Easy Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a rich, creamy, and flavorful Indian dish that’s incredibly easy to make at home. Tender chicken pieces are cooked in a spiced tomato-based sauce with butter and cream, making it a comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – This butter chicken recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
• Authentic Flavors – Uses classic Indian spices for a warm, aromatic taste.
• Creamy & Comforting – The luscious sauce pairs beautifully with rice or naan.
• Customizable – Easily adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to fit dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp butter (or ghee)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp paprika (for color)
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for spice)
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup tomato sauce (or canned crushed tomatoes)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• Cooked rice or naan, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken – In a pan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics – In the same pan, add the remaining butter. Sauté onions until soft, then add garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant.

3. Add Spices & Tomato Sauce – Stir in garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Cook for 30 seconds, then pour in the tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Blend (Optional) – For an extra smooth sauce, blend the tomato mixture before continuing.

5. Simmer with Chicken & Cream – Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the heavy cream, and add sugar if needed. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

6. Serve – Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Dairy-Free Option – Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a lactose-free version.
• Extra Heat – Increase chili powder or add a chopped green chili for a spicier dish.
• Vegetarian Alternative – Substitute chicken with paneer, tofu, or chickpeas.
• Richer Sauce – Add a splash of yogurt for extra creaminess and tang.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating – Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken adds more flavor but may require extra cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.

What’s the best way to get a smooth sauce?

Blending the tomato sauce before adding the chicken creates a silky, restaurant-style texture.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?

Yes, crushed canned tomatoes work well. Simmer a bit longer to break them down into a smooth sauce.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Omit the chili powder and reduce the garam masala for a milder flavor.

Is butter chicken the same as chicken tikka masala?

Not exactly. Butter chicken is creamier and slightly sweeter, while chicken tikka masala has a stronger tomato base and bolder spices.

What’s the best type of chicken to use?

Chicken thighs are juicier, but chicken breasts also work well for a leaner option.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day.

What’s the best side dish for butter chicken?

It pairs beautifully with basmati rice, naan, or roti.

Can I use yogurt instead of cream?

Yes, but use full-fat yogurt to prevent curdling.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Simmer longer or stir in a little more cream or ground cashews for extra thickness.

Conclusion

This Easy Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) delivers rich, creamy, and authentic flavors in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it with rice or naan for a comforting meal that’s perfect any day of the week.

Easy Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner, Chicken, Indian Cuisine
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Easy Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is a rich, creamy, and flavorful Indian dish made with tender chicken simmered in a spiced tomato-butter sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this restaurant-style butter chicken pairs perfectly with rice or naan for a comforting, homemade meal.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp butter (or ghee)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp paprika (for color)
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for spice)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup tomato sauce (or canned crushed tomatoes)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• Cooked rice or naan, for serving

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Instructions

• Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp butter in a pan over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining butter. Sauté onions until soft, then add garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant.
• Add Spices & Tomato Sauce: Stir in garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Cook for 30 seconds, then pour in the tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Blend (Optional): For a silky sauce, blend the tomato mixture before proceeding.
• Simmer with Chicken & Cream: Return chicken to the pan, add heavy cream, and stir in sugar if needed. Simmer for 5 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
• Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

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Notes

• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
• Extra Spice: Add more chili powder or a chopped green chili.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with paneer, tofu, or chickpeas.
• Thicker Sauce: Simmer longer or add ground cashews for richness.