Indian Butter Chicken

Indian Butter Chicken, or “Murgh Makhani,” is a creamy, flavorful, and slightly spicy dish that brings the richness of Indian cuisine to your kitchen. This classic recipe features tender chicken breast cooked in a fragrant blend of spices, tomato paste, and coconut milk, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce that’s perfect for pairing with rice or naan.

This dish has quickly become a favorite among many for its incredible flavor profile and comforting texture. The combination of garam masala, curry, coriander, and a touch of chili powder creates an aromatic and slightly tangy sauce that envelops each bite of chicken, offering a unique balance of warmth and creaminess. The addition of coconut milk brings a subtle sweetness that complements the spices perfectly, making this meal an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, cooking for the family, or preparing a weeknight meal, Indian Butter Chicken is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, doesn’t require hours of prep, and can be customized to suit your spice preferences. Best of all, it pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Flavorful: The spices and coconut milk create a deep, aromatic sauce that is both comforting and satisfying.
2. Quick and Easy: With a few pantry staples, you can have this dish ready in under 40 minutes.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores well in the fridge and makes for excellent leftovers.
4. Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat with more or less chili powder to suit your taste.
5. Family-Friendly: A dish that even the kids will love, with its creamy sauce and tender chicken.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• Butter
• Olive oil
• Onion (diced)
• Fresh ginger (grated)
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Garam masala
• Chili powder
• Mustard seeds
• Coriander
• Curry powder
• Chicken breast (cut into chunks)
• Tomato paste
• Red curry paste
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Coconut milk (canned)

For Serving

• Rice or naan
• Fresh cilantro (chopped)

Variations

• Use Chicken Thighs: Swap out chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier and more flavorful dish.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Instead of butter, use ghee or a plant-based butter substitute, and opt for a non-dairy cream for a dairy-free version.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in some spinach or peas for added nutrition and color.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder or add more coconut milk to balance the heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet or pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the grated ginger, minced garlic, garam masala, chili powder, mustard seeds, coriander, and curry powder. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken breast chunks to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Curry Pastes

Stir in the tomato paste and red curry paste, cooking for another 2 minutes to combine everything and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add Coconut Milk and Simmer

Pour in the coconut milk, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let the mixture cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the Indian Butter Chicken over a bed of rice or with warm naan. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make it Extra Creamy: For an even richer sauce, add a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream to the coconut milk.
• Control the Heat: Adjust the chili powder to your taste for more or less spiciness.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices often have more flavor than pre-ground varieties, so consider grinding your own for the best results.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts cook quickly, so be sure to avoid overcooking them to keep them tender and juicy.

How to Serve

• Serve with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro to add a burst of color and freshness.
• Pair with a cool cucumber salad to balance the spiciness of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Indian Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

Freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the dish in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will add extra flavor and tenderness, but you may need to cook them slightly longer.

2. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, increase the chili powder or add a chopped fresh chili for more heat.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all your spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free.

4. Can I make this without coconut milk?

Yes, you can substitute the coconut milk with heavy cream for a richer, non-dairy alternative.

5. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but be sure to defrost it fully before cooking to ensure even cooking.

6. What if I don’t have garam masala?

You can make your own garam masala using ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, and cinnamon, or substitute with curry powder.

7. How can I make this dish less rich?

You can reduce the amount of butter and coconut milk or use a lighter coconut milk alternative.

8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, spinach, peas, or bell peppers work well in this recipe.

9. How long will leftovers last?

Indian Butter Chicken will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

10. Can I use other proteins in this recipe?

Yes, you can use shrimp, tofu, or paneer instead of chicken.

Conclusion

Indian Butter Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the warmth and richness of Indian cuisine to your table. With a blend of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and a creamy coconut milk sauce, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Easy to make, full of flavor, and customizable to suit your tastes, this recipe will become a family favorite in no time.

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