How to Create Authentic Indian Butter Chicken at Home
Indian butter chicken, or “Murgh Makhani,” is one of the most popular dishes worldwide. It’s creamy, rich, and full of flavor, making it a favorite for food lovers. Many people think it’s hard to make at home, but with the right ingredients and steps, you can recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen. This blog will teach you how to make authentic Indian butter chicken in simple steps. You don’t need fancy cooking skills or special equipment—just a love for flavor and patience!
What Is Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken was first created in the 1950s by Indian chefs in Delhi. The dish uses tender chicken pieces cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce, flavored with Indian spices, butter, and cream. It’s mildly spicy, slightly tangy, and irresistibly indulgent. Traditionally served with naan bread or steamed basmati rice, butter chicken has become a global favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make butter chicken at home, you’ll need the following ingredients. Most of them are easily available at grocery stores.
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500 grams of boneless chicken (preferably thighs or breasts)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt (to taste)
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4-5 medium tomatoes (pureed)
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice level)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
- Salt (to taste)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make authentic butter chicken.
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start with the marinade, as this step is key to ensuring juicy and flavorful chicken. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well to create a smooth marinade. Add the chicken pieces and coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight if you have time. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Once marinated, heat a pan with a small amount of oil or ghee. Cook the chicken on medium heat until it’s golden and slightly charred. You don’t need to cook it all the way through—the chicken will continue cooking in the sauce later. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce:
In the same pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter on medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until they turn golden brown. Stir in the ginger and garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Now it’s time to add the spices! Sprinkle cumin powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder into the pan. Mix well until the spices are evenly distributed. Add the pureed tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The tomatoes should cook down into a thick, flavorful base.
4. Blend the Sauce:
For a silky, restaurant-style butter chicken sauce, transfer the tomato mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth. This step is optional but gives your dish a rich, creamy texture. Return the blended sauce to the pan.
5. Add Cream and Chicken:
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. The cream gives the dish its signature richness and smoothness. Add honey if you’d like a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Once the sauce is creamy and well-mixed, add the cooked chicken. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure everything is well combined.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Taste the butter chicken and adjust salt or spice if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of cream for an extra touch. Serve the butter chicken hot with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread.
Tips for Success
- Choose Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While chicken breasts work well, thighs are more flavorful and tender.
- Use Fresh Spices: Indian dishes rely heavily on the aroma and flavor of spices. Make sure your spices are fresh and of good quality.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Letting the sauce simmer allows the flavors to deepen, so don’t skip this step.
Final Thoughts
Making authentic Indian butter chicken at home might seem intimidating, but it’s much simpler than you think. With basic ingredients and some time, you can create a dish that tastes just as good as what you’d find in an Indian restaurant. The creamy, flavorful sauce paired with tender chicken will leave your family or guests asking for seconds!
Give this recipe a try—even beginners can master butter chicken. You’ll soon be adding this to your list of go-to meals. Enjoy cooking, and happy eating!
