Irresistibly Creamy Makhani (Butter Chicken) Recipe

Creamy, aromatic butter chicken or makhani recipe weaves magic into every bite of this beloved Indian classic.

Tender chicken pieces swim in a luxurious tomato-based sauce that whispers comfort and indulgence.

Spices dance together, creating layers of rich, complex flavors that transport you straight to the heart of Indian cuisine.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to build depth and warmth in this iconic dish.

The velvety sauce, infused with fragrant spices, promises a culinary experience that will delight your senses.

Marinated chicken absorbs the most incredible blend of traditional seasonings, ensuring every morsel is packed with incredible taste.

Prepare to fall in love with this restaurant-quality makhani that brings the essence of Indian cooking right to your dining table.

Expert Tips for Butter Chicken (Makhani)

• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a golden, crispy exterior without steaming the meat.
• Adjust chili powder and garam masala according to your heat tolerance, starting with small amounts and tasting as you go.
• Strain the tomato mixture through a fine-mesh sieve for an ultra-smooth, restaurant-quality texture.
• Toast whole spices briefly before grinding to release their essential oils and intensify the aromatic profile.
• Lower the heat and add cream gradually while stirring constantly to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.

Variations on Butter Chicken (Makhani)

• Veggie Makhani: Replace chicken with paneer or tofu cubes for a vegetarian protein option. Marinate the paneer in yogurt and spices before cooking for extra flavor.
• Coconut Cream Makhani: Swap dairy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free and vegan-friendly version. This adds a subtle tropical note to the classic dish.
• Low-Carb Makhani: Use cauliflower or zucchini instead of traditional chicken. Reduce tomato sauce and add more spices to maintain the rich flavor profile.
• Instant Pot Makhani: Convert the recipe to a one-pot meal by cooking chicken and sauce together in an Instant Pot. Reduce cooking time and achieve tender, flavorful results with minimal effort.

Best Pairings with Butter Chicken (Makhani)

• Pair with Perfectly Chilled Yogurt Lassi: Create a cool, creamy yogurt drink with cardamom and mint to balance the rich, spicy butter chicken, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the intense flavors.
• Complement with Garlic Naan Bread: Select warm, soft garlic naan with crispy edges to soak up the luxurious sauce, providing a perfect textural contrast and additional aromatic layer.
• Match with Cucumber Raita Side: Prepare a cooling cucumber raita with fresh herbs to temper the dish's heat, delivering a light and tangy accompaniment that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Select Indian Kingfisher Beer Pairing: Choose a crisp, light Indian lager like Kingfisher to cut through the richness of the butter chicken, refreshing the taste buds with its clean, mild flavor profile.

Storage Advice for Butter Chicken (Makhani)

• Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour chicken into a pan, add a splash of cream or water to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• What is the origin of Makhani (Butter Chicken)?

Butter Chicken originated in Delhi, India during the 1950s at the Moti Mahal restaurant, created by Kundan Lal Gujral as a way to use leftover tandoori chicken by combining it with a rich, creamy tomato sauce.

• Is Butter Chicken spicy?

The traditional recipe has a mild to moderate spice level. You can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing chili powder and using mild or hot paprika according to your preference.

• Why does the recipe use cream?

Cream adds richness, smoothness, and balances the tangy tomato sauce, creating a luxurious texture and softening the spice intensity in the dish.

Butter Chicken (Makhani) Highlights

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A hearty side dish that brings families together with its rich, cheesy flavor and satisfying texture.
• Minimal Prep Powerhouse: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward mixing, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Ultimate Potluck Champion: Travels well and keeps its delicious taste, becoming an instant hit at gatherings, barbecues, and community events.
• Versatile Potato Perfection: Adaptable recipe that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or can stand alone as a delectable vegetarian option.

Ingredients for Butter Chicken (Makhani)

• Chicken: A tender protein that serves as the star of this classic Indian dish.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Offers a tangy base and vibrant color to the makhani sauce.
• Cream: Adds luxurious richness and creates a silky texture to the dish.

• Onions, Garlic, Ginger: A flavor-packed trio that builds a deep, complex base for the sauce.
• Garam Masala, Cumin, Coriander, Paprika, Chili Powder: A blend of warm and vibrant spices that give the dish its signature Indian flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dish.

• Sugar: Helps to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce and round out the flavors.

How to Prepare Butter Chicken (Makhani)

Step 1: Transform Chicken Into Golden Bites

Heat a skillet and melt butter until it sizzles. Drop chicken pieces into the hot pan and cook until edges turn golden brown and crispy.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Awaken Flavor Foundations

In the same skillet, melt additional butter.

Toss chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring continuously until their fragrant aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 3: Unleash Spice Magic

• Garam masala
• Ground cumin
• Crushed coriander
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Sea salt

Stir quickly to prevent burning and activate deep, complex flavors.

Step 4: Create Luscious Tomato Base

Pour tomato sauce into the spiced mixture.

Allow the sauce to bubble gently and meld flavors for 5 minutes. Optional: Use a blender to create an ultra-smooth consistency.

Step 5: Marry Chicken With Creamy Sauce

Return golden chicken pieces to the skillet. Drizzle heavy cream and add a touch of sugar if desired.

Let everything simmer together, creating a rich, velvety sauce that coats each chicken piece perfectly.

Step 6: Finish With Finesse

Cook for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring chicken is thoroughly heated and sauce reaches ideal thickness.

Serve hot with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Delicious Makhani (Butter Chicken) Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Simmering with rich Indian flavors, classic Makhani delivers creamy tomato-based magic that whisks home cooks straight to Delhi’s bustling streets. Tender chicken nestled in velvety sauce promises a luxurious culinary journey you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup tomato sauce (or canned crushed tomatoes)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
• 2 tablespoons butter (or ghee)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Serving Suggestion:

• Cooked rice or naan

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium temperature, melt butter, and sear chicken pieces until golden and slightly caramelized, creating a rich exterior. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Using the identical skillet, introduce remaining butter and gently transform onions into translucent, soft clusters. Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger, allowing aromatics to release their fragrant essence for approximately 1-2 minutes.
3. Introduce an orchestra of spices – garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, chili powder, and salt – stirring vigorously for 30 seconds to awaken their intricate flavors. Pour tomato sauce, letting the mixture harmonize and reduce for 5 minutes.
4. Optional technique: Transfer sauce to blender and pulse until achieving silky, uniform consistency for enhanced texture.
5. Reunite cooked chicken with spiced sauce, cascade cream into the mixture, and adjust sweetness with sugar if desired. Allow gentle simmering for 5 minutes, ensuring chicken absorbs surrounding flavors and reaches perfect tenderness.

Notes

• Prevent chicken dryness by using boneless, skinless thighs instead of breast meat for more moisture and tender texture.
• Marinate chicken in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder quantity or using mild paprika for sensitive palates.
• Ensure dairy-free version by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg