Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide. Known for its creamy tomato-based sauce and tender chicken, it has become a restaurant classic and a favorite for home cooking. The combination of warm spices, butter, cream, and juicy chicken creates a balanced flavor that is both rich and comforting, yet mild enough to be enjoyed by the whole family.
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What makes Butter Chicken special
Unlike many curries that are fiery and intense, Butter Chicken strikes a perfect balance. The chicken is first marinated in yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices like turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. This step tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor. After a quick sear, the chicken is simmered in a sauce made with butter, onions, tomatoes, and cream. The result is silky, aromatic, and slightly sweet, with just a gentle heat from the spices.
The history of Butter Chicken
This dish has an interesting origin. It was created by chance in the 1950s at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi, India, when leftover tandoori chicken was cooked in a tomato-butter sauce to prevent it from drying out. The result became one of the most iconic Indian recipes in the world. You can read more about its origins on Wikipedia.
Tips for the perfect Butter Chicken
To get the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but ideally overnight. Use full-fat yogurt in the marinade to help tenderize the meat. For the sauce, canned tomatoes work perfectly and give consistency, but you can also use fresh pureed tomatoes. Chilling the leftover curry overnight actually improves the flavor, as the spices meld together. If you prefer a spicier dish, simply increase the chili powder or add fresh chili peppers to the sauce.
How to serve Butter Chicken
Traditionally, this dish is served with basmati rice or warm naan bread, which are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. You can also pair it with roti or even couscous if you want a fusion twist. Add a fresh cucumber and tomato salad on the side for a refreshing balance to the richness of the curry.
Variations
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
- For a dairy-free version, replace cream with coconut milk and butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Add vegetables like spinach or peas to make the dish even more filling and colorful.
Why it’s viral
Just like Chocolate Chip Cookies and Pistachio Cheesecake, Butter Chicken is a recipe that consistently goes viral on Pinterest and food blogs. Its universal appeal lies in the fact that it is both exotic and comforting, simple yet impressive. It’s also a great entry point into Indian cuisine for beginners, since the flavors are aromatic but not overwhelmingly spicy.
Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) – Creamy Indian Curry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Marinate the chicken – In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Add chicken chunks, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes (up to overnight).
- Cook the chicken – Heat a pan with a little oil, sear chicken until lightly charred and almost cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce – In the same pan, melt butter with oil. Sauté onion until golden, add garlic and ginger, then stir in cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes – Pour in canned tomatoes, simmer 10 minutes, then blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Finish the curry – Return sauce to pan, stir in cream and sugar. Add cooked chicken pieces and simmer for 10 minutes until tender. Adjust salt.
- Serve – Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with basmati rice or naan.
Notes
- For extra flavor, grill chicken pieces instead of pan-frying.
- Adjust chili powder depending on spice preference.
- Can be made ahead and reheated – flavors develop even more overnight.
Storage and reheating
Butter Chicken is an excellent make-ahead meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore its silky texture. It also freezes well for up to 2 months, making it a practical choice for batch cooking.
Related recipes
If you enjoyed this Butter Chicken, try more of our Asian and global favorites:
- Chicken Teriyaki – sweet and savory Japanese-style chicken.
- Pad Thai – classic Thai noodle stir-fry with shrimp and peanuts.
- Beef Stroganoff – creamy American comfort food with mushrooms.
- Marry Me Chicken – another viral chicken recipe with sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
Final thoughts
Butter Chicken is more than just a curry—it’s a story of tradition, creativity, and flavor. From its humble beginnings in Delhi to its worldwide fame today, this dish continues to bring people together around the table. Whether you cook it for a family dinner, a date night, or a cozy weekend treat, you can be sure it will impress. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and balanced spices, Butter Chicken truly deserves its reputation as one of the most loved recipes in the world.