🍛 Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Indian cuisine is known worldwide for its rich flavors, fragrant spices, and comforting dishes. One of the most beloved recipes that captures the heart of Indian cooking is Butter Chicken, also called Murgh Makhani. This dish is creamy, mildly spiced, and perfect for anyone who enjoys a balance of flavor and comfort.

Ingredients:

• 700 g boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 200 g plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 400 g canned tomatoes (pureed)
• 200 ml heavy cream
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt to taste

Preparation Steps:

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. Cook the Chicken
   Heat a little oil in a pan and sear the marinated chicken until browned on all sides. It doesn’t need to cook through completely at this stage as it will finish in the sauce. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce
   In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the onions until soft and golden. Add garlic and ginger paste and cook for about one minute. Stir in the garam masala and pureed tomatoes, then simmer gently for 10 minutes.
4. Combine and Finish
   Add the cream to the sauce, stir well, and return the chicken to the pan. Simmer for another 15–20 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, and the sauce is rich and creamy.
5. Garnish and Serve
   Finish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Serving Suggestion

Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. It makes a comforting meal that can be enjoyed with family or served as an impressive dish for guests.

✨ Why You’ll Love It
Butter Chicken brings together the creamy richness of dairy with the bold spices of India. It’s a dish that warms the soul and delights the taste buds — a true classic for your recipe collection.