Butter Chicken

This Butter Chicken recipe is the ultimate comfort food experience creamy, spiced, and deeply satisfying. The rich tomato-based sauce is laced with warm Indian spices and balanced by a touch of sweetness, making every bite comforting yet bold. The marinated chicken stays juicy and tender, soaking up the luscious curry sauce that’s perfect for scooping up with warm naan or spooning over rice.

Despite its luxurious taste, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, requiring just one skillet and a handful of pantry staples. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something indulgent but not complicated. Plus, it’s highly customizable adjust the heat, creaminess, or herbs to suit your family’s preferences. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned curry lover, this dish will quickly become a regular on your dinner rotation.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken & Marinade:

• 1 ½ pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

• ½ teaspoon curry powder

• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 3 tablespoons butter, divided

• 6 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 cups heavy cream

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• ½ teaspoon curry powder

• ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

To Serve:

• Warm naan bread

• Steamed basmati rice

Directions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a bowl, mix chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and Greek yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce Base:
   Lower the heat to medium, add 1 tablespoon of butter, and deglaze the pan. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until soft and fragrant.

4. Build the Sauce:
   Add the tomato sauce and sugar to the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Return chicken to the pan and stir in the heavy cream until the sauce turns orange.

5. Season and Simmer:
   Add cayenne pepper (if using), garam masala, curry powder, black pepper, and remaining salt. Simmer on low for 10 minutes.

6. Finish with Butter:
   Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of cold butter for a velvety finish. Garnish with fresh parsley.

7. Serve:
   Serve hot with fluffy rice and warm naan. Enjoy the creamy, spiced indulgence!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: ~610 kcal per serving | Servings: 4

The Rich History and Timeless Appeal of Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani in Hindi, is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine and for good reason. Its creamy, aromatic sauce combined with tender, marinated chicken pieces creates a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting. What started in a modest kitchen in Delhi has now become a global phenomenon, served in restaurants and home kitchens from Mumbai to Manhattan.

This dish is a beautiful symphony of flavors and textures. The chicken is marinated in a yogurt and spice mixture that tenderizes and infuses it with flavor. Then it’s cooked and added to a luxurious tomato-based sauce that has been enriched with cream and butter. The result is a slightly tangy, slightly sweet, mildly spiced curry that is hard to resist.

The version shared on Maja’s Recipes is particularly appealing because it strips away the complexity often associated with Indian cooking and presents a quick and easy way to enjoy restaurant-quality Butter Chicken at home. It’s ideal for beginners and experienced cooks alike and is a great gateway into Indian flavors for those who might be unfamiliar with the cuisine.

Why Butter Chicken Stands Out

Butter Chicken isn’t just popular because it tastes good it’s the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and comfort. Many Indian curries are known for their bold spices, but Butter Chicken is unique in its ability to be both richly flavored and mild enough for a wide range of palates. This makes it a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings and potlucks.

The use of heavy cream and butter gives it a silky smooth texture that pairs exceptionally well with starches like rice or Indian flatbreads. Meanwhile, the spices ranging from garam masala to sweet paprika offer depth without overwhelming heat. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted depending on whether you prefer it spicier or more mellow.

The Global Journey of a Classic

Interestingly, Butter Chicken didn’t originate centuries ago, like many traditional Indian dishes. It was born in the 1950s in Delhi, at the iconic Moti Mahal restaurant. The chefs, faced with leftover tandoori chicken, decided to simmer it in a buttery tomato sauce with spices and cream. What they created turned out to be legendary.

From there, Butter Chicken quickly became a favorite across India, and later, across the world. It’s a regular feature on Indian restaurant menus globally and has been adapted countless ways some more traditional, others with modern or regional twists. Whether you’re in Toronto, London, or Sydney, there’s a good chance you can find a version of Butter Chicken in local eateries.

This recipe by Maja captures the spirit of the original while making it accessible for everyday cooking. Using simple supermarket ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it demystifies Indian cooking for home chefs, without sacrificing authenticity.

Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal

While Butter Chicken is a complete dish on its own, what you serve it with can elevate the dining experience. Traditionally, it is enjoyed with naan soft, fluffy Indian flatbread that’s perfect for scooping up the sauce. Basmati rice is another ideal pairing, as its long grains and delicate fragrance complement the creamy curry without overpowering it.

You can also serve Butter Chicken with:

• Jeera rice (cumin rice): Adds a mild nutty flavor that complements the curry.

• Garlic naan or butter roti: Adds an extra layer of richness and flavor.

• Cucumber raita or plain yogurt: Offers a cooling contrast to the warmth of the spices.

• Simple Indian salad: Sliced cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes with lemon juice and a pinch of salt can offer a refreshing crunch.

For a well-rounded Indian meal, consider adding a vegetarian side dish such as saag paneer (spinach with cheese) or aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower curry), and finish with a light dessert like mango lassi or rice kheer.

Why This Recipe Works for Weeknights

Many people shy away from cooking Indian food at home, believing it to be time-consuming or overly complex. That’s where this Butter Chicken recipe excels it’s been streamlined for modern kitchens without losing the magic of the original dish.

The marination process takes as little as 15 minutes, although it can be extended for deeper flavor. The sauce is built in the same pan, making cleanup easier and reducing prep time. And because most of the ingredients are pantry staples, you don’t need to make a trip to a specialty store.

It’s also easily adaptable. You can make it dairy-free by using coconut cream and plant-based butter, or you can swap chicken thighs for breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian version. It’s comforting, quick, and packed with flavor perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Nutritional Insight and Tips

Despite its rich taste, this dish can be part of a balanced diet if consumed in moderation. The cream and butter contribute saturated fats, so using light cream or coconut milk can reduce the richness without sacrificing flavor. Additionally, since it’s high in protein and pairs well with vegetables, you can bulk up the meal with sautéed greens or a chickpea salad to add fiber and micronutrients.

You can also control the heat and salt content, which is especially helpful for those with dietary restrictions. Cayenne pepper is optional, so you can keep the spice level low for children or spice-sensitive individuals.

Another great feature of this recipe is its meal-prep potential. Butter Chicken actually tastes better the next day as the spices have time to develop even further. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully, making it a great choice for batch cooking.

A Universal Comfort Food

In many ways, Butter Chicken is to Indian cuisine what mac and cheese is to American cooking or pasta is to Italian fare. It’s a dish that provides emotional comfort warm, filling, and familiar, yet exciting with its layers of spice.

It crosses cultural boundaries and brings people together. Whether you’re introducing someone to Indian food for the first time or cooking a nostalgic meal for someone who grew up with it, Butter Chicken resonates. It’s hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Even better, it’s flexible. You can use it as a foundation to build your own culinary experiments add vegetables, change up the spices, use different proteins and make it your own.

Conclusion: 

Butter Chicken is one of those rare dishes that manages to be both luxurious and approachable. The version crafted by Maja’s Recipes stays true to the essence of the dish while making it achievable for the everyday cook. With minimal prep, easy-to-find ingredients, and maximum flavor, it’s no wonder this recipe is quickly becoming a household favorite.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick yet impressive weeknight meal, Butter Chicken delivers on all fronts. It’s a dish with history, versatility, and soul one that will keep you coming back for seconds.

So grab your skillet, gather your spices, and bring the magic of Indian cooking into your kitchen. One bite of this creamy, spiced Butter Chicken, and you’ll understand why it’s more than just a meal it’s an experience.