Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
This easy Butter Chicken recipe, also know as Murgh Makhani, uses simple ingredients yet tastes just as delicious as your favorite authentic Indian takeout. This one-pan chicken dinner recipe is perfect for any night of the week.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 476kcal
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1.5 pounds chicken (cut into bite size pieces)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Sauce
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 onion (finely diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (minced or grated)
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1.5 teaspoons garam masala
- 14 ounces tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1-2 red chili peppers (optional for spicy version)
- 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Combine chicken, greek yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, ground cumin and paprika in a bowl. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the onion and cook until softened and starting to brown, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, ginger, cumin, and garam masala. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the tomato puree and paprika. Lower the heat and simmer until the puree darkens and thickens, about 10 minutes. If you are using a chili pepper, add it with this step.
- Add the chicken pieces and any accumulated juices back to the pan. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for at least another 5-10 minutes.
- Taste and season, as needed. Serve over rice, or as desired.
Video
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- For a spicier version, add a diced red chili pepper or two.
- Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low carb option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-4 days for best results.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 476kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 149mg | Sodium: 96mg | Potassium: 573mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1917IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 3mg