Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Recipe Overview
Indian Butter Chicken, known as “Murgh Makhani,” is a luscious dish that has taken the culinary world by storm. This creamy, spiced curry features tender marinated chicken pieces simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices. But it’s not just the taste that makes it beloved; its roots trace back to Punjabi cuisine, where it was first created in the 1950s at a restaurant in Delhi. You will love this homemade Indian butter chicken from scratch not only for its delightful flavors but also for its ease—this easy Indian butter chicken recipe can quickly become a weeknight staple in your home.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner on a cold evening or an impressive meal for entertaining guests, Indian butter chicken fits the bill perfectly. Impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleaser that will transport their taste buds straight to India. Plus, for our health-conscious friends, there’s even a vegan Indian butter chicken variation that delivers on taste without compromising on dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup yogurt (plain)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder or paprika
- Salt, to taste
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for added richness)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for vegan option)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons garam masala (to taste)
- Salt, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced green chili (optional)
Possible Substitutions:
- Use almond milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.
- Swap chicken for paneer or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Skillet or heavy-bottomed pot
- Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
- Serving bowl for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Whisk until smooth. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the marinated chicken pieces and sear them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until it turns translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add sugar, salt, and cook for around 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
- Incorporate the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, mixing it into the sauce. Lower the heat and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through completely. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Finish with Cream: Gradually stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk), mixing until fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning with more salt or garam masala as needed, and allow the sauce to simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced green chilies if desired. Serve hot, accompanied by fluffy naan or steamed basmati rice.
Special Notes
For best flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight. Storing: Leftover butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back its creamy consistency if overly thick.
If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk until the desired consistency is achieved. On the other hand, if it is too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce.
Variations and Customizations
This easy Indian butter chicken recipe can easily be customized to fit various dietary needs:
- Vegan Option: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and use coconut milk instead of cream.
- Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free; just ensure that any pre-packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
- Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Additional ingredients such as cashews, poppy seeds, or cream cheese can also be blended into the sauce for added creaminess and texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Values may vary based on specific ingredients used)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
Engaging Visual Details
As you prepare your homemade Indian butter chicken, you’ll notice the vibrant colors of the spices and rich red of the tomato sauce. The aroma will envelop your kitchen, combining the scents of spice, cream, and buttery goodness. When plated, the curry should glisten with a bright orange-red hue, garnished artfully with fresh cilantro. Remember to take pictures at each stage of the cooking process, from the marinated chicken sitting in the bowl to the final serving with naan or rice, to capture your culinary journey.
Conclusion
With this easy Indian butter chicken recipe, you’re well-equipped to whip up a deliciously comforting meal that is sure to win hearts at the dinner table. The luscious flavors and creamy texture will tantalize your taste buds and create a culinary experience that feels authentically Indian. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and share your experiences! Leave a comment below if you tried this recipe! We’d love to see your versions, so tag us on Instagram with MyDeliciousDish and lets spread the love for Indian cuisine!
