Indian traditional Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) Recipe

Dec 21, 20242 min read

Updated: Dec 26, 2024

Butter chicken is a famous and traditional recipe in India. It is a creamy, delicious, and mildly spicy North Indian curry that is loved worldwide for its rich flavor. Let's see how to make it in my style:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

1 kg boneless chicken (thighs or breast), cut into medium pieces
1 cup yogurt
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp oil or melted butter

For the Curry:

1 tbsp oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
3 medium tomatoes, pureed
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, minced
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp garam masala
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish.

Indian traditional Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) Recipe

Method of making Butter Chicken:

First, we will marinate the chicken. To do this, we will mix curd, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt in a large bowl.

After this, add the chicken pieces and mix well. Then, put the mixture in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

After marinating, we will cook the chicken. To do this, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or butter in a pan on medium heat, add the marinated chicken, and let it cook for a few minutes. After cooking, set it aside.

Now we will prepare the curry base. To do this, heat butter and oil in the same pan. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.

After this add minced garlic and ginger, and fry till the aroma comes.

Add chopped onion and cook till it becomes golden brown.

Now add tomato puree, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and coriander powder to it. Cook it until the oil separates from the spices, which may take 8 to 10 minutes.