Oh, the comforting embrace of a truly homemade meal! There’s something so incredibly special about a velvety butter chicken, isn’t there? That rich, subtly spiced, and wonderfully creamy sauce, enveloping tender pieces of chicken, transports you straight to a cozy evening, surrounded by loved ones. It’s a dish that warms the soul and delights the senses, making even an ordinary weeknight feel like a celebration.
I remember my grandmother, with her hands dusted in flour from an afternoon of baking, would sometimes surprise us with a savory treat that filled the kitchen with an equally magical aroma. While her specialty was always pies and cookies, she taught me that the joy of cooking, whether sweet or savory, comes from putting a piece of your heart into every dish. That’s a lesson I carry into every recipe I share.
This homemade butter chicken recipe is a testament to that philosophy. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight, yet it tastes like it simmered all day. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to bring family and friends together around the dinner table for a truly memorable meal. My top tip? Don’t rush the simmering; let those flavors meld!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting this delightful dish requires a few key players to build its signature flavor profile. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinate beautifully in a spiced yogurt base, ensuring every bite is incredibly tender and flavorful, while the rich, creamy gravy comes alive with crushed tomatoes, cashews, and aromatic spices. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements for this incredible butter chicken in the recipe card below.
How to Make butter chicken
Making this restaurant-quality butter chicken at home is a wonderfully rewarding experience, easier than you might imagine! It starts with marinating the chicken in a blend of yogurt and aromatic spices, allowing those flavors to deeply infuse. Then, you’ll gently cook the chicken, prepare a rich, foundational gravy, and simmer everything together until it’s beautifully fragrant and velvety smooth. Trust me, your kitchen will smell absolutely divine, and the anticipation will be half the fun!
Velvety Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces with plain whole milk yogurt, 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste, 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and lemon juice. Mix well to thoroughly coat the chicken. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2-4 hours for best flavor.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and slightly charred. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste and the slit green chili (if using), and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, water (or chicken broth), soaked cashews (if using), 1 tablespoon Kashmiri red chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey), and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to deepen and meld.
- Carefully transfer the hot gravy mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot). Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, be cautious when blending hot liquids; blend in batches and vent the lid to release steam.
- Pour the smooth gravy back into the skillet. Add the browned chicken pieces. Stir in the heavy cream, the crushed dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi), and the remaining 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking through and absorb the rich flavors of the gravy. Taste and adjust salt and sugar if needed.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, or roti.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This butter chicken
Creating a sensational butter chicken is all about those little touches that elevate good to unforgettable. Here are some of my go-to tips to ensure your dish is perfect every time:
- Marination Magic: Don’t skimp on the marination time for your chicken thighs. Even 30 minutes makes a difference, but if you can let it soak in those flavors for a few hours or even overnight, the chicken will be incredibly tender and deeply flavored. It’s a little patience that pays off big!
- Layering the Spices: When you’re cooking the gravy base, take your time to sauté the onions and ginger-garlic paste until they’re softened and fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your creamy butter chicken sauce.
- My Secret Trick: I always toast my cashews lightly before adding them to the gravy. This brings out their natural sweetness and nuttiness, adding an extra layer of depth to the sauce when blended. It makes such a difference in the richness!
- Slow Simmer for Flavor: After combining the gravy base with the crushed tomatoes and spices, allow it to simmer gently. This isn’t a race; a slow, steady simmer helps all the flavors meld together beautifully and ensures a thick, luscious sauce.
Fun Variations for butter chicken
One of the joys of home cooking is getting creative and adapting recipes to your family’s tastes. This butter chicken is wonderfully versatile, and here are a few ideas to spark your culinary imagination:
Spice It Up or Down
For those who love a bit more heat, a pinch more Kashmiri red chili powder or an extra green chili in the gravy base can give your butter chicken a delightful kick. My husband always asks for a little extra spice! If you prefer it milder, simply reduce the chili or remove the green chili seeds.
Veggie Delight
While chicken is traditional, this rich and creamy sauce is fantastic with vegetables too! Try adding paneer cubes for a vegetarian twist, or even roasted cauliflower florets and bell peppers towards the end of the cooking process for added texture and nutrients. It’s a great way to use up those extra veggies in the fridge.
A Touch of Sweetness
For a slightly sweeter note, you can increase the sugar in the recipe just a touch, or even swirl in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup with the heavy cream at the very end. A friend of mine loves the subtle caramel notes it adds!
What to Serve With butter chicken
Serving your homemade butter chicken is all about creating a complete, comforting meal that brings smiles all around. It’s a dish that truly shines with a few thoughtful accompaniments.
I always love serving it alongside fluffy basmati rice, which soaks up all that incredible, creamy sauce beautifully. Warm naan bread is another must-have; it’s perfect for scooping up every last drop of the rich gravy. For a refreshing contrast, a simple cucumber and tomato salad or a side of raita (yogurt with grated cucumber and a sprinkle of cumin) cuts through the richness and adds a lovely coolness. My mom always served it with a wedge of lemon to brighten the flavors even more. A quick tip: warm your naan in a dry pan for a few minutes before serving for that authentic, soft texture.
How to Store butter chicken
Knowing how to properly store your delicious butter chicken means you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come, making meal prep a breeze!
Refrigerating Leftovers
Once your butter chicken has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I always recommend using a glass container, as it helps prevent any lingering spice aromas.
Freezing for Later
Yes, you can absolutely freeze butter chicken! After cooling, place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, gently warm the butter chicken on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If the sauce seems a little thick, you can add a splash of water or a little milk or cream to bring it back to its perfect consistency. My personal tip? A sprinkle of fresh cilantro after reheating truly brings it back to life!
Nutritional Benefits
This hearty butter chicken recipe offers more than just incredible flavor; it’s a meal that nourishes both body and soul. With tender chicken providing a good source of lean protein, and ingredients like tomatoes offering vitamins, it’s a wonderfully satisfying dish. Cashews add healthy fats and minerals, making this a treat that’s both indulgent and incredibly wholesome.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breast. However, chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender in this creamy butter chicken recipe due to their higher fat content.
Faq 2
What if I don’t have Kashmiri red chili powder?
Kashmiri red chili powder provides color without too much heat. You can substitute with paprika for color, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you desire some warmth in your butter chicken.
Faq 3
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
While traditional butter chicken relies on dairy, you can experiment with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the marinade and coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
Faq 4
Why are cashews used in butter chicken?
Cashews are crucial for giving the gravy its characteristic rich, creamy texture and a subtle sweetness. They are blended into the sauce, contributing significantly to the velvety mouthfeel of the butter chicken.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the warmth and satisfaction that comes from creating a beloved dish like butter chicken right in your own kitchen. This recipe, filled with rich flavors and tender chicken, is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather, share, and create beautiful memories around the dinner table. So, embrace the joy of cooking, trust your instincts, and let this comforting, creamy butter chicken bring a little magic into your home. Happy cooking, dear friends!