What does the term "Murgh Makhani" actually mean?

Murgh Makhani translates literally from Hindi/Urdu as "Chicken with Butter." Murgh means chicken, and Makhani means buttery or containing butter. This name perfectly encapsulates the rich, creamy, and flavorful nature of the dish.

What is the history behind Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken is a relatively modern dish. It was created in the 1950s in Delhi, India, by the chefs at the Moti Mahal restaurant. The story goes that they combined leftover tandoori chicken pieces with a tomato-cream gravy, thus inventing what has become one of the most popular Indian dishes worldwide.

Is Butter Chicken supposed to be spicy?

Traditional Homemade Butter Chicken is generally mild to medium in spiciness. Its characteristic flavor comes from the balance between the tang of tomatoes, the richness of the cream/butter, and the aromatic spices like Garam Masala. It is not intended to be a fiery hot curry, though you can easily add extra cayenne pepper or a chopped green chili if you prefer more heat.

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

Yes, you can! Using bone-in chicken thighs will add even deeper flavor to the curry, as the bone releases collagen and flavor into the sauce as it simmers. You will need to increase the cooking time slightly in Phase 3 to ensure the chicken is cooked through and falling off the bone (this may take 20–30 minutes).

Homemade Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) Recipe: Easy & Tested

Name: The Ultimate, Tested Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe (Murgh Makhani)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-490758H51M35S
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Chicken (Thighs or Breast), cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (full-fat); 1 Tbsp Ginger Paste; 1 Tbsp Garlic Paste; 1 tsp Turmeric Powder; 1 tsp Garam Masala; 1/2 tsp Salt; 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, divided; 1 large Yellow Onion, finely chopped; 1 tsp Cumin Seeds; 1 can (15 oz) Crushed Tomatoes; 1/2 cup Chicken Broth; 1/2 cup Heavy Cream; 1 Tbsp Sugar or Honey; 1 tsp Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves), crushed

The Ultimate, Tested Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe (Murgh Makhani)

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An easy, tested, and reliable recipe for restaurant-quality Homemade Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani). This guide includes expert tips, science-backed techniques, and ingredient substitutions.

Author: Emily Parker
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop, Simmer
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs Chicken (Thighs or Breast), cut into 1-inch cubes

1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (full-fat)

1 Tbsp Ginger Paste

1 Tbsp Garlic Paste

1 tsp Turmeric Powder

1 tsp Garam Masala

1/2 tsp Salt

4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, divided

1 large Yellow Onion, finely chopped

1 tsp Cumin Seeds

1 can (15 oz) Crushed Tomatoes

1/2 cup Chicken Broth

1/2 cup Heavy Cream

1 Tbsp Sugar or Honey

1 tsp Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves), crushed

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Instructions

1. Combine chicken, yogurt, ginger/garlic paste, turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

2. Heat 1 Tbsp butter in a skillet. Sear the marinated chicken until browned and cooked through. Set aside.

3. Melt remaining 3 Tbsp butter. Sauté onion until soft. Stir in cumin seeds and cook for 30 seconds.

4. Add crushed tomatoes and broth. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

5. Carefully blend the gravy mixture until completely smooth.

6. Return sauce to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and sugar/honey. Add the seared chicken. Simmer for 5 minutes.

7. Crush Kasuri Methi between your palms and stir into the curry just before serving. Serve hot with rice or naan.

Notes

Marinating the chicken is crucial for tenderness and flavor.

For a smoother sauce, ensure the gravy is fully blended.

Kasuri Methi is the non-negotiable key to authentic flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 550
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Find it online: https://www.flavourrecipe.com/homemade-butter-chicken/