Name: Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed; 2 tablespoons oil (such as vegetable or canola oil); 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste); 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish); Salt and pepper to taste

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Butter chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a beloved Indian dish that has captivated taste buds around the world. This rich and flavorful recipe combines tender chicken in a velvety, spice-infused sauce that’s simply irresistible. With its perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet notes, it’s no wonder why this dish has become a staple of Indian cuisine.

💝 The Magic Behind This Dish

What sets this Indian Butter Chicken recipe apart is the harmonious blend of aromatic spices, creamy tomato-based sauce, and the juicy, tender chicken. The secret lies in the careful layering of flavors, allowing the spices to meld together and create a depth of taste that is both comforting and captivating. The addition of butter and cream adds a luxurious richness, while the touch of sweetness from the tomatoes and spices balances the overall flavor profile.

But the true magic of this dish goes beyond just the flavors. It’s the way it brings people together, transcending cultures and creating a shared experience of culinary delight. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, this Indian Butter Chicken is sure to impress and leave your guests craving more.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
2 tablespoons oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste

The beauty of this Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of aromatic spices, creamy tomato sauce, and rich butter creates the distinctly Indian-inspired flavor profile that has made this recipe a perennial favorite.

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pan, sauté the onion until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 3: Stir in the cumin, coriander, paprika, garam masala, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and become fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the tomato sauce and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices back to the pan. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 5: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter until it’s melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking.
Step 7: Garnish the Indian Butter Chicken with chopped cilantro and serve immediately with basmati rice, naan, or your favorite accompaniments.

Timing Overview

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Compared to traditional Indian Butter Chicken recipes, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this version saves you 20% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 527
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 41g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 580mg

These Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) provide approximately 58% of your daily protein requirements and 18% of your daily fat needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🌱 Healthy Swaps & Substitutions

• Reduced-fat option: Use low-fat or nonfat Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and substitute unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative.
• Lower-carb version: Serve the Indian Butter Chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas or lentils for an extra boost of protein.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or peas to the sauce for added nutrients and texture.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani).

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with basmati rice or naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Pair the Indian Butter Chicken with a fresh green salad or a cooling raita (yogurt-based condiment) for a complete and balanced meal.
• Complement the dish with a side of sautéed spinach or roasted cauliflower for added nutrition and textural contrast.
• For a festive occasion, serve the Indian Butter Chicken as part of an Indian-inspired spread, alongside other curries, chutneys, and traditional accompaniments.

⚠️ Cooking Pitfalls to Skip

• Overcooking the chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. Keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust as needed.
• Burning the spices: When adding the spices, be sure to cook them for just 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to bloom, but don’t let them burn, as this can create a bitter taste.
• Forgetting to temper the cream: Adding the cold heavy cream directly to the hot tomato sauce can cause the sauce to curdle. Be sure to temper the cream by adding a small amount of the hot sauce to it first before incorporating it into the pan.

❄️ Storage Solutions

These Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) retain their quality remarkably well:

• Refrigeration: Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then transfer them to separate freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and sauce together in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Indian Butter Chicken recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. The flavors actually improve after a day or two in the refrigerator. You can make the entire recipe and store the chicken and sauce separately, then simply reheat and serve when ready. The dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! While chicken is the traditional protein used in Indian Butter Chicken, you can easily substitute it with cubed paneer (Indian cheese), shrimp, or even chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian option. The spices and sauce will complement these alternative proteins beautifully.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this Indian Butter Chicken dairy-free, you can replace the heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream. For the butter, use a plant-based butter alternative. These substitutions will keep the rich, creamy texture without the dairy.

What should I do if the sauce becomes too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much during simmering, simply add a splash of water or broth to thin it out to your desired consistency. You can also stir in an extra dollop of heavy cream or coconut milk to loosen the sauce.

Can I add additional vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! This Indian Butter Chicken recipe is very versatile. You can stir in diced bell peppers, spinach, peas, or cauliflower florets to boost the nutritional value and create a more well-rounded dish. Just be sure to adjust the simmering time to ensure the vegetables are tender.

🌈 Happy Cooking!

These Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting family dinner or an impressive main course for a dinner party, they’re sure to impress with their rich, aromatic, and slightly sweet flavor profile.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So go ahead, indulge in the delicious world of Indian Butter Chicken and let your taste buds be transported to the vibrant flavors of the subcontinent.