Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken) Recipe

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4.4 (147)

Chicken makhani butter chicken represents one of the most beloved Indian dishes, featuring full-flavored sauce that creates rich curry experience through traditional preparation. This favorite status demonstrates how certain recipes achieve universal appeal through perfect balance of spices, cream, and cooking techniques. The full-flavored sauce provides the luxurious base that makes butter chicken so indulgent and satisfying for diverse palates. This traditional recipe ensures authentic preparation methods that honor the dish's origins while delivering restaurant-quality results. The rich curry nature makes this dish perfect for special occasions when you want impressive Indian cuisine that satisfies and delights guests.

High angle looking at a plate of chicken makhani over rice, topped with cilantro and a side of naan bread

This butter chicken recipe, or chicken makhani, is one of my favorite Indian dishes. It features a full-flavored sauce that complements the chicken well. It can be made as mild or spicy as you wish by adjusting the cayenne. Serve with basmati rice and naan bread.

Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

1/2x
1x
2x

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil, divided

  • 1 shallot, finely chopped

  • ¼ white onion, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste

  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

  • 2 teaspoons garam masala, divided

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 cup tomato puree

  • 1 cup half-and-half

  • ¼ cup plain yogurt

  • 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • ¼ cup water

Directions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté shallot and onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

    Shallot and onion mixture in saucepan.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Stir in butter, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garam masala, chili powder, cumin, and bay leaf. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, and cook for 2 minutes, continuing to frequently stir.

    Mixture with tomato paste, butter, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garam masala, chili powder, cumin, and bay leaf.
  3. Stir in half-and-half and yogurt. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, frequently stirring. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

    Mixture with half-and-half and yogurt.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.

    Cooked chicken in skillet.
  5. Reduce heat, and season with remaining 1 teaspoon garam masala and cayenne. Stir in a few spoonfuls of sauce, and simmer until liquid has reduced, and chicken is no longer pink. Add cooked chicken into sauce and stir together.

    A few spoonfuls of sauce added to chicken in skillet.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Dissolve cornstarch into water, then mix into the sauce. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until thickened.

    Chicken mixed in with sauce.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  7. Serve over rice with naan.

    high angle looking at a plate of chicken Makhani over rice, topped with cilantro and a side of naan bread

    DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

408 Calories
28g Fat
16g Carbs
23g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 408
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 28g36%
Saturated Fat 11g57%
Cholesterol 107mg36%
Sodium 523mg23%
Total Carbohydrate 16g6%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 23g47%
Vitamin C 12mg13%
Calcium 135mg10%
Iron 3mg17%
Potassium 625mg13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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John Davis
John Davis

Hi, I’m John Davis!
Food has always been my favorite way to connect with people, and that’s why I started blogging about it. I love sharing quick, creative recipes that prove cooking at home can be just as exciting as eating out. Whether it’s a speedy weeknight dinner or a fun snack, I enjoy keeping things simple, flavorful, and approachable for everyone. When I’m not experimenting in the kitchen, I’m usually exploring new cuisines or hunting for fresh inspiration at local markets.

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