Butter chicken is one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide. With its rich, creamy tomato-based gravy, tender pieces of marinated chicken, and a perfect blend of spices, it is no surprise that butter chicken is a restaurant favorite. But what if you could bring that same restaurant-style experience into your own kitchen? The good news is you absolutely can. With the right ingredients and techniques, making restaurant-style butter chicken at home is easier than you think.
In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know to master butter chicken in your own kitchen. From marination tips to the perfect gravy texture, get ready to cook a dish that rivals your favorite Indian restaurant.
What Makes Butter Chicken So Special?
Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, was created in the 1950s at a famous restaurant in Delhi. The idea was to make use of leftover tandoori chicken by tossing it in a luscious, buttery tomato sauce. Since then, it has become one of the most popular Indian dishes globally.
What sets butter chicken apart is its balance. It is creamy but not overly rich. It is mildly spiced but full of flavor. It is smooth yet hearty. When done right, every bite feels indulgent and comforting.
Ingredients You Will Need
To recreate the restaurant magic at home, you need to focus on fresh ingredients and proper preparation. Here is a breakdown of what you will need.
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500 grams of boneless chicken (thighs are best for juicy results)
- ½ cup thick yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 black cardamom (optional but adds depth)
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 10 to 12 cashew nuts (for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (balances the tanginess of tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (for color)
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons cream
Fresh coriander for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Marination is the first and most important step. Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Coat the chicken well and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate overnight. The yogurt tenderizes the chicken and the spices infuse deep flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
You can either grill the chicken in an oven or pan-fry it until slightly charred. This step brings a smoky touch similar to what you get in restaurants. Cook on high heat to get that charred edge without overcooking the meat. Once done, keep the chicken pieces aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy Base
In a pan, heat butter and oil together. The oil prevents the butter from burning. Add bay leaf and black cardamom. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
Now add chopped tomatoes and cashew nuts. Cook on medium heat until the tomatoes soften completely. This will take around 10 to 12 minutes. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat, let it cool slightly, and blend into a smooth paste.
Step 4: Make the Butter Chicken Gravy
Strain the blended paste if you want a silky smooth restaurant-style texture. Add it back to the pan and bring to a gentle simmer. Add sugar, Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir well and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
Once the gravy thickens and starts releasing oil at the edges, add the cooked chicken pieces. Mix gently to coat the chicken in the sauce.
Add cream at this stage and stir it in slowly. Let the butter chicken simmer on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to come together beautifully.
Pro Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken
- Use Chicken Thighs: They stay juicy and tender. Breasts can become dry if overcooked.
- Cashews Over Cream: Use soaked cashews while blending the gravy. This gives a natural creaminess without relying too much on dairy.
- Char the Chicken: A slight char on the chicken pieces enhances the smoky flavor, just like in tandoori cooking.
- Balance the Flavors: If the tomatoes are too tangy, a pinch of sugar will balance it out.
- Do Not Rush: Letting the gravy simmer slowly makes a huge difference. It helps the spices develop and merge into a rich sauce.
What to Serve with Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken pairs wonderfully with Indian breads like naan, roti, or paratha. It also goes beautifully with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice. If you want to go all out, serve it with garlic naan for the ultimate restaurant feel at home.
Craving that rich and flavorful butter chicken without stepping into the kitchen? Come experience it at Dalchini in Nuremberg where we bring the authentic taste of India straight to your table. Our butter chicken is made with love, using classic spices and slow-cooked to perfection just like the recipe above. Whether you’re dining in or ordering out, it’s a dish you won’t forget.
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