ginger, and spices. Freshly ground spices will give your butter chicken a deeper, more authentic taste.
2. Cook in Batches: To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches and then combine them later.
3. Low and Slow Simmering: Simmer the sauce on low heat for at least 10 minutes to allow the spices to fully infuse into the sauce. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful the sauce becomes.
4. Add a Touch of Honey: If your tomatoes are too acidic, a touch of honey can balance the flavors and add a slight sweetness to the sauce.

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