Butter Chicken Recipe (Indian Chicken Makhani)

Butter chicken is a beloved dish known for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken. This Butter Chicken Recipe (Indian Chicken Makhani) combines aromatic spices and fresh ingredients to create a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish promises to impress with its authentic flavors and delightful textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish at home.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and cream creates a mouthwatering taste that will leave you craving more.
• Family-Friendly: Adjust the spice levels to suit everyone’s palate, making it perfect for all ages.
• Versatile Pairing: Enjoy it with rice, naan, or your favorite bread for a complete meal.
• Meal Prepping Friendly: Marinate the chicken ahead of time and enjoy an effortless cooking experience!

Tools and Preparation

To make the Butter Chicken Recipe (Indian Chicken Makhani), you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Blender
• Mixing bowl
• Frying pan
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender: A high-quality blender ensures that your tomatoes and cashews blend into a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for marinating the chicken and combining ingredients without mess.
• Frying pan: Used for sautéing onions and cooking the chicken evenly, enhancing the overall flavor.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• ½ kg (1.1 lbs) boneless chicken (cut to 1 inch pieces)
• ½ to ¾ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (or paprika adjust to taste, reduce for kids)
• ¼ to ⅓ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¾ to 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ⅓ cup Greek yogurt (hung curd/thick curd, refer notes)
• ¾ tablespoon ginger garlic paste (or ½ tbsp fine grated ginger + ½ tbsp fine grated garlic)
• ⅛ teaspoon turmeric (haldi, optional)
• ¾ to 1 teaspoon garam masala (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon cumin powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (optional, dried fenugreek leaves)
• ¾ to 1 tablespoon oil

For the Sauce

• 2 to 3 tablespoons butter or ghee (divided)
• 2 inch cinnamon piece (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 to 4 green cardamoms (optional, for added flavor)
• 2 to 4 cloves (optional)

For the Base

• 1½ cups (130 grams) onions sliced (optional, cuts down acidity from tomatoes)
• 600 grams (1.3 lbs.) fresh tomatoes or 1 cup passata/canned tomato puree or ⅓ cup double concentrate tomato paste – for 1x

For Blending

• 28 whole raw cashews (soaked in hot water, sub with ¼ to ⅓ cup heavy cream)

Seasoning

• ½ cup water (to blend more if required)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons Kashmiri chili powder (reduce for kids, adjust to taste)

Final Touches

• 1 to 1½ teaspoons garam masala (divided, adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon cumin powder (optional, adjust to taste)

Additional Ingredients

• ½ tablespoon Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 1½ cups hot water (to make gravy – cut down to 1 cup if omitting cashews)

Cream

• ⅓ cup heavy cream or whipping cream (divided)

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons coriander leaves finely chopped

How to Make Butter Chicken Recipe (Indian Chicken Makhani)

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

Marinate chicken with lemon juice, chili powder, and salt. Cover and rest for about 20 minutes. After that, add yogurt, kasuri methi, oil, turmeric, ginger garlic paste, coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala powder.

Step 2: Rest the Marinade

Let it marinate and rest for a minimum of 30 minutes. For best results, refrigerate overnight.

Step 3: Sauté Onions

(Optional) If using onion, sauté in one tablespoon of oil until lightly golden—about seven minutes. Allow cooling.

Step 4: Blend Ingredients

In a blender, add tomatoes, sautéed onions if used, cashews soaked in water along with additional water. Blend until you achieve a smooth puree. Optionally blend cashews separately with water for an extra creamy texture.

How to Serve Butter Chicken Recipe (Indian Chicken Makhani)

Butter chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Here are some delightful ways to serve this rich and creamy Indian chicken makhani.

With Rice

• Turmeric Rice: The subtle flavor and vibrant color of turmeric rice complement the creamy sauce.
• Cumin Rice: Fragrant cumin rice adds a warm, earthy taste that enhances the butter chicken.
• Basmati Rice: Fluffy basmati rice serves as a perfect base to soak up the luscious gravy.

With Bread

• Naan: Soft and pillowy naan is ideal for scooping up the savory butter chicken.
• Roti: Whole wheat roti provides a healthier option and pairs well with the rich flavors.
• Paratha: Flaky parathas add a delightful texture that complements the dish.

With Salads

• Cucumber Raita: A refreshing yogurt-based salad that cools down the spices from the butter chicken.
• Kachumber Salad: This tangy salad of chopped vegetables adds crunch and freshness to your meal.

How to Perfect Butter Chicken Recipe (Indian Chicken Makhani)

Creating the perfect butter chicken requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to elevate your dish.

• Marinate Well: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes deepens the flavors and tenderizes the meat.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and spices provide authentic taste; avoid canned variations when possible.
• Balance Flavors: Adjust salt and sugar as needed to balance out the acidity of tomatoes in your sauce.
• Control Spice Levels: Tailor the amount of chili powder according to your heat preference, especially if serving kids.
• Blend Smoothly: Ensure your tomato puree is completely smooth for a luxurious sauce texture.
• Finish with Cream: Adding cream towards the end makes for an indulgently rich butter chicken.

Best Side Dishes for Butter Chicken Recipe (Indian Chicken Makhani)

To round out your meal, consider these fantastic side dishes that pair perfectly with butter chicken.

1. Jeera Rice: This cumin-flavored rice is aromatic and enhances any Indian main course effortlessly.
2. Pulao: A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices and vegetables, adding color and flavor to your plate.
3. Masala Papad: Crispy papads topped with spiced onions, tomatoes, and herbs make for a crunchy side.
4. Aloo Gobi: A dry potato and cauliflower curry that brings additional textures and flavors to your meal.
5. Dal Makhani: Creamy black lentils cooked slowly for richness; it complements butter chicken beautifully.
6. Mixed Vegetable Curry: A mix of seasonal veggies cooked in spices adds variety and freshness to your feast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Butter Chicken Recipe (Indian Chicken Makhani), it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can lead to a bland dish. Always marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for better flavor.
• Using low-quality tomatoes: Poor-quality tomatoes can affect the taste of your sauce. Use fresh tomatoes or high-quality canned options for richness.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long will make it dry. Aim for just cooked through to retain juiciness.
• Ignoring spices: Too little or too much spice can ruin the balance. Adjust spices carefully according to your taste preferences.
• Not blending enough: A chunky sauce won’t provide the desired creaminess. Blend until smooth for that authentic texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Butter Chicken Recipe (Indian Chicken Makhani)

• Place in a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Butter Chicken Recipe (Indian Chicken Makhani)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pan, adding a splash of water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Butter Chicken Recipe (Indian Chicken Makhani).

What is the best way to serve butter chicken?

Serve butter chicken with basmati rice, naan, or turmeric rice for a complete meal.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with paneer or vegetables like cauliflower and potatoes for a delicious vegetarian version.

How spicy is butter chicken?

The spiciness can be adjusted by modifying the amount of chili powder used. For kids, reduce it significantly.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned tomatoes work well and save time without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Butter Chicken Recipe (Indian Chicken Makhani) offers rich flavors and creamy texture that is hard to resist. It’s versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!