Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine, known for its creamy, rich, and mildly spiced tomato-based sauce. Whether you’ve enjoyed it at a restaurant or cooked it at home, butter chicken has a universal appeal that transcends borders. This dish combines tender chicken pieces with a luscious gravy, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that is both comforting and indulgent.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the history of butter chicken, explain the ingredients and techniques that give the dish its authentic flavor, and provide a detailed, step-by-step recipe that you can recreate at home.

The History of Butter Chicken

The origins of butter chicken can be traced back to the 1940s in Delhi, India, where Kundan Lal Gujral, the owner of the famous Moti Mahal restaurant, first created this dish. Gujral originally developed it as a way to use leftover tandoori chicken by simmering it in a rich tomato sauce with butter and cream.

Since then, butter chicken has become an iconic dish, both in India and worldwide. Its mild spicing and rich, creamy sauce make it a favorite among people who may not be accustomed to the heat of many other Indian dishes. Butter chicken is now enjoyed globally, with each chef adding their own twist to the recipe, but the essential components of tomatoes, cream, and butter remain the same.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Butter Chicken

For an authentic butter chicken recipe, it’s crucial to use the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the essential elements:

Chicken: Traditionally, butter chicken is made with tandoori chicken, which involves marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices and then cooking it in a tandoor (a clay oven). While most home cooks don’t have access to a tandoor, you can grill, broil, or pan-sear the chicken for a similar effect.

Tomatoes: A rich tomato base is key to butter chicken’s signature flavor. Fresh ripe tomatoes or canned crushed tomatoes can be used to form the base of the sauce.

Butter and Cream: These ingredients lend the dish its luxurious texture and mild flavor. Butter is used both for cooking and finishing the dish, while cream provides the rich, velvety consistency that defines butter chicken.

Spices: The spices used in butter chicken are what give the dish its characteristic depth of flavor. Common spices include cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder. While the dish is mildly spiced, the balance of these flavors is essential to create the authentic taste.

Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): This is a signature ingredient in butter chicken, adding a subtle bitterness and earthy flavor that rounds out the richness of the dish.

Ginger and Garlic: These two ingredients form the base of many Indian dishes, including butter chicken. They add depth and warmth to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.

Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making an authentic butter chicken recipe at home. This recipe serves 4-6 people and is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

500g boneless chicken thighs (or chicken breast), cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1 tablespoon ginger paste

1 tablespoon garlic paste

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

4 large ripe tomatoes, pureed (or 1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes)

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

2 green chilies, slit lengthwise (optional for added heat)

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

1/4 cup butter (plus extra for garnish)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, for garnish

Salt to taste

1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric powder, chili powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, you have several options for cooking it. The goal is to get a nice char on the outside, which adds a smoky flavor reminiscent of the traditional tandoori cooking method.

Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill for 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char.

Broiling: If using a broiler, place the chicken on a lined baking sheet and broil on high for 5-7 minutes on each side, ensuring it gets slightly charred.

Pan-Searing: Heat a grill pan or regular skillet over medium heat, add a little oil or butter, and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is charred and cooked through.

Once the chicken is cooked, set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

In a large pan or skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant. Next, add the chopped onions and sauté them for 8-10 minutes until they turn golden brown. Be patient, as caramelizing the onions adds depth to the sauce.

Once the onions are browned, add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the raw smell of the ginger and garlic disappears.

Add the pureed tomatoes (or canned crushed tomatoes) to the pan and stir to combine. Cook the tomatoes for about 10 minutes until they reduce slightly and lose their raw taste. The tomatoes should darken in color and start releasing oil from the sides of the pan.

Step 4: Spice It Up

Once the tomato base is ready, it’s time to add the spices. Stir in the coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and red chili powder. Cook the spices with the tomatoes for another 5 minutes to allow their flavors to develop. If the sauce becomes too thick or starts to stick to the pan, you can add a splash of water to keep it from burning.

At this point, you can also add the sugar if your tomatoes are too acidic. This is optional and depends on the quality and sweetness of the tomatoes you are using.

Step 5: Blend the Sauce

For a smooth, creamy butter chicken sauce, it’s best to blend the sauce after the tomatoes and spices have cooked down. You can either transfer the sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pan. Blend until the sauce is silky and smooth.

Return the sauce to the pan and bring it to a simmer.

Step 6: Add the Chicken and Cream

Now it’s time to combine the chicken and the sauce. Add the cooked chicken pieces to the tomato sauce and stir to coat the chicken with the gravy. Simmer the chicken in the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Next, stir in the heavy cream and Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves). The cream adds richness and balances the spices, while the fenugreek leaves lend an authentic, slightly bitter note that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes. Simmer the butter chicken for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is fully coated in the creamy gravy.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once your butter chicken is ready, remove it from the heat and add a final dollop of butter for that extra touch of richness. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or parathas.

Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken

Here are a few tips to ensure your butter chicken turns out perfectly every time:

Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken for at least an hour (preferably overnight) is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken. The yogurt in the marinade helps to tenderize the meat, while the spices infuse it with flavor.

Use Chicken Thighs: While you can use chicken breast for butter chicken, chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and remain juicier when cooked.

Balance the Spices: Butter chicken is meant to be mildly spiced, so adjust the chili powder and green chilies to suit your taste. If you prefer a hotter dish, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Blending the Sauce: Blending the tomato sauce ensures a smooth, creamy texture, which is key to an authentic butter chicken. Don’t skip this step if you want restaurant-quality results.

Kasuri Methi: Dried fenugreek leaves are a must for authentic butter chicken. They add a unique flavor that balances the richness of the cream and butter. If you can’t find Kasuri methi, you can substitute with a small amount of maple syrup for sweetness and a pinch of ground fenugreek seeds for bitterness.

Cream and Butter: Don’t skimp on the cream and butter – they are what make butter chicken so indulgent! For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cream or use half-and-half, but the authentic recipe calls for plenty of both.

Serving Suggestions

Butter chicken is best served with Indian bread or rice. Here are some traditional sides that pair beautifully with the dish:

Naan: Soft, pillowy naan is perfect for scooping up the rich, creamy sauce.

Basmati Rice: Light, fragrant basmati rice complements the bold flavors of butter chicken and helps balance the richness of the dish.

Roti or Paratha: These Indian flatbreads are also great for pairing with butter chicken.

Raita: A yogurt-based side dish, often flavored with cucumber or mint, raita is a cooling accompaniment that helps temper the heat of the spices.

Conclusion

Butter chicken is one of the most iconic dishes in Indian cuisine, loved for its creamy, indulgent sauce and tender, flavorful chicken. By following this authentic recipe, you can recreate the magic of butter chicken in your own kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy the rich flavors of authentic butter chicken with soft naan or fragrant rice, and immerse yourself in the world of Indian culinary delights.