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Butter Chicken – Creamy Tomato-Based Chicken Curry

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is perhaps India’s most famous dish worldwide. Tender tandoori chicken pieces are simmered in a smooth, buttery, tomato-based gravy flavored with cream and aromatic spices. Its balance of smoky, creamy, and mildly tangy flavors makes it universally loved.

Nutrition & Benefits:
Chicken provides lean protein, while tomatoes add antioxidants like lycopene. The dish is rich due to butter and cream, so best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence.

Serving Suggestions & Variations:

  • Pairs beautifully with naan, garlic butter roti, or jeera rice.

  • Try a lighter version with yogurt instead of cream.

  • Add fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) for authentic flavor.

Cooking Tips:

  • Use marinated, pre-grilled chicken for smoky flavor.

  • Blend the gravy for a smooth, restaurant-style texture.

  • Don’t overcook chicken to keep it juicy.

FAQs:

  • Is Butter Chicken spicy? → It’s mild and creamy, suitable for all palates.

  • Can I use boneless chicken? → Yes, boneless thighs work best for tenderness.

  • What’s the difference between Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala? → Butter Chicken is creamier and slightly sweeter, while Tikka Masala is spicier and tangier.

Butter Chicken – Creamy Tomato-Based Chicken Curry

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most famous North Indian dishes worldwide. Juicy tandoori chicken pieces are simmered in a creamy tomato-butter gravy with aromatic spices.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian, Punjabi
Calories: 510

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:
For Chicken Marinade:
  • 500 g chicken boneless, cubed
  • ½ cup yogurt
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
For Gravy:
  • 3 medium tomatoes pureed
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • ½ tsp fenugreek leaves kasuri methi, crushed
  • 3 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp cream
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • Salt to taste

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. Marinate chicken with yogurt, spices, and lemon juice for at least 2 hours.
  2. Grill or pan-sear chicken until half-cooked, set aside.
  3. In a pan, heat butter + oil, sauté onions until golden.
  4. Add ginger-garlic paste, tomato puree, and dry spices. Cook until oil separates.
  5. Stir in grilled chicken, kasuri methi, cream, simmer for 15 minutes.
  6. Garnish with cream and fresh coriander.

Notes

Serving Suggestions:
  • Best served with butter naan, garlic naan, or tandoori roti.
  • Pairs well with jeera rice or plain steamed basmati rice.
  • Add a side of cucumber salad or raita for freshness.