Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani – Indian Creamy Tomato Chicken)

Butter Chicken is one of the most recognized dishes in India. It is widely eaten across the country and very common in restaurants and homes. It is made with marinated chicken cooked in a rich tomato and butter sauce. The sauce is creamy, mildly spiced, and slightly sweet. Traditionally, the chicken is grilled in a tandoor oven. At home, it is cooked in a pan and then simmered in the sauce.

😌 Difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Preparation time: 25 minutes (+30 minutes marinating)
🔥 Cooking time: 30 minutes
⏳ Total time: 55 minutes (+ marinating)
👥 Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 700 g chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
• 120 g plain yogurt
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon garam masala (Indian spice blend)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
• 100 ml cream
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt

Typical side:

• Basmati rice
• Naan (Indian flatbread)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, paprika, cumin, and salt.
2. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken pieces until lightly charred and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In another pan, melt butter with oil.
5. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Add garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute.
7. Add crushed tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Add garam masala, chili powder, and salt.
9. Stir in cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
10. Return chicken to the sauce and simmer gently for 5-10 minutes.
11. Serve hot with basmati rice or naan.

SpinThatCuisine Tip 💡

Let the sauce simmer long enough to reduce slightly. Thick sauce is key to authentic Butter Chicken