Classic Butter Chicken

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Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of those dishes that instantly transports me to a world of rich, velvety flavors. The combination of tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce is simply irresistible. Every bite bursts with warmth from aromatic spices, balanced perfectly with the buttery, mildly tangy sauce. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy dinner at home, this dish never fails to impress.

I love how Butter Chicken strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort. It has just the right amount of spice, creaminess, and richness to make it a family favorite. Plus, it pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan, soaking up every last drop of the flavorful sauce. If you’ve never made it at home before, you’re in for a treat!

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Why You’ll Love This Classic Butter Chicken

• Rich and creamy – The buttery tomato sauce is ultra-smooth and flavorful.
• Perfectly spiced – Warm, aromatic spices give it depth without overwhelming heat.
• Restaurant-quality at home – You don’t need a trip to an Indian restaurant to enjoy it!
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and an amazing result.
• Great for meal prep – It tastes even better the next day, making leftovers a bonus.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For the best Butter Chicken, I always recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender even after simmering in the sauce. However, if you prefer a leaner option, chicken breast works too—just be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out faster. If you love extra flavor, you can even use bone-in chicken pieces; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

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Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re customizing for dietary needs or just using what you have on hand, here are some great substitutions:

• Chicken alternative – Swap chicken for paneer, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Dairy-free – Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and vegan butter in place of regular butter.
• Tomato alternative – If you’re out of canned tomatoes, a mix of fresh tomatoes and tomato paste works well.
• Spice level – Adjust the heat by adding or reducing cayenne pepper or chili powder.
• Greek yogurt substitute – If you don’t have Greek yogurt for marinating, use regular plain yogurt or a splash of lemon juice for tenderness.

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Ingredients for This Classic Butter Chicken

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building its signature depth of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Chicken (thighs or breast) – The star of the dish, absorbing all the rich, spiced flavors.
• Greek yogurt – Used in the marinade to tenderize the chicken and enhance the spices.
• Garlic & ginger – Essential for bold, aromatic flavor in both the marinade and sauce.
• Tomatoes (canned or fresh) – The base of the sauce, giving it a slightly tangy depth.
• Butter – Adds that signature rich, silky texture to the sauce.
• Heavy cream – Creates the velvety smoothness that makes Butter Chicken irresistible.
• Garam masala – A warm spice blend that brings depth and authenticity.
• Cumin & coriander – Add earthy and slightly citrusy notes to the dish.
• Turmeric & paprika – For color, warmth, and a mild hint of spice.
• Cayenne pepper – Optional, but great for those who love a bit of heat.
• Salt & sugar – Balance the acidity of the tomatoes and bring out all the flavors.
• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) – A signature ingredient that gives Butter Chicken its distinctive aroma and taste.
• Cooking oil – Helps sear the chicken and bring out the spices’ full flavor.

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Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, salt, and a splash of lemon juice. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, refrigerate it for 2-4 hours (or overnight).

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Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a pan with a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides. You don’t need to cook it fully at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

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Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add tomatoes, garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and a pinch of sugar. Cook until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens. Blend the sauce for a smooth texture if desired.

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Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Crush Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) between your palms and sprinkle it in for that signature taste.

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Step 5: Final Touch and Serve

Stir in an extra pat of butter for richness, and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan or basmati rice. Enjoy your homemade Classic Butter Chicken!

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How Long to Cook the Classic Butter Chicken

The cooking time for Butter Chicken is fairly quick and straightforward:

• Marinating: At least 30 minutes, but 2-4 hours (or overnight) for deeper flavor.
• Cooking the chicken: About 5-7 minutes to sear until lightly golden.
• Simmering in the sauce: 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

In total, you can have this dish ready in under an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight meal!

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Tips for Perfect Classic Butter Chicken

• Marinate longer for better flavor – The longer the chicken sits in the yogurt marinade, the more tender and flavorful it will be.
• Sear the chicken first – Browning it adds an extra depth of flavor before it simmers in the sauce.
• Blend the sauce for smoothness – If you love restaurant-style Butter Chicken, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the sauce before adding the cream.
• Don’t skip the Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) – This ingredient gives Butter Chicken its signature aroma and taste.
• Adjust the spice level – Add more cayenne for heat or a bit of honey for extra sweetness.
• Let it rest before serving – Giving the dish a few minutes to rest after cooking allows the flavors to settle and deepen.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the marination – Marinating the chicken isn’t just for flavor; it also helps tenderize the meat. Don’t rush this step!
• Overcooking the chicken – Since the chicken finishes cooking in the sauce, avoid over-searing it in the first step.
• Not blending the sauce – If you want that restaurant-style creamy texture, blend the sauce before adding the chicken back in.
• Using too much cream – A little cream goes a long way; too much can dull the spices and make the sauce overly rich.
• Forgetting to adjust seasoning – Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt, spice, or sweetness to your preference.
• Skipping Kasuri methi – This key ingredient gives Butter Chicken its signature taste. If you can’t find it, use a small pinch of ground fenugreek.
• Not letting the flavors meld – Simmering the dish for at least 10 minutes helps deepen the flavors, so don’t rush the final step.
• Serving it too hot – Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to balance.

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What to Serve With Classic Butter Chicken?

1. Garlic Naan

Soft, buttery naan is perfect for scooping up that rich sauce.

2. Basmati Rice

Fluffy, fragrant basmati rice makes a great base for soaking up the flavorful curry.

3. Roti or Chapati

For a lighter bread option, whole wheat roti pairs beautifully with Butter Chicken.

4. Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice)

Aromatic cumin-spiced rice adds an extra layer of flavor.

5. Cucumber Raita

A cooling yogurt-based side dish helps balance the richness of the curry.

6. Mango Chutney

A sweet and tangy chutney adds a burst of contrasting flavor.

7. Lentil Dal

A simple dal (lentil soup) complements the meal with extra protein and heartiness.

8. Grilled Vegetables

Lightly charred bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant add a fresh touch to the meal.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which you might not, because it’s that delicious!), here’s how to store Butter Chicken properly:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day!
• Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.
• Reheating: Warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to bring back the sauce’s smooth texture. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on a 4-serving recipe):

• Calories: ~450-500 kcal
• Protein: ~30g
• Carbohydrates: ~15g
• Fat: ~30g
• Saturated Fat: ~15g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sugar: ~6g
• Sodium: ~700mg

Note: These values can vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes. Adjustments can be made for lighter versions, such as using less cream or swapping butter for a healthier fat option.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Butter Chicken without cream?

Yes! You can substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Greek yogurt also works for a lighter option.

2. How can I make it spicier?

Increase the cayenne pepper or add a finely chopped green chili while cooking the sauce.

3. What if I don’t have Kasuri methi?

You can use a small pinch of ground fenugreek or simply leave it out. The dish will still taste delicious, but the authentic flavor will be slightly different.

4. Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Yes! If using pre-cooked chicken, add it to the sauce in the final 5 minutes of simmering to prevent overcooking.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Butter Chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop overnight. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

6. What tomatoes should I use?

Canned crushed tomatoes work best, but fresh tomatoes blended into a puree can also be used. If using fresh, cook them longer to remove excess moisture.

7. Is Butter Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check that any store-bought ingredients, like spice blends, don’t contain gluten.

8. Can I use paneer instead of chicken?

Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with cubed paneer and reduce the cooking time since paneer doesn’t need to be fully cooked like meat.

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Conclusion

Now that you have everything you need to make Classic Butter Chicken, it’s time to give it a try! This dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep. If you love this recipe, save it on Pinterest and share it with your friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!

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