Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide — a symphony of tender chicken pieces simmered in a silky, buttery tomato-cream sauce that’s fragrant, rich, and comforting.

Paired with fluffy basmati rice, the dish becomes a complete, satisfying meal that represents the heart of Indian comfort food — rich, indulgent, and deeply aromatic. Each bite captures a perfect harmony of smoky, creamy, and spicy flavors that melt together beautifully.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it perfectly balances comfort and sophistication. The creamy tomato sauce with its gentle spices feels like a warm hug in a bowl, while the tender, marinated chicken offers that irresistible tandoori-style depth of flavor.

It’s also a wonderful recipe to make when entertaining — it looks impressive, smells incredible, and never fails to please a crowd.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• A perfect introduction to Indian cuisine: Mild yet flavorful, it’s great even for those new to Indian spices.
• Restaurant-quality at home: You can recreate that rich, creamy sauce without special equipment.
• Versatile: Works with chicken thighs, breasts, or even vegetarian substitutes like paneer or tofu.
• Comforting and crowd-pleasing: Ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or a cozy weekend treat.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Marination Time: 30 minutes to overnight (optional but recommended)
• Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~520 kcal per serving (including rice)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500 g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1½ tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp oil

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1½ cups tomato purée (or crushed tomatoes)
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup cashew paste or 2 tbsp ground almonds (optional for richness)
• Salt, to taste

For Serving:

• 2 cups cooked basmati rice
• Fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves, for garnish
• Warm naan or roti (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, and spices. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight).
2. Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides (does not need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onions until golden. Add garlic, ginger, and spices; cook until fragrant.
4. Add tomatoes: Stir in tomato purée and cook until it thickens and darkens slightly, about 10 minutes.
5. Blend (optional): For a silky texture, blend the sauce until smooth using an immersion blender.
6. Simmer: Return the sauce to the pan, add chicken, and pour in cream (and cashew paste if using). Simmer on low for 10–15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is thick and creamy.
7. Finish: Add a knob of butter and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with basmati rice.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Marinate chicken in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Heat a pan with oil and sear chicken until slightly charred. Remove.
Step 3: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onion until golden.
Step 4: Add garlic, ginger, and ground spices; cook until aromatic.
Step 5: Add tomato purée and simmer until thickened.
Step 6: Blend sauce until smooth for a restaurant-style finish.
Step 7: Return sauce to the pan, add cream and cooked chicken. Simmer gently.
Step 8: Stir in butter for that final glossy finish and garnish with coriander.

How to Serve

Serve hot butter chicken over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan for dipping. Add a side of:

• Cucumber raita or mint yogurt
• Pickled onions or fresh salad
• A sprinkle of garam masala or a swirl of cream before serving

Recipe Tips

• Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results.
• Blend the sauce for a silky, restaurant-like texture.
• Adjust cream and butter for richness—more cream makes it milder and smoother.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of warm water or milk.

Variations

• Paneer Butter Masala: Substitute chicken with paneer cubes for a vegetarian version.
• Butter Shrimp: Replace chicken with prawns and reduce cooking time.
• Spicy Butter Chicken: Add extra chili powder or green chilies.
• Healthier Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream and grill chicken for less oil.
• Vegan Option: Use tofu or chickpeas and coconut milk instead of cream.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Butter chicken freezes very well for up to 2 months. Freeze sauce and chicken together or separately.
• Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore consistency.

Special Equipment Needed

• Heavy-bottomed skillet or nonstick pan
• Blender or immersion blender (for smooth sauce)
• Mixing bowls
• Sauce ladle and spatula

FAQ

Q1: Can I use store-bought butter chicken sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce tastes fresher and allows you to control spice and richness.

Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — replace butter with vegan butter and cream with coconut milk.

Q3: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can, but marinating and browning raw chicken adds more flavor depth.

Q4: How do I make it less spicy?
Reduce chili powder and add more cream to mellow the heat.

Q5: What rice goes best with it?
Aromatic basmati rice or jeera (cumin) rice pairs best.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice is not just a meal—it’s a culinary experience that captures the essence of India’s rich food heritage. Creamy, aromatic, and deeply flavorful, it’s comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re cooking for guests or craving something special on a cozy evening, this dish never disappoints.

Each spoonful brings together the warmth of spices, the richness of butter and cream, and the tenderness of marinated chicken — making it a timeless classic you’ll want to return to again and again.