Butter Chicken (indian Chicken Makhani)
Butter Chicken (indian Chicken Makhani) blooms spices in sauce, then simmers the main ingredients until tender and coated.
About This Recipe
Butter Chicken (indian Chicken Makhani) gets its depth from blooming spices or curry paste before simmering.
Add delicate ingredients near the end so they stay tender and bright.
Ingredients
- ✓½ kg (1.1 lbs) boneless chicken ( (cut to 1 inch pieces))
- ✓½ to ¾ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder ( (or paprika adjust to taste, reduce for kids))
- ✓¼ to ⅓ teaspoon salt ( (adjust to taste))
- ✓¾ to 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ✓⅓ cup Greek yogurt ((hung curd/thick curd, refer notes))
- ✓¾ tablespoon ginger garlic paste ((or ½ tbsp fine grated ginger + ½ tbsp fine grated garlic))
- ✓⅛ teaspoon turmeric ((haldi, optional))
- ✓¾ to 1 teaspoon garam masala ((adjust to taste))
- ✓½ teaspoon cumin powder ((optional))
- ✓1 teaspoon coriander powder ((optional))
- ✓1 teaspoon kasuri methi ((optional, dried fenugreek leaves))
- ✓¾ to 1 tablespoon oil
- ✓2 to 3 tablespoons butter (or ghee (divided))
- ✓2 inch cinnamon (piece (optional, for extra flavor))
- ✓2 to 4 green cardamoms ((optional, for added flavor))
- ✓2 to 4 cloves ((optional))
- ✓1½ cups (130 grams) onions (sliced (optional, updated, cuts down acidity from tomatoes))
- ✓600 grams (1.3 lbs.) fresh tomatoes ((or 1 cup passata/canned tomato puree or ⅓ cup double concentrate tomato paste - for 1x))
- ✓¾ tablespoon ginger garlic paste ((or ½ tbsp each fine grated ginger and garlic))
- ✓1 to 2 green chilies ( (optional, deseed, slit or chop))
- ✓28 (42 grams,⅓ cup) whole raw cashews ( (soaked in hot water, sub with ¼ to ⅓ cup heavy cream))
- ✓½ cup water (to blend (more if required))
- ✓1 to 2 teaspoons Kashmiri chili powder ((reduce for kids, adjust to taste))
- ✓1 to 1½ teaspoons garam masala ((divided, adjust to taste))
- ✓1 to 1½ teaspoon coriander powder ((optional, adjust to taste))
- ✓½ teaspoon cumin powder ( (optional, adjust to taste))
- ✓½ to ¾ teaspoon salt ( (adjust to taste))
- ✓1 teaspoon sugar ( (to balance the flavors))
- ✓½ tablespoon Kasuri methi ((dried fenugreek leaves))
- ✓1½ cups hot water (to make gravy (cut down to 1 cup if omitting cashews))
- ✓⅓ cup (80 to 100 ml) heavy cream ( or whipping cream (divided))
- ✓2 tablespoons coriander leaves ((fine chopped to garnish))
Ingredient Notes
- Spices or paste: Bloom spices or curry paste to deepen flavor.
- Sauce: Coconut milk, tomato, yogurt, or broth creates the body.
- Protein or vegetables: Cut pieces evenly so they simmer at the same speed.
- Fresh finish: Herbs, citrus, or onion can brighten the final dish.
Instructions
- 1
Marinate chicken with lemon juice, chili powder and salt. Cover and rest for 20 minutes. Next add yogurt, kasuri methi, oil, turmeric, ginger garlic paste, coriander powder, cumin powder and garam masala powder. Marinate and rest for a minimum of 30 minutes, or overnight for best results. Cover and refrigerate.
- 2
Optional – If using onion, sauté in 1 tablespoon oil until lightly golden, for 7 minutes. Cool down. To a blender, add tomatoes, sautéed onions, cashews and water. Blend to a smooth puree. If you want you can also blend the cashews separately with water to a smooth cream.
- 3
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator, to bring it close to room temperature. Melt butter in a pan & add all the whole spices – cinnamon, cloves and cardamoms.
- 4
When they begin to sizzle, stir in the ginger garlic paste & green chilies. Fry on a low heat, for a minute or 2, till it turns fragrant but not burnt. Turn off the heat and stir in red chili powder, garam masala, cumin and coriander powder.
- 5
Stir in the tomato cashew puree. If it is not smooth, strain it to the pan. Mix well and cover partially. Bring it to a boil on a medium high heat, reduce the heat to low or medium. Cook until the puree turns thick, keep stirring occasionally.
- 6
Pour hot water and simmer for 10 mins, until the sauce thickens & traces of fats are visible on top of the sauce. Remove the whole spices and discard at this stage.
- 7
Spread one tbsp. butter or ghee in a griddle/pan and heat it well. Place the marinated chicken pieces, spacing them a little apart.
- 8
Fry on a medium heat for 2 mins and turn them. Don’t burn and do not overcook. Cook till the chicken is just cooked and all the marinade dries up. It is not necessary to fully cook the chicken at this stage.
- 9
This way roast the chicken pieces in 2 to 3 batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
- 10
Add chicken to the butter chicken gravy. Pour more hot water (about ½ cup, not in the recipe) if the sauce is too thick. Cover and simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes till it becomes tender.
Katy’s Kitchen Tips
- Cook aromatics until fragrant.
- Bloom spices or paste before simmering.
- Add delicate vegetables near the end.
- Finish with herbs, citrus, or a little cream if needed.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetable add-in: Add spinach, peas, potatoes, cauliflower, or peppers.
- Creamier sauce: Stir in yogurt, cream, or coconut milk near the end.
- Extra heat: Increase chili, ginger, or curry paste.
- Fresh finish: Add cilantro, lime, or sliced onion before serving.
What to Serve With Butter Chicken (indian Chicken Makhani)
Serve Butter Chicken (indian Chicken Makhani) with rice, naan, roti, cucumber salad, chutney, or fresh herbs.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
Reheat gently so the center stays tender and the sauce does not dry out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Raw spices: Spices need a short bloom to taste rounded.
- Boiling dairy: Yogurt or cream can split over high heat.
- Overcooked vegetables: Add quick-cooking vegetables near the end.
- Flat finish: Herbs, citrus, or salt can bring the sauce back into balance.
FAQ
Can I make Butter Chicken (indian Chicken Makhani) ahead?
Yes. Prep or cook ahead, then reheat gently or finish close to serving.
How do I know it is done?
Use the time range plus a thermometer or the doneness sign in the method.
Can I change the seasoning?
Yes. Adjust herbs, spices, heat, or sauce to match your meal.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers airtight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 119 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Sodium: 701 mg
- Sugar: 7 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g