Indian Butter Chicken | Creamy Restaurant-Style Chicken Makhani
Indian Butter Chicken, also known as Chicken Makhani, is one of the most popular and comforting dishes in Indian cuisine. It features tender pieces of chicken cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce flavored with butter, garlic, ginger, and warm Indian spices. The finished curry has a silky texture and a wonderful balance of savory, tangy, mildly spicy, and slightly sweet flavors.
The chicken is traditionally marinated with yogurt, lemon juice, and aromatic spices before being grilled or pan-seared until lightly charred. It is then simmered in a smooth tomato sauce enriched with butter and cream. Garam masala, cumin, coriander, and paprika provide warmth and depth without making the curry excessively hot.
Indian Butter Chicken is perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or a homemade restaurant-style meal. Serve it with fragrant basmati rice, naan, roti, or paratha to soak up every drop of the creamy sauce.
Cooking Method
- Combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add the chicken and mix until thoroughly coated.
- Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken in batches for 5–7 minutes, until lightly browned and nearly cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Melt the butter with the oil in the same pan.
- Add the onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- Add garlic and ginger and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Add the tomato puree, cumin, coriander, garam masala, paprika, and salt.
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the water and blend the sauce until smooth if desired.
- Return the sauce to the pan and add the cooked chicken.
- Simmer for 8–10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Stir in the cream and sugar if using.
- Cook gently for another 3–5 minutes without boiling vigorously.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a little extra butter.
- Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, roti, or paratha.
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