Why Homemade Butter Chicken Is So Loved
Among the many iconic dishes from Indian cuisine, Butter Chicken (or Murgh Makhani) holds a special place. With its velvety tomato-based sauce, tender chicken, and perfect balance of spices, it’s a dish that wins hearts worldwide. The beauty of Homemade Butter Chicken is that you can achieve restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen using simple pantry spices.
It’s comforting, deeply flavorful, and pairs perfectly with naan bread, basmati rice, or even pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, butter chicken is always a winner.
Table of Contents
The Origins of Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken was created in Delhi in the 1950s by chefs at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant. They discovered that leftover tandoori chicken could be simmered in a rich tomato-butter-cream sauce to create a whole new dish. Today, it’s one of the most popular Indian recipes worldwide, often served alongside naan or rice.
Key Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken (thighs preferred)
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato purée
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
- Extra cream drizzle
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Combine yogurt, lemon juice, and spices in a bowl. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a skillet. Cook marinated chicken until golden on all sides (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage). Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and add onions. Sauté until golden. Stir in garlic, ginger, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder. Add tomato purée and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add Chicken and Cream
Return chicken to the pan. Pour in cream and simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, sugar, or more chili powder.
5. Serve Hot
Serve butter chicken with naan, rice, or roti. Garnish with cilantro and a swirl of cream.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Butter Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
- Balance spices with cream and butter to mellow heat.
- Blend the sauce if you want it silky smooth.
- Make ahead: Tastes even better the next day!
Nutrition Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of cream.
- Extra Spicy: Add green chilies or cayenne.
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken with paneer or chickpeas.
- Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of basmati.
Perfect Pairings
- Garlic naan or butter naan
- Steamed basmati rice
- Cucumber raita
- Mango lassi
FAQs
Can I make butter chicken without cream?
Yes, substitute with Greek yogurt or coconut milk.
Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Add marinated chicken and sauce ingredients, then cook on low for 5–6 hours.
Is butter chicken the same as chicken tikka masala?
They’re similar, but butter chicken is creamier and slightly sweeter.
- If you love creamy pasta, try our Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Pasta.
- For another cozy dinner, check out Creamy Honey Chicken Pasta Skillet
- Sweet tooth? Don’t miss our Cinnamon Sugar Blondies.
Final Bite – Why You’ll Love It
The Homemade Butter Chicken brings restaurant-quality Indian flavors to your table with simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients. Creamy, buttery, and perfectly spiced, it’s a dish that will quickly become part of your regular dinner rotation.