Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe (Restaurant Style Murgh Makhani)

If you love rich, creamy Indian curries, this Butter Chicken recipe is exactly what you need. Also known as Murgh Makhani, this North Indian classic combines tender chicken with a silky tomato-based gravy, finished with butter and cream for that signature taste.

About This Butter Chicken Recipe

This recipe brings you the same bold flavors you get in restaurant-style butter chicken, but made easily at home. The chicken is first marinated with spices and yogurt, then cooked in a mildly spiced, buttery tomato gravy. It’s rich without being too heavy, making it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Ingredients

For Marination

• 500g boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1/2 cup thick curd (yogurt)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For Gravy

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp oil
• 2 medium onions (finely chopped)
• 3 tomatoes (pureed)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 cup fresh cream
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken with yogurt, spices, lemon juice, and salt. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best results).
2. Cook the chicken: Heat a pan or grill and cook the marinated chicken until lightly charred and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Prepare the base gravy: Heat butter and oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add tomato puree: Stir in the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
5. Spice it up: Add ginger-garlic paste, coriander powder, chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes until aromatic.
6. Combine chicken and gravy: Add the cooked chicken pieces to the gravy. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
7. Finish with cream: Stir in fresh cream and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
8. Garnish & serve: Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves and a small cube of butter on top before serving.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken

For that authentic restaurant taste, always cook the tomato gravy until it releases oil. Also, using charcoal smoke (dhungar method) at the end can elevate the flavor to the next level.

Serving Suggestions

Butter chicken tastes best with butter naan, garlic naan, or jeera rice. You can also pair it with plain basmati rice for a simple and comforting meal.

FAQs

Can I make butter chicken without cream?
Yes, you can substitute cream with cashew paste or milk for a lighter version.

Is butter chicken spicy?
It is mildly spiced and slightly sweet, making it suitable for most taste preferences.

Tags

butter chicken recipe, murgh makhani, indian chicken curry, creamy chicken curry, restaurant style butter chicken