Creamy Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken) Recipe That Wows

Aromatic spices dance through this rich chicken makhani, telling a story of culinary passion from northern India.

Succulent pieces of tender meat swim in a luxurious tomato-cream sauce that whispers centuries of cooking traditions.

Culinary explorers adore how each bite brings warmth and depth from carefully balanced ingredients.

Passionate home cooks understand this dish represents more than just a meal, it’s a celebration of flavor and technique.

Layers of ginger, garlic, and garam masala create a symphony that awakens every sense.

Regional techniques merge with contemporary cooking styles to produce something truly magnificent.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that connects you directly to indian kitchen magic.

What Makes Chicken Makhani So Rich and Creamy

• Quick and Easy Family Feast: This mouthwatering chicken makhani delivers restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals fast.
• Spice Adventure: The recipe offers a delightful journey through authentic Indian flavors, blending aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander that transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Flexible Meal Prep: Marinating the chicken ahead of time allows for stress-free cooking, with instructions that accommodate both last-minute dinner prep and advance planning, ensuring maximum convenience for home chefs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: With its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, this dish appeals to both adventurous eaters and picky family members, creating a universally loved meal that brings everyone together at the dinner table.

Butter Chicken (Chicken Makhani) Ingredients

• Chicken: Tender meat that absorbs rich marinade flavors, boneless and skinless works best, preferably thighs for juiciness.

• Yogurt: Helps tenderize chicken and adds creamy texture, full-fat Greek yogurt recommended.
• Ginger-Garlic Paste: Provides intense aromatic base, fresh is more flavorful than store-bought.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright acidity and helps meat become tender.

• Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander, Garam Masala, Chili Powder: Complex spice mix creating authentic Indian flavor profile, use fresh ground spices for best taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning.

• Butter: Gives rich, luxurious taste, traditional Indian cooking uses unsalted.
• Onion: Provides sweet base for sauce, yellow onions work perfectly.
• Tomato Puree: Creates smooth, thick sauce base.
• Cream: Adds silky texture and balances spice heat, heavy cream preferred.

• Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): Optional but traditional flavor enhancer.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright garnish with fresh herbal notes.

• Basmati Rice or Naan Bread: Traditional accompaniments for soaking up delicious sauce.

Chicken Makhani Butter Chicken Prep

Step 1: Prepare Tangy Chicken Marinade

• Turmeric
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Chili powder
• Garam masala
• Salt
• Lemon juice

Let the chicken soak up these incredible flavors for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Melt butter in a large pan over medium-high heat.

Cook the marinated chicken in batches, creating a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Sear each side for 5-7 minutes until chicken is nearly cooked through.

Set aside the seared chicken.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Flavor Base

In the same pan, melt remaining butter.

Sauté chopped onions until they turn a rich golden brown.

Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for an additional minute to release intense aromas.

Step 4: Bloom Exotic Spices

• Garam masala
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Cinnamon
• Chili powder

Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their deep, complex flavors.

Step 5: Develop Rich Tomato Sauce

Pour in tomato puree and let the sauce simmer.

Allow it to thicken and meld flavors for 10-12 minutes, creating a luxurious base.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

• Kasuri methi (optional)
• Salt to taste

Stir in cream and simmer for 5 minutes.

Ensure chicken is fully cooked and sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the dish.

Plate alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread for an authentic Indian dining experience.

Chicken Makhani Cooking Hints

• Let chicken sit in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the meat.
• Brown chicken in batches to develop a rich, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
• Toast ground spices briefly in butter to release their essential oils and intensify the dish's aromatic profile.
• Add cream at the end of cooking to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, luxurious sauce texture.
• Sprinkle fresh cilantro just before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.

Chicken Makhani That Reheats Rich and Smooth

• Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, where it can maintain quality for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
• Warm gently in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore sauce consistency and prevent drying out the chicken.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain the sauce's creamy texture.

Bold Flavors to Try With Chicken Makhani

• Sip Aromatic Chai Tea: A traditional Indian spiced tea perfectly complements the rich, creamy butter chicken, balancing its intense flavors and cutting through the richness with its warm, spicy notes.
• Pair with Crisp Riesling: The slight sweetness and high acidity of a chilled Riesling wine beautifully offsets the spicy, buttery sauce, creating a delightful flavor harmony that refreshes the palate.
• Serve with Garlic Naan: Soft, pillowy naan bread becomes the ideal vehicle for soaking up the luxurious sauce, adding a delicious textural contrast and helping to mild down the dish's spiciness.
• Recommend Mango Lassi: This cool, creamy yogurt-based drink provides a soothing counterpoint to the spicy chicken, offering a sweet and refreshing touch that cools the palate after each flavorful bite.

Chicken Makhani – Flavor Options to Try

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a rich, vegan-friendly version that maintains the creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Choice: Swap traditional rice or naan with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the authentic butter chicken taste.
• Protein Power Swap: Use firm tofu or paneer instead of chicken for a vegetarian alternative that absorbs the same spectacular blend of Indian spices and creamy sauce.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Reduce or eliminate chili powder for a milder version, or add extra chili flakes for those who crave intense heat in their dish.

FAQs

• What is the key to getting the best flavor in this chicken makhani recipe?

The key is marinating the chicken with yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat, tenderizing it and infusing deep, rich flavors into every bite.

• Why is searing the chicken important before adding it to the sauce?

Searing the chicken creates a delicious golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and adds complex caramelized flavor to the dish. This step ensures the chicken remains juicy and develops a rich, appetizing color.

• How do the spices contribute to the overall taste of chicken makhani?

The combination of spices like garam masala, cumin, coriander, and chili powder creates a warm, aromatic base that gives the dish its signature Indian flavor profile. Blooming the spices in butter helps release their essential oils and intensifies their taste.

• What makes the sauce in chicken makhani so creamy and rich?

The sauce gets its luxurious texture from a combination of butter, tomato puree, and heavy cream. The slow simmering process allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.

Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken) Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Fragrant spices dance through succulent chicken makhani, inviting culinary wanderers into North Indian cuisine’s rich embrace. Creamy tomato-based sauce and tender meat promise a luxurious experience that connects you directly with traditional Delhi flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves, optional)
• Salt to taste

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup full-fat yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter (divided)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 (15 oz) (425 grams) can tomato puree
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Blend aromatic spices and yogurt to create a robust marinade, coating the chicken pieces thoroughly. Allow the protein to absorb these intense flavors for a minimum of half an hour, enabling deep flavor penetration.
2. Utilize a heavy-bottomed skillet to sear marinated chicken pieces, developing a rich caramelized exterior. Work in batches to ensure each piece browns evenly, creating a golden crust without overcrowding the pan.
3. In the same skillet, transform butter into a fragrant base, sautéing onions until they reach a deep amber color. Introduce ginger-garlic paste, releasing its pungent aromatics and creating a foundational layer of complexity.
4. Awaken dry spices by toasting them briefly, allowing their essential oils to bloom and intensify. This technique amplifies the depth and richness of the developing sauce.
5. Incorporate tomato puree, letting the mixture reduce and concentrate. Monitor the consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and promote a smooth, velvety texture.
6. Reunite the seared chicken with the luxurious sauce, incorporating kasuri methi for an additional layer of nuanced flavor. Gently simmer, allowing the cream to integrate and tenderize the meat completely.
7. Finish the dish with a vibrant sprinkle of fresh cilantro, presenting a visually appealing and fragrant Indian classic that pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Notes

• Create a perfectly balanced marinade by ensuring the yogurt coats each chicken piece evenly for maximum flavor absorption.
• Let the chicken marinate longer (up to 2 hours) for deeper, more intense spice penetration and tenderness.
• Always sear chicken in batches to maintain high pan temperature, preventing steaming and ensuring beautiful golden-brown exterior.
• Bloom spices before adding tomato puree to release their essential oils and enhance overall aromatic complexity.
• Consider using kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) as a secret ingredient that adds authentic depth and traditional Indian restaurant-style flavor.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt to reduce calories without compromising richness.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of wheat-based thickeners and confirming all spice blend ingredients are gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus marination)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg