Butter chicken (Indian murgh makhani)
Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, simmered in a creamy tomato sauce with butter and cream.
Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, was born in Delhi in the 1950s. The chicken, marinated in yogurt and spices, is seared, then simmered in a velvety tomato sauce with butter and cream. Mild and fragrant rather than spicy, it appeals to kids and adults alike.
Gluten-freeHalal
Step-by-step method
0 / 5 steps done-
Mix the chicken with the yogurt, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, chili, and salt. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
-
Heat half the butter in a sauté pan over high heat and brown the chicken in batches for 8 minutes. Set aside. Start cooking the rice.
-
Melt the remaining butter over medium heat and sauté the onion for 5 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and the remaining garam masala, and stir for 1 minute. Pour in the tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
-
Blend the sauce until smooth, add the cream and honey, then the chicken. Simmer for 15 minutes over low heat, until the chicken is cooked through.
-
Taste and adjust the salt. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with the basmati rice.
Nutrition 700 kcal
of which sugars 9 g • of which saturated 16 g
Per serving, approximate values.
Allergens
Milk
Always check the labels of the products you buy.
Tips and variations
- Lighter: replace the cream with Greek yogurt added off the heat.
- Vegetarian: use cubed paneer, quickly seared, instead of chicken.
- With bread: serve with warm naan instead of rice.
Storing and reheating
Keeps for 3 days in the refrigerator and 3 months in the freezer. Like many curries, it is even better reheated the next day.
Equipment
Large bowl, sauté pan or Dutch oven, immersion blender, saucepan for the rice
Reader reviews
No reviews yet: be the first to share yours.
Questions
Is butter chicken spicy?
No, it is a mild curry. The chili is only there for color and a slight heat: omit it for children.
Can I use chicken breast?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time in the sauce to 8 minutes so it stays tender. Chicken thighs remain juicier.
Cook it with the Mescola app
A timer for every step, servings for your household, and the missing ingredients sent to your grocery list.
Coming soon on iOS and Android
