Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

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This rich, flavorful, and aromatic Authentic Indian Butter Chicken has been a classic dish cherished by food enthusiasts for generations. Get ready to experience the best of Indian cuisine with this delicious classic simple authentic Indian butter chicken recipe.

I remember my first experience trying Authentic Indian Butter Chicken. I was out to dinner with friends at a local Punjabi restaurant and was feeling adventurous with my menu selection. I was blown away by the flavors and creaminess of the dish and I knew I had to recreate my own restaurant-style butter chicken at home. After some trial and error, I finally perfected my homemade creamy butter chicken recipe. It’s now a staple in my household and a crowd-pleaser at dinner parties.

What I’ve learned is the key to making the best butter chicken dish is using the right spices and letting the chicken marinate for optimal flavor. I love to serve it over a bed of fluffy basmati rice and with warm naan bread for dipping. Making this dish from scratch has become one of my favorite activities in the kitchen, and I hope it will become one of yours too!

The History Of Indian Butter Chicken

This ubiquitous North Indian Butter Chicken also known as “Murgh Makhani” has its roots set in Punjabi cuisine which is believed to have originated back in the late 1940s in Delhi. The simple butter chicken dish was created by the famous Moti Mahal Delux Restaurant. It is said that chefs created this delicious dish by using leftover tandoori chicken and blending it with a creamy tomato-based sauce. Over the years, Butter Chicken has become a staple in Indian cuisine that has spread around the world making it one of the most popular Indian dishes, enjoyed by food lovers everywhere.

Why You Will Love This Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Flavorful and Spicy: The blend of spices, including Kashmiri Lal Mirch powder and garam masala, creates a flavorful and spicy taste in every bite of this dish.

Creamy and Rich: The addition of heavy cream creates a rich and creamy texture that will tantalize your taste buds.

Versatile: The traditional butter chicken recipe is flexible, so you can adjust the level of spiciness, creaminess, and sweetness to suit your personal preferences.

Easy to Make: This scratch recipe is designed to be easy, even for beginners. With my simple steps, you can have a delicious authentic Indian Butter Chicken dish in no time.

Healthy: The recipe uses plain yogurt to marinate the chicken, which is healthier than using other marinade options. Additionally, using ground almonds instead of flour thickens the sauce and adds extra flavor and nutrition.

Key Ingredients & Substitons For Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe

• Boneless Chicken: For this Authentic Indian butter chicken recipe I used chicken breast. If you don’t have chicken breast you can substitute it with boneless chicken thighs, boneless chicken drumsticks, or boneless chicken wings.
• Plain yogurt: The yogurt is used for marinating the chicken, it adds a nice tangy flavor to the dish. If you are out of yogurt try using Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute.
• Kashmiri Lal Mirch powder: This is a traditional ingredient that is used to make butter chicken, it is a mild red chili powder used for giving the dish its signature red color and mild heat. If you ain’t got it don’t sweat it, you can easily substitute it with an equal amount of paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper.
• Salt: I used table salt for this recipe but you can use sea salt or pink salt if you prefer. Salt is an important ingredient in a traditional Indian dish, it enhances the flavors bringing them all into harmony. I always recommend adjusting the amount of salt to your liking.
• Garam Masala: I love this spice, it’s a unique blend of aromatic spices used to give this butter chicken dish its authentic signature flavor. I recommend just using a store-bought blend since it’s available everywhere, but if you want to make your own homemade Garam Masala just combine the following, 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 3/4 teaspoons ground coriander, 3/4 teaspoons ground cardamom, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
• Fresh tomatoes, pureed: I always prefer to use fresh ripped tomatoes to make the butter chicken sauce because of the sweetness I get from the tomatoes. You can opt for a 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes instead.
• Onion: I used one large yellow onion, it adds a sweet and savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rest of the ingredients. You can also use red, white, or sweet onions.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic adds a pungent and slightly sweet flavor to the chicken and sauce. If you don’t have any garlic cloves on hand you can use 3/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for the chicken marinate and 1 teaspoon for the sauce.
• Ginger Paste: This is one of my favorite ingredients, it delivers a spicy and slightly sweet flavor to this homemade butter chicken. You can easily grate fresh ginger in place of ginger paste to get the most out of this unique ingredient.
• Heavy cream: I used 35% fat cream, it gives the butter chicken sauce a creamy texture and also balances out the heat from the spices. You can use coconut cream or full-fat evaporated milk as a substitute.
• Tomato Paste: I add tomato paste to give the sauce a richer and savory flavor. You can leave it out if you prefer or if you are out of tomato paste.
• Sugar: A little bit of sugar helps to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and yogurt. You can use honey or maple syrup instead as a substitute.
• Coriander powder: This is a popular spice in Indian cuisine, it adds a citrusy and slightly earthy flavor to the dish making it unique and super delicious.
• Butter: The butter adds a nice balance of richness and flavor to this classic chicken dish. You can swap it with ghee or oil as an alternative.
• Ground almonds: One of the secret ingredients to this butter chicken recipe. The ground almonds add a nutty flavor and creaminess to the sauce. You can also use ground cashews or ground macadamia nuts as a substitute.
• Dried Fenugreek Leaves: This herb adds a unique, earthy flavor that is pleasantly welcoming. You can swap it with kasoori methi. If you have a hard time finding it at your grocery store just omit it from the recipe.

Good To Know: Tips And Tricks

Here are some useful tips and tricks to help you make the best Indian Butter Chicken recipe:

Use the right type of chicken: For the best results, use boneless chicken breasts or thighs that have been cut into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and will be easy to eat.

Use a yogurt marinade: The yogurt in the marinade helps to tenderize the chicken and add flavor to the dish. Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Cook the sauce until it thickens: The butter chicken sauce should be thick and creamy. To achieve this, make sure to allow the sauce to cook for at least 8-10 minutes after adding the tomato puree and other ingredients.

Add the cream at the end: The heavy cream should be added at the end of cooking, just before serving. This will ensure that the sauce remains creamy and rich.

Use fresh ingredients: For the best results, use fresh tomatoes, onions, ginger paste, and garlic cloves in the recipe. These ingredients will add depth of flavor to the dish and will result in a more authentic taste.

What Is The Difference Between Indian Butter Chicken And Tikka Masala?

Indian Butter Chicken and Tikka Masala are two popular Indian dishes with similarities and differences. Butter Chicken has boneless chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and spices, and simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce with spices, cream, and butter, giving it a rich and creamy texture. Tikka Masala is chicken (or other meat) marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled or baked, then simmered in a spiced tomato-based sauce similar to Butter Chicken.

The main difference between the two is the cooking method and the use of cream in Butter Chicken, making it milder and sweeter with a creamier sauce compared to Tikka Masala which is spicier and has a drier sauce. Both are delicious and can be served with rice or bread, with Butter Chicken being milder for those who prefer less spice.

Ingredients For Indian Butter Chicken Marinate:

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tsp Kashmiri Lal Mirch powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cloves of garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala

Ingredients For Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 4 medium-sized fresh tomatoes, pureed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri Lal Mirch powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt, to taste
• 3 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons ground almonds
• 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (optional)

Basmati Rice Ingredients:

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ghee or butter (optional)

How To Make Authentic Indian Butter Chicken?

1. Marinate The Chicken: Combine the yogurt, Kashmiri Lal Mirch powder, garam masala, salt, ginger paste, and minced garlic in a medium size bowl and mix to combine. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Prepare The Butter Chicken Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the Kashmiri Lal Mirch, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, and turmeric powder. Stir to combine.
3. Add the tomato puree, ground almonds, salt, and sugar to the pan and stir well. Allow cooking for 8-10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
4. Cook The Butter Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the pan and stir to coat in the sauce. Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and allow to cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Then once the sauce has thickened stir in the dried fenugreek leaves (if using) and cook for about a minute
6. Prepare The Rice: Rinse the Basmati rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water for about 1 minute, until the water runs clear.
7. In a medium saucepan, bring the water, salt, and ghee to a boil, then add the basmati rice and stir once to evenly distribute the rice in the water.
8. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and reduce the heat to low. Cook the rice for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
9. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes.
10. Fluff the rice with a fork, and serve hot alongside the Indian Butter Chicken and fresh naan bread.
11. Enjoy your Traditional Indian Butter Chicken!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Butter Chicken Recipe Vegetarian?

You can easily make this butter chicken recipe vegetarian by substituting the chicken with tofu or other protein of your choice.

What Is Butter Chicken Called In Indian?

Butter chicken is known as “Murgh Makhani” in India, which translates to “buttery chicken.” It is a popular North Indian dish that is loved for its rich, creamy, and tangy tomato sauce, made with a mixture of unique spices and finished with a generous amount of butter. The boneless chicken pieces are first marinated in yogurt and spices and then simmered in the sauce, which results in a flavorful and aromatic dish that is enjoyed by many people in India and around the world.

Is It Possible To Make This Indian Butter Chicken Recipe Low-Fat?

If your looking for a low-fat butter chicken recipe then all you have to do is reduce or replace the amount of cream with coconut milk or low-fat plain yogurt for a healthier option.

What Does Indian Butter Chicken Taste Like?

Indian butter chicken has a creamy and rich tomato-based sauce with a blend of aromatic spices and a touch of sweetness. It has a smooth texture and a mild to medium heat level.

Is Butter Chicken Supposed To Be Sweet?

Traditional Indian butter chicken is supposed to have a mild sweetness from the addition of cream and a touch of butter. However, for this recipe to elevate the sweetness we add a teaspoon of sugar.

Here Are Some More Yummy Recipes You Might Love

• Hakka Dry Chilli Chicken
• Quick Rabri
• Traditional Jamaican Jerk Chicken
• Tinga With Ground Beef And Adobo Chipotle
• Smoked Salmon And Wild Garlic Pesto Pasta

Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Impress your guests with this mouth-watering Authentic Indian Butter Chicken recipe made from tender chicken and a spicy, tangy tomato-based sauce. This butter chicken with basmati rice also known as "Murgh Makhani" will be a guaranteed hit with family and friends.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner

Cuisine Indian, North Indian, Punjabi

Servings 4 people

Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients

  

CHICKEN MARINATE

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tsp Kashmiri Lal Mirch powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cloves of garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala

BUTTER CHICKEN SAUCE

• 4 medium-sized fresh tomatoes pureed
• 1 large onion chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri Lal Mirch powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• 3 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons ground almonds
• 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves optional

BASMATI RICE

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ghee or butter optional

Instructions

 

• Marinate The Chicken: Combine the yogurt, Kashmiri Lal Mirch powder, garam masala, salt, ginger paste, and minced garlic in a medium size bowl and mix to combine. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
• Prepare The Butter Chicken Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the Kashmiri Lal Mirch, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, and turmeric powder. Stir to combine.
• Add the tomato puree, ground almonds, salt, and sugar to the pan and stir well. Allow cooking for 8-10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
• Cook The Butter Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the pan and stir to coat in the sauce. Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
• Stir in the heavy cream and allow to cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Then once the sauce has thickened stir in the dried fenugreek leaves (if using) and cook for about a minute
• Prepare The Rice: Rinse the Basmati rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water for about 1 minute, until the water runs clear.
• In a medium saucepan, bring the water, salt, and ghee to a boil, then add the basmati rice and stir once to evenly distribute the rice in the water.
• Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and reduce the heat to low. Cook the rice for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat, and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes.
• Fluff the rice with a fork, and serve hot alongside the Indian Butter Chicken and fresh naan bread.
• Enjoy your Authentic Indian Butter Chicken!

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