Classic Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Name: Classic Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces; 1/2 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste; 2 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder (mild, vibrant red); 1 tbsp garam masala & 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice & 1 tsp kosher salt; 2 tbsp mustard oil or vegetable oil; 2 lbs ripe Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped (or canned San Marzano); 4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided); 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/3 cup raw cashews, soaked in boiling water for 20 mins; 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste & 1 green chili, slit; 1 tbsp honey or raw sugar & 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder; 2 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed; Warm homemade garlic butter naan bread; Steamed fragrant aged basmati rice; Drizzle of heavy cream & fresh cilantro sprigs; Pickled red onions and lemon wedges

Tender tandoori-marinated chicken bites cooked in a velvety, buttery tomato cashew gravy infused with garum masala and kasuri methi. Tested extensively in our home test kitchen, this dish pairs authentic, deep culinary technique with accessible weeknight timing.

Why This Recipe Works (Culinary Science & Test Kitchen Secrets)

Balanced Flavor Foundations: Carefully calibrated seasonings ensure that every layer harmonizes without overpowering the core fresh ingredients.
Precise Heat Control: Cooking at targeted temperatures locks in natural moisture while developing an exquisite, golden crust or glossy reduction.
Foolproof Proportions: Repeatedly tested to guarantee repeatable, restaurant-quality results for both beginners and experienced home chefs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala? expand_more

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) originated in Delhi, using a tomato, cashew, butter, and cream base sweetened slightly with honey and scented with fenugreek. Chicken Tikka Masala was created in the UK, featuring a more savory, tomato-onion gravy with higher spice and less butter.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs? expand_more

Yes, but chicken breasts dry out much faster under high broil heat. Cut breasts into larger chunks, broil for only 8 minutes, and simmer in the sauce for just 5 minutes.

Why is my butter chicken sauce gritty? expand_more

Grittiness happens when cashews aren't soaked long enough or if the sauce isn't strained. Soak cashews in boiling water for 20 minutes before blending, and always pass the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve.

Is Kashmiri chili powder spicy? expand_more

No! Kashmiri chili is prized for its intense, vibrant red color and mild, fruity warmth. It is roughly equivalent in heat to mild paprika mixed with a tiny pinch of cayenne.

Can I make this dairy-free? expand_more

Yes! Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt in the marinade, use high-smoke coconut oil or vegan ghee for searing, and replace dairy butter and cream with coconut cream.