If you’ve ever tasted Butter Chicken (also known as Murgh Makhani or Indian Chicken Makhani), you’ll know why it’s one of the most popular curries in the world. But what makes this dish so special? Is it the creamy sauce, the rich spices, or the tender marinated chicken? Let me take you through an authentic Butter Chicken recipe that will transform your kitchen into an Indian food paradise.
A Brief History of Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken, with its origins in Delhi, India, is a dish created by chance. In the 1950s, the chefs at the iconic Moti Mahal restaurant accidentally mixed leftover tandoori chicken with tomatoes, butter, and cream. The result? A rich, creamy curry that quickly became beloved worldwide.
At Dilchad, we take pride in preparing our Butter Chicken using this same authentic recipe, bringing the traditional flavours straight to your table.
Why Is Butter Chicken So Popular Worldwide?
Butter Chicken has become a global favourite, and it’s easy to see why. Its rich, creamy texture and mildly spiced, slightly sweet flavour make it an irresistible dish for all palates. Unlike many other Indian curries, Butter Chicken isn’t overly spicy, making it accessible to people who may not be accustomed to strong heat.
The dish’s origins date back to the 1950s in Delhi when chefs at Moti Mahal accidentally created it by simmering leftover tandoori chicken in a tomato-butter-cream sauce. This innovation led to a dish that was both comforting and indulgent. As Indian cuisine spread worldwide, Butter Chicken became a staple in restaurants from London to New York, adapting to local tastes while maintaining its signature taste.
Another reason for its global appeal is its versatility. It pairs perfectly with naan, rice, or even fusion dishes like Butter Chicken pizza or pasta. Its ability to blend traditional Indian flavours with a creamy, universally loved texture makes it a favourite for food lovers everywhere. Whether you’re in India or halfway across the world, butter chicken remains a must-try dish that brings people together with its rich, satisfying taste.
How to Make Butter Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Want to make restaurant-style Butter Chicken at home? This creamy and flavorful Indian dish is easy to prepare with simple ingredients. Here’s how you can make Butter Chicken that tastes great with naan or rice.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g boneless chicken (cut into pieces)
- 3 tbsp yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1-inch ginger (minced)
- 2 tomatoes (pureed)
- ½ cup cream
- ¼ tsp fenugreek leaves (optional)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
To make Butter Chicken soft and full of flavour, mix it with yoghurt, lemon juice, and spices. Let it rest for 30 minutes or, for the best results, overnight.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Heat butter in a pan.
- Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until soft and golden.
- Pour in pureed tomatoes and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in garam masala, cumin, and coriander for flavour.
- Add cream and fenugreek leaves to make it creamy and rich.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Add the marinated chicken to the sauce.
- Cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add water if the sauce is too thick.
- Once the chicken is soft and cooked, serve hot!
What to Serve with Butter Chicken
1. Naan Bread
Naan is soft, warm bread that’s perfect for dipping into the creamy Butter Chicken sauce. You can choose plain naan, garlic naan, or butter naan for extra flavour.
2. Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is fluffy and light. It’s great for soaking up the delicious Butter Chicken sauce, making each bite even better.
3. Raita
Raita is a cool, refreshing side made with yoghurt, cucumber, and some spices. It helps balance the spices in the Butter Chicken.
4. Jeera Rice
Jeera rice is rice cooked with cumin, giving it a nice, mild flavour. It’s a tasty side to go with Butter Chicken.
5. Vegetable Side Dish
You can serve some cooked vegetables, like a veggie curry or sautéed spinach, to add some freshness to your meal.
6. Salad
A simple salad with cucumber, tomato, and onions can add some crunch and freshness to balance out the creamy Butter Chicken.
7. Papadums
Papadums are crispy, crunchy snacks that are fun to eat with Butter Chicken. They add a crunchy bite and make your meal more exciting!
These sides make your Butter Chicken meal complete, adding extra flavours and textures!
Vegetable Side Options for Butter Chicken
When you’re enjoying the rich and creamy flavours of Butter Chicken, these vegetable side dishes can enhance your meal without overpowering the delicate spices of the curry:
Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower)
Aloo Gobi is a light, spiced dish made with potatoes and cauliflower. The mild flavours make it a great complement to Butter Chicken, balancing out its rich sauce with a touch of freshness.
Saag Paneer
Saag Paneer is a dish made with soft Indian cheese called paneer and creamy spinach cooked in a tasty, spiced sauce. The rich, smooth texture of the paneer and spinach goes really well with the creamy Butter Chicken, making them a great pair!
Gobi Masala (Cauliflower Curry)
Gobi Masala is a spiced cauliflower dish that brings just the right amount of flavour without overwhelming the Butter Chicken. The mild, savoury taste of cauliflower complements the buttery curry while adding a delicious variation to your meal.
Cucumber Raita
Raita is a yoghurt-based dish that cools down the spice of curries. Cucumber raita, with its refreshing crunch, provides a soothing balance to the rich and spicy flavours of Butter Chicken.
These vegetable sides are a perfect match for Butter Chicken. They add different textures and flavours that go really well with the creamy, mildly spiced curry, making your meal even more delicious!
Craving Butter Chicken in London?
If you’re in the mood for some delicious Butter Chicken, Dilchad offers the perfect solution. You can enjoy it from the comfort of your home with a takeaway or visit us for a great dining experience.
For those cosy nights, order Butter Chicken takeaway, and we’ll bring it right to your door, letting you enjoy a taste of India without leaving the house.
If you prefer dining out, Dilchad provides a welcoming atmosphere in which you can enjoy your meal. The tender chicken and rich, creamy sauce with just the right spices will surely satisfy your cravings.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your Butter Chicken, Dilchad makes it easy to indulge in the best flavours London has to offer.
Butter Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- To make Butter Chicken soft and full of flavour, mix it with yoghurt, lemon juice, and spices. Let it rest for 30 minutes or, for the best results, overnight.
- Heat butter in a pan.
- Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until soft and golden.
- Pour in pureed tomatoes and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in garam masala, cumin, and coriander for flavour.
- Add cream and fenugreek leaves to make it creamy and rich.
- Add the marinated chicken to the sauce.
- Cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add water if the sauce is too thick.
- Once the chicken is soft and cooked, serve hot!
