Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is one of India’s most beloved dishes that has gained worldwide fame. This rich, creamy curry features tender chicken pieces simmered in a velvety tomato-based gravy with aromatic spices. Originally created in the 1950s at Delhi’s Moti Mahal restaurant, this dish perfectly balances tangy, sweet and spicy flavors. Unlike other Indian curries, Butter Chicken is known for its mild heat and luxurious texture, making it perfect for both spice lovers and those who prefer milder dishes.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The secret to authentic Butter Chicken lies in three key elements:
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Perfectly marinated chicken (traditionally cooked in a tandoor)
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Silky smooth tomato gravy with the right balance of spices
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Rich finishing with cream and butter
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Flavor
For the Chicken Marinade:
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500g boneless chicken (thighs work best)
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1 cup yogurt
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1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
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1 tsp red chili powder
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1 tsp garam masala
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1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Gravy:
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4 large tomatoes (pureed)
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2 tbsp butter
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1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
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1/2 cup fresh cream
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1 tbsp honey or sugar
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1 tsp cumin powder
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1 inch cinnamon stick
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
1. Marinating the Chicken
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Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces
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Mix with yogurt, spices and lemon juice
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Marinate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results)
2. Cooking the Chicken
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Thread onto skewers and grill/broil until slightly charred
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Alternatively, pan-fry in 1 tbsp oil until cooked through
3. Preparing the Gravy
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Melt butter in a pan, add whole spices
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Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates
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Blend into smooth paste if needed
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Add cream, honey and kasuri methi
4. Combining Chicken and Gravy
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Add cooked chicken to gravy
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Simmer for 8-10 minutes on low heat
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Finish with a dollop of butter
Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results
Use chicken thighs – they stay juicier than breast meat
Don’t skip the kasuri methi – it adds authentic flavor
Cook tomatoes thoroughly – removes raw taste
Adjust cream to taste – more for richer gravy
Serving Suggestions
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Best served with garlic naan or jeera rice
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Pair with onion salad and lemon wedges
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Great with mint chutney on the side
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking the chicken – makes it dry
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Adding cream too early – can cause separation
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Skipping the marination time – reduces flavor
FAQs
Q: Can I make this without a tandoor?
A: Absolutely! A grill pan or regular oven works fine.
Q: How can I make it healthier?
A: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream and reduce butter.
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes?
A: Yes, but fresh gives better flavor.
This Butter Chicken recipe delivers the same rich, creamy taste you get at top Indian restaurants. While it requires some preparation time, the results are absolutely worth it. The combination of smoky grilled chicken in luxurious tomato gravy makes this dish unforgettable. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something truly delicious!
