If you’re craving a dish that offers a perfect blend of spices, richness, and comfort, Chicken Butter Masala, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a must-try. This classic Indian recipe is adored worldwide for its creamy texture, mildly spiced flavor, and the mouthwatering aroma that makes it irresistible. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or looking to perfect your butter chicken recipe, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
500g boneless chicken (cut into medium-sized pieces)
1/2 cup yogurt (curd)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt to taste
For the Butter Masala Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or sunflower oil)
2 large onions (finely chopped)
3 large tomatoes (pureed)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1 teaspoon red chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
1 teaspoon garam masala powder
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 cup fresh cream
1/2 cup milk (to adjust consistency, optional)
1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves, crushed)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance flavors)
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt.
Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the marinade.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for at least 1-2 hours, or for best results, overnight.
This helps the chicken absorb all the flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat.
Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and cook until the chicken turns golden and is cooked through. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
Set the cooked chicken aside while you prepare the masala.
Step 3: Make the Butter Masala Sauce
In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until aromatic.
Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown.
Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
Stir in the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts separating from the sauce, indicating the tomatoes are well-cooked.
Add the ground spices: red chili powder, garam masala, ground coriander, and turmeric. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Butter Masala
Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and mix well, ensuring the chicken is coated with the masala.
Stir in the fresh cream and crushed kasuri methi for that signature creamy texture and aroma.
You can add a bit of milk to adjust the sauce’s consistency, making it as thick or thin as you prefer.
Allow the dish to simmer for 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. Taste and add salt or sugar if needed to balance the flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Garnish the Chicken Butter Masala with fresh cilantro leaves for added freshness and color.
Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, naan, or paratha to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Tips for the Best Chicken Butter Masala:
Marination time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the juicier and more flavorful it will be.
Overnight marination is highly recommended.
Use fresh cream: It adds a rich, velvety texture to the sauce. Avoid using heavy cream if you want a lighter version.
Kasuri Methi: This ingredient is essential for the authentic flavor of Chicken Butter Masala. It lends a distinct aroma to the dish.
Adjust the heat: You can make the dish as mild or spicy as you like by adjusting the amount of chili powder and garam masala.
Chicken Butter Masala is the perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. It’s a dish that never fails to impress, whether you’re serving it for family or entertaining guests.
Variations You Can Try
One of the great things about Chicken Butter Masala is its versatility. You can experiment with different ingredients and methods to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Vegetarian Butter Masala
If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, paneer (Indian cottage cheese) works perfectly in place of chicken. Simply follow the same recipe, substituting the chicken with paneer cubes.
You can also use tofu, mushrooms, or a variety of mixed vegetables like cauliflower, peas, and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian dish.
Healthier Version
For a lighter version, you can swap out the cream for Greek yogurt or coconut milk. This will reduce the fat content while maintaining a creamy texture. Additionally, grilling or baking the marinated chicken instead of frying can make the dish healthier without compromising the flavor.
Spicy Butter Chicken
If you love your food on the spicier side, increase the amount of red chili powder or add freshly chopped green chilies. You can also include a bit of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
However, keep in mind that traditional butter chicken is mildly spiced, so be cautious not to overpower the other flavors.
Butter Chicken Biryani
Turn your butter chicken into a flavorful biryani by layering the cooked chicken with half-cooked basmati rice. Add some fried onions, saffron milk, and mint leaves, then cook everything together in a sealed pot (dum-style). This variation combines the best of both worlds for biryani and butter chicken lovers.
Storage and Leftovers
One of the best things about Chicken Butter Masala is that it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze the dish for up to a month. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a little water or milk to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
Pairing Suggestions
Chicken Butter Masala pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some classic pairings to enhance your dining experience:
Naan or Garlic Naan: Soft, fluffy Indian bread is the perfect companion for mopping up the creamy sauce.
Jeera Rice: Cumin-flavored rice (Jeera rice) complements the rich flavors of butter chicken, adding a subtle earthy taste.
Paratha: This flaky, buttery Indian flatbread is another excellent option to serve with this dish.
Salads and Raitas: A cooling cucumber or boondi raita (yogurt dip) helps balance the heat and richness of the chicken. You can also serve it with a fresh cucumber-tomato salad for added freshness.
Chicken Butter Masala, with its luxurious sauce and aromatic spices, is a staple in Indian cuisine for a reason. Its widespread appeal comes from its perfect balance of flavors—spicy, creamy, tangy, and sweet—all coming together in a single dish. Whether you’re making it for a family meal, a dinner party, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is bound to leave everyone asking for seconds.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for something indulgent, flavorful, and satisfying, give this Chicken Butter Masala recipe a try. It’s a foolproof way to enjoy the rich taste of Indian cuisine in the comfort of your home!
