Go Back
A pan of creamy butter chicken simmering on a stove, with tender chicken pieces coated in a rich and aromatic murgh makhani sauce.

Butter Chicken Recipe (Easy & Authentic Murgh Makhani)

This easy and authentic Butter Chicken Recipe (Murgh Makhani) delivers restaurant-quality results at home. Enjoy tender marinated chicken in a rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced tomato gravy that's ready in under an hour. A truly irresistible meal!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup plain full-fat yogurt
  • 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder or paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
For the Makhani (Butter) Sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 1 tbsp oil or ghee
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 15 oz can tomato puree or passata
  • 1/4 cup raw cashews
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp sugar optional, to balance acidity
  • 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves (Kasoori Methi)
  • Salt to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 High-Speed Blender
  • 2 Mixing Bowls

Instructions
 

Marinate and Cook the Chicken
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with all the marinade ingredients (yogurt, 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste, turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, chili powder, and 1 tsp salt). Mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Makhani Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Stir in 1 tbsp of ginger garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground coriander, cumin, and 1 tsp garam masala. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  3. Pour in the tomato puree, add the raw cashews, and season with a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Carefully transfer the hot mixture to a high-speed blender. Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and velvety. Return the sauce to the skillet.
Finish the Dish
  1. Stir the heavy cream and sugar (if using) into the sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and stir to combine.
  2. Let the curry simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
  3. Take the dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi) and crush them between your palms over the skillet. Stir into the sauce. Serve hot with naan or rice.

Notes

For a nut-free version, you can omit the cashews. The sauce may be slightly less creamy, but still delicious.
Adjust the chili powder to your preferred spice level. Kashmiri chili powder adds great color without too much heat.
For an extra rich flavor, finish the dish with a final swirl of heavy cream before serving.
QR Code linking back to recipe