“Craving a rich, creamy, and irresistibly comforting dish that melts in your mouth? Dive into this easy yet deeply satisfying Butter Chicken recipe—perfect for any night you need a little warmth on your plate.”
Welcome to a journey of flavors where tender, juicy chicken meets a rich, buttery tomato sauce infused with a blend of warm spices. Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is an iconic dish that brings the heart of Indian cooking to your kitchen in the most comforting way. This dish is all about savouring each bite, with flavors so well-rounded they’ll keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re an Indian food enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this satiating Butter Chicken will make any meal feel like a special occasion.”
Butter chicken spice!
6 large chicken fillets. Cubed, rinsed thoroughly and leave in the colander covered.
How to serve butter chicken!
Butter chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that complement its rich, creamy flavor. Here are some serving suggestions to round out your meal:
Version 1
For a complete meal, serve Butter Chicken with soft garlic naan, fragrant basmati rice, or a simple cucumber and onion salad with a squeeze of lemon. Add sides like cooling mint raita or crispy papadums for extra texture and balance.
Version 2
Pair your Butter Chicken with fluffy naan or cumin-infused jeera rice. A fresh cucumber and tomato salad adds a refreshing note, while a cooling raita or tangy Indian pickles bring balance to the rich, creamy sauce.
Version 3
Butter Chicken shines when served with classic basmati rice or soft, buttery naan. For a lighter touch, pair it with a simple salad or raita, and add crispy papadums or a bit of tangy pickle for an extra pop of flavor.
Version 4
Enhance your Butter Chicken with sides like garlic naan or jeera rice to soak up the rich sauce. A cucumber raita adds a cooling element, while papadums and a fresh, tangy salad provide contrast and texture to the meal.
Version 5
Serve butter chicken with warm naan or cumin-scented basmati rice for a satisfying meal. Complement it with a cucumber and tomato salad, a spoonful of cooling raita, or crispy papadums to balance the richness and add a variety of flavors.
Enjoy your butter chicken with these sides, and watch as it becomes the ultimate comfort food experience!
Substitutions & variations!
- Boneless thighs: While I love using chicken tenderloins, they can be expensive. Boneless thighs are cheaper, and since they have a little more fat than breast meat, they will deliver a juicy flavor.
- Add fenugreek. Also known as kasuri methi, traditional butter chicken recipes contain these. I’ve omitted them to keep this recipe simple but feel free to add them to your curry.
- Make it dairy-free – If you can’t handle dairy, use cashew yogurt and cashew cream for best results.
- Use a pre-packaged tandoori spice blend. If you don’t want to buy the individual spices, use a store-bought spice blend. I recommend substituting the spices below with 3 tablespoons of store-bought tandoori powder. Use any leftovers to marinate and grill some chicken.
- Make it restaurant style. For a creamier, more authentic flavor, substitute butter for the oil and add an extra ¼ cup of cream to the butter chicken curry.
- Add some sweetener. To make the curry sweeter, use a teaspoon of jaggery. If you can’t source jaggery, use dark brown sugar.
- Use leftover chicken. If you have leftover tikka or tandoori chicken, simply make the sauce separately and toss in the chicken. If you go this route, you will have to reduce the spices by half.
FAQS!
- What’s the difference between Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala?
Butter Chicken has a creamier, milder sauce made with butter and cream, creating a rich and smooth texture. Chicken Tikka Masala, on the other hand, often has a spicier, tomato-based sauce with a smoky flavor, usually from the grilled chicken. - Can I make butter chicken without cream?
Yes! For a lighter version, you can replace the cream with yogurt or coconut milk, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Greek yogurt works well and keeps the dish creamy without the added richness of heavy cream. - What can I use instead of fenugreek (Kasuri Methi) in butter chicken?
If you don’t have fenugreek, a small pinch of mustard powder or a teaspoon of celery leaves can provide a similar depth, though fenugreek has a unique flavor that’s hard to fully replicate. - How can I make butter chicken spicier?
To add heat, increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh, chopped green chilies. You can also include cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference without altering the overall flavor profile. - Can butter chicken be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Butter Chicken’s flavors actually develop and become richer when it sits. It’s an ideal dish to make a day ahead, allowing the spices to meld. Just reheat gently before serving, adding a splash of cream if needed to maintain the sauce’s texture.
Simple and delicious!
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