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Butter Chicken

मक्खन मुर्ग
Butter Chicken
Prep
30 mins (+ 4–8 hrs marination)
Cook
30 mins
Serves
4–6

A rich, creamy tomato-based curry that's been the star of our family table for decades. Tender marinated chicken simmered in a velvety sauce finished with kasuri methi and fresh cream.

Ingredients

  • 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup hung curd (दही)
  • 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp red chilli powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (हल्दी)
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 400g tomato purée
  • 1/2 cup fresh cream
  • 2 tbsp kasuri methi, crushed
  • 3 tbsp desi ghee
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds (जीरा)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (दालचीनी)
  • 2 green cardamoms (छोटी इलायची)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional)

Method

  1. Marinate chicken in curd, ginger-garlic paste, half the garam masala, red chilli powder, turmeric, lemon juice, and salt. Refrigerate for 4–8 hours (overnight is best).
  2. Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (shake off excess) and sear pieces until golden on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add cumin seeds, cinnamon, and cardamoms. Let them sizzle for 30 seconds, then add the tomato purée. Simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and oil begins to separate.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Add fresh cream, remaining garam masala, crushed kasuri methi, and honey (if using). Stir gently to combine.
  5. Return the chicken to the sauce. Cook on low heat for 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the flavours meld.
  6. Adjust seasoning and consistency (add warm water if too thick). Serve hot with butter naan, tandoori roti, or jeera rice.
Other Cooks' Versions (with Notes)

Butter Chicken — Sanjeev Kapoor

Neelu's note: "His version uses more cream than mine. Try reducing the cream by half if you prefer a lighter gravy."

Restaurant-Style Butter Chicken — Kabita's Kitchen

Neelu's note: "Good technique for the smoky flavor. Add a charcoal dhungar at the end — it makes a big difference."

Easy Butter Chicken — Hebbars Kitchen

Neelu's note: "Quick version for weekdays. Skip the overnight marinade if you're short on time."
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