Homemade Butter Chicken: An Authentic Indian Recipe
If you love Indian food, chances are you’ve heard of Butter Chicken. This creamy, flavorful dish is one of the most popular recipes in Indian cuisine, cherished by food lovers all over the world. What makes Butter Chicken so special? It’s the rich, luscious sauce that perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Many people think they can only enjoy Butter Chicken at restaurants, but making it at home is surprisingly easy! With the right ingredients and a little preparation, you can create this authentic Indian dish in your own kitchen and impress your family and friends. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a simple recipe for Homemade Butter Chicken—let’s get started!
What Is Butter Chicken?
Butter Chicken, or “Murgh Makhani” in Hindi, is a North Indian dish that originated in the 1950s in Delhi, India. It was created by three chefs at a famous restaurant called Moti Mahal. By combining leftover tandoori chicken with a buttery tomato-based gravy, they accidentally invented Butter Chicken—and the rest is history!
The recipe is famous for its creamy sauce made from tomatoes, butter, and cream, flavored with aromatic spices. Butter Chicken typically features tender boneless chicken pieces that are cooked, either grilled or pan-fried, then coated in the sauce. It’s often served with warm naan bread, roti, or steamed rice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make authentic Butter Chicken at home, you’ll need a mix of basic and Indian spices, along with fresh ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 500 grams (1 pound) of boneless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- Salt to taste
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced or grated
- 4 medium-sized tomatoes, pureed or finely chopped (or use canned tomato puree)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
- Additional salt to taste
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
First, marinate the chicken for extra flavor and tenderness. In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with yogurt, turmeric powder, chili powder, garam masala, ginger paste, garlic paste, and a pinch of salt. Mix well, ensuring all the chicken pieces are coated evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it! Heat a pan or skillet over medium heat and add a little oil or butter. Place the chicken pieces in the pan and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. You don’t have to fully cook the chicken yet, as it will finish cooking in the sauce later. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Now, let’s make the star of the dish—the buttery tomato sauce!
- In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat and add the pureed tomatoes. Stir well and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, until the sauce thickens and oil starts to separate.
Step 4: Add Spices and Cream
Once the tomato base is ready, it’s time to build the flavor:
- Stir in cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, and sugar. Add salt to taste.
- Pour in the heavy cream and mix well. Adjust the consistency by adding a splash of water if needed. The sauce should be creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce and stir gently so the chicken is well-coated. Simmer everything together for 5–10 minutes on low heat. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce and ensures that it is cooked completely.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and add another tablespoon of butter to give the sauce a rich finish. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if you like. Your Homemade Butter Chicken is now ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions
Butter Chicken is best enjoyed with warm, fluffy naan, paratha, or steamed basmati rice. Its creamy, spicy flavors pair perfectly with these sides. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!
Tips for Success
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh tomatoes and ginger for the best flavor.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer mild flavors, reduce the chili powder.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Replace cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Making Butter Chicken at home allows you to enjoy the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine in a way that’s fun and satisfying. With this simple recipe, you can bring a taste of India to your dinner table anytime. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just fall in love with cooking this delicious dish!
