makhani butter chicken recipe

makhani butter chicken recipe

The Best makhani butter chicken recipe

I’ve always been fascinated by the rich flavors and aromas of Indian cuisine, and one dish that never fails to impress me is makhani butter chicken. This creamy, slightly spiced chicken curry is a staple in many Indian restaurants, and for good reason – it’s a masterclass in balancing bold flavors with delicate textures.

As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy it is to make at home, even on weeknights when time is short. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit with them.

Whether we’re serving it as a special occasion meal or just a regular Tuesday dinner, makhani butter chicken never fails to put smiles on our faces. The key to this recipe lies in its slow-cooked sauce, which is infused with the deep flavors of butter, spices, and herbs.

It’s truly a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more. I’ve experimented with various ingredients and techniques over the years, but this basic recipe remains my go-to for its simplicity and delicious results.

With its creamy texture and vibrant colors, makhani butter chicken is sure to become a favorite in your household too. As an added bonus, this dish has numerous health benefits – the protein-rich chicken provides sustenance for growing bodies, while the complex spices offer anti-inflammatory properties that are hard to resist.

In short, makhani butter chicken is not only a culinary delight but also a nutritious addition to your family’s meal rotation.

Makhani Butter Chicken

Makhani Butter Chicken

4.7 from 1434 votes

A rich and creamy tomato-based curry with tender chicken pieces, flavored with aromatic spices and finished with butter. This recipe is a delicious blend of Indian flavors that will surely impress.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time60 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marination

500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp garlic paste
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp salt

For the Sauce

2 tbsp butter
1 large onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp ginger minced
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garam masala
1 can (14 oz) tomato puree
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For Garnish

2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces, yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, red chili powder, coriander, cumin, garam masala, and salt.
2Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
3Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
4In a large saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
5Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
6Add minced garlic and ginger to the saucepan and sauté for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
7The mixture will become fragrant.
8Add red chili powder, coriander, cumin, paprika, and garam masala to the saucepan.
9Stir well to combine the spices with the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
10Add tomato puree to the saucepan and stir well.
11Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12The sauce will thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together.
13Add the marinated chicken to the saucepan, stirring well to coat the chicken in the sauce.
14Cover the saucepan and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
15Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
16Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and salt.
17Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is heated through and well combined.
18The sauce will be rich and creamy.
19Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.
20Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
21The final dish should be flavorful and well-balanced.
22Serve the Makhani Butter Chicken hot, garnished with additional butter and chopped cilantro.
23Enjoy with steamed rice or naan bread.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Saucepan
Spoon
Cutting Board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder. For a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomato puree before adding it to the saucepan.

Watch Video Of How Makhani Butter Chicken Works

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re planning a special dinner or just need something quick and delicious on a weeknight.

My family loves it when I serve makhani butter chicken as part of our regular meals because it’s easy to reheat and tastes amazing even after several days in storage.

When storing leftovers, I recommend letting them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for future meals.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Makhani Butter Chicken

Q: What makes makhani butter chicken so special?

Makhani butter chicken gets its unique flavor profile from the slow-cooked sauce made with butter, spices, and herbs. This process allows the ingredients to meld together harmoniously, creating an unforgettable taste experience.

Q: Can I use pre-made spice blends instead of individual spices?

While pre-made spice blends can be convenient, they often lack the depth and complexity that comes from using individual spices. If you do choose to use blends, be sure to adjust the amount according to your personal taste preferences.

Q: How long does it take to make makhani butter chicken from scratch?

The prep time for this recipe is relatively short – about 30 minutes – but the cooking time can be lengthy due to the slow-cooking process required for the sauce.

Q: Can I serve makhani butter chicken as a vegetarian option?

You can easily substitute paneer or tofu for chicken in this recipe if you prefer a vegetarian version.

Q: Is it possible to make makhani butter chicken ahead of time?

Yes – you can prepare the sauce up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator before reheating it when needed.

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