Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken): A Flavorful Journey in Every Bite

Imagine the aroma of rich, spiced tomato sauce simmering on the stove, filling your kitchen with the warmth of Indian spices. Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken) is a dish that captures the essence of comfort food while introducing you to bold, unforgettable flavors. Creamy, savory, and slightly tangy, this dish has gained international fame for a reason.

If you’ve ever wanted to recreate authentic Indian cuisine at home, this recipe is your perfect starting point. Let’s dive into the world of butter chicken!

What Makes Chicken Makhani So Special?

Butter chicken is not just a dish; it’s an experience. Originating in Delhi, India, this dish marries tender chicken pieces with a velvety tomato-based sauce enriched by cream, butter, and aromatic spices. Its universal appeal lies in its balance of heat and creaminess, making it suitable for those new to Indian flavors and seasoned curry lovers alike.

Ingredients for Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken)

Here’s what you’ll need to create this iconic dish:

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation
Peanut Oil	2 Tbsp	Divided
Shallot	1	Finely chopped
White Onion	¼ cup	Chopped
Butter	2 Tbsp	No preparation needed
Ginger-Garlic Paste	1 Tbsp	No preparation needed
Lemon Juice	2 tsp	Freshly squeezed
Garam Masala	2 tsp	Divided
Chili Powder	1 tsp	No preparation needed
Ground Cumin	1 tsp	No preparation needed
Bay Leaf	1	No preparation needed
Tomato Puree	1 cup	No preparation needed
Half-and-Half	1 cup	No preparation needed
Plain Yogurt	¼ cup	No preparation needed
Chicken Thighs	1 lb	Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cayenne Pepper	¼ tsp	Adjust to taste
Cornstarch	1 Tbsp	Dissolved in water
Water	¼ cup	No preparation needed
Salt and Black Pepper	To taste	No preparation needed

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Value
Calories	320
Protein	25g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fat	18g
Sodium	540mg
Fiber	2g

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Makhani

1. Prepare the Aromatic Base

• Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
• Add the finely chopped shallot and onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.

2. Infuse the Spices

• Stir in the butter, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garam masala, chili powder, cumin, and bay leaf.
• Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aromas.

3. Build the Sauce

• Add the tomato puree to the pan and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Stir in the half-and-half and plain yogurt. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Cook the Chicken

• Heat the remaining tablespoon of peanut oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
• Reduce the heat and season the chicken with the remaining teaspoon of garam masala and cayenne pepper.

5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce

• Stir a few spoonfuls of the prepared sauce into the chicken skillet. Simmer until the liquid reduces and the chicken is fully cooked (no longer pink).
• Add the chicken into the saucepan with the remaining sauce, stirring to combine.

6. Thicken the Sauce

• Dissolve the cornstarch in ¼ cup water, then stir it into the sauce.
• Simmer for another 5–10 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Makhani

Butter chicken is traditionally served with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

1. Steamed Rice: The fluffy grains of basmati rice soak up the rich sauce beautifully.
2. Garlic Naan: Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
3. Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side dish to balance the spices.
4. Mango Chutney: Adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory flavors.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Makhani

1. Use Chicken Thighs: Thigh meat stays tender and juicy, making it ideal for this dish.
2. Bloom the Spices: Cooking the spices in fat (oil or butter) enhances their flavor.
3. Don’t Rush the Sauce: Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
4. Adjust the Heat: Add more or less cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
5. Marinate the Chicken (Optional): For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, and spices for 1–2 hours before cooking.

Creative Variations of Chicken Makhani

Vegetarian Butter Chicken

Replace the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Vegan Butter Chicken

Substitute the chicken with chickpeas, use coconut cream instead of half-and-half, and swap the butter for vegan margarine.

Spicy Butter Chicken

Double the cayenne pepper and chili powder for a fiery version.

Nutty Butter Chicken

Stir in ground cashews or almond paste for added richness.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Makhani

1. Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Reheating: Warm the dish in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

FAQs About Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, butter chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight.

2. What if I don’t have garam masala?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, and cinnamon.

3. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent the breast meat from drying out.

4. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all packaged ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce, are labeled gluten-free.

5. Can I skip the cornstarch?
If you prefer, let the sauce simmer longer to thicken naturally, or use a flour slurry instead.

6. How spicy is butter chicken?
Butter chicken is mildly spiced. You can adjust the heat by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper.

Why You Should Make Chicken Makhani at Home

Cooking butter chicken at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. Plus, it’s more affordable and fresher than takeout, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about mastering a dish with such a rich culinary history.

Conclusion: Dive into the Flavors of Chicken Makhani

Butter chicken is more than just a recipe—it’s a gateway to the vibrant and flavorful world of Indian cuisine. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this dish is approachable, rewarding, and absolutely delicious.

So, gather your ingredients and experience the joy of making Chicken Makhani from scratch—it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

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