The Best Indian Butter Chicken Recipe: A Restaurant-Style Dish at Home

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Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide. Its creamy, buttery tomato-based sauce combined with tender, flavorful chicken makes it an irresistible dish that pairs perfectly with naan or basmati rice. If you’ve ever wanted to make authentic butter chicken at home without ordering takeout, this easy yet flavorful recipe is for you!

The History and Cultural Significance of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, was created in the 1950s at the Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi, India. The dish was invented by accident when the restaurant chefs, including Kundan Lal Gujral, decided to mix leftover tandoori chicken with a creamy, buttery tomato sauce to prevent it from drying out. The result was a rich, velvety curry that soon became a staple in Indian cuisine.

Over the years, butter chicken has gained international popularity, becoming one of the most ordered dishes in Indian restaurants worldwide. Many variations exist today, with some regions adding cashew paste, honey, or yogurt to enhance the flavor. Unlike spicy Indian curries, butter chicken is known for its mild, creamy texture, making it an excellent choice for those new to Indian food.

Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe is beginner-friendly and takes only 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Rich and creamy: The combination of butter, heavy cream, and warm spices creates a velvety sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
• Authentic taste: You’ll get the same restaurant-style flavors but with fresh, homemade ingredients.
• Perfect for meal prep: Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Now, let’s dive into how to make butter chicken at home!

Ingredients for Butter Chicken

To make this delicious butter chicken recipe, you’ll need the following simple yet flavorful ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing the chicken)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for extra richness)

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon garam masala (a warm Indian spice blend)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream (for creaminess and richness)

For Serving:

• Basmati rice or naan bread
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Butter Chicken

Step 1: Cook the Aromatics

1. Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onions and cook until they become lightly golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced ginger and garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Spices

1. Add the chicken chunks to the skillet.
2. Stir in the tomato paste, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
3. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Sauce

1. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
2. Lower the heat to simmer and let it cook for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
2. Serve your butter chicken hot over fluffy basmati rice or with buttery naan bread.
3. Enjoy your homemade restaurant-style butter chicken!

Tips for the Best Butter Chicken

1. Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness

While chicken breasts work well in this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken thighs add extra tenderness and flavor.

2. Marinate the Chicken (Optional, But Recommended)

For an even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt, garam masala, and lemon juice for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.

3. Don’t Skip the Butter!

The butter in butter chicken isn’t just for show – it adds a rich, smooth texture to the sauce.

4. Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger

Freshly minced garlic and ginger enhance the authentic flavors of the dish.

5. Make it Spicier

If you love spicy butter chicken, add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or increase the chili powder.

6. Use Cashew Paste for an Authentic Indian Touch

Traditional Indian restaurants often use cashew paste to enhance the creaminess of butter chicken. Blend a few soaked cashews with a splash of water and stir it into the sauce.

What to Serve with Butter Chicken

1. Basmati Rice

The fluffy texture of basmati rice absorbs the creamy sauce, making each bite heavenly.

2. Naan Bread

Soft, warm naan is perfect for scooping up the sauce. You can use store-bought naan or make your own at home.

3. Roti or Chapati

For a lighter option, serve with whole wheat roti or chapati.

4. A Side of Cooling Raita

A yogurt-based raita with cucumber and mint balances the richness of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

How to Store Leftover Butter Chicken

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

How to Reheat Butter Chicken

• Stovetop: Heat on low, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
• Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Information

While butter chicken is often viewed as an indulgent dish, it contains several nutritious elements. The chicken provides lean protein, essential for muscle growth, tissue repair, and satiety. Spices like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can support digestion and boost immunity.

To make butter chicken healthier, you can modify the recipe by:

• Using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a protein boost and fewer calories.
• Choosing boneless, skinless chicken thighs for added juiciness and nutrients.
• Reducing butter and oil content while still maintaining the dish’s signature richness.
• Serving it with brown rice or whole wheat naan to increase fiber intake.

Butter Chicken vs. Chicken Tikka Masala: What’s the Difference?

Butter chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala are often confused due to their similar tomato-based sauces, but they have distinct differences:

• Butter Chicken is milder and creamier, with a buttery, slightly sweet flavor profile. It incorporates butter and heavy cream for richness.
• Chicken Tikka Masala is spicier and more robust, featuring a stronger tomato base with a tangy, smoky taste due to the yogurt-marinated, grilled chicken.
• Butter Chicken originates from India, while Chicken Tikka Masala is believed to have been created in the UK by South Asian chefs.

Both dishes are delicious, but if you prefer a smooth, creamy curry, butter chicken is the way to go. If you enjoy bold spices and smokier flavors, opt for chicken tikka masala!

How to Make a Vegan Version of Butter Chicken

For a plant-based alternative, butter chicken can be made using tofu, chickpeas, or cauliflower instead of chicken. The creamy texture is preserved by replacing heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and vegan butter or olive oil can be used for richness.

To make vegan butter chicken, follow these simple modifications:

1. Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas – Press tofu to remove excess water, then pan-fry it until golden. Chickpeas can be used straight from the can.
2. Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream – This adds a creamy consistency while keeping it dairy-free.
3. Increase plant-based proteins – Adding lentils, tempeh, or mushrooms can make the dish more filling.
4. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth – This keeps the dish entirely vegan while maintaining depth of flavor.

With these swaps, you’ll get the same luxurious taste and creamy consistency of traditional butter chicken while making it 100% plant-based.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make Butter Chicken Dairy-Free?

Yes! Swap butter for dairy-free butter and heavy cream for coconut milk.

2. Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! Cook the chicken, onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

3. Is Butter Chicken Spicy?

Not necessarily! You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the chili powder and garam masala.

4. Can I Use Tomato Sauce Instead of Tomato Paste?

Yes! Substitute 1/2 cup tomato sauce for 4 tablespoons tomato paste.

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Final Thoughts

This Indian Butter Chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves creamy, flavorful dishes. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prep, it’s guaranteed to be a hit! Try it today and enjoy all the deliciousness of restaurant-style butter chicken from the comfort of your home.