Authentic Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
India's most beloved curry — tender chicken in a rich, velvety tomato-cream sauce with aromatic spices. The ultimate comfort food.
About This India Recipe
Authentic Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is one of the most beloved dishes from India, deeply rooted in the country's culinary tradition. This authentic recipe has been passed down through generations and represents the very soul of India's food culture.
The secret to an authentic Authentic Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) lies in the quality of ingredients and the patience of preparation. Every component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavours that makes this dish so special. When you cook this recipe, you're not just making food — you're recreating a piece of India's rich culinary heritage.
How to Cook Authentic Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) — Complete Guide
Before You Begin
Read the entire recipe before starting. Gather and measure all ingredients (mise en place). This medium-difficulty dish takes approximately 30 min to prepare and 45 min to cook — allow 45 min extra time if this is your first attempt.
Difficulty
Medium
Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
45 min
Serves
6 people
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow each step carefully. Steps are ordered for best results — don't skip ahead.
- 1
Marinate chicken in yogurt and spices for 2 hours
This is your starting step — proper preparation here ensures everything else goes smoothly.
- 2
Grill or bake chicken until charred at 220°C
- 3
Fry onion, garlic and ginger until golden
- 4
Add tomato passata and cook 15 minutes
- 5
Blend sauce until smooth
- 6
Add butter, cream and kasuri methi
- 7
Add grilled chicken and simmer 10 minutes
Final step — your Authentic Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is almost ready to serve!
Chef's Tips & Tricks
Expert advice to help you nail this dish every time:
Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek) is the secret ingredient
Charring the chicken gives authentic smoky flavour
For richer colour, add a pinch of red chilli powder
Serving Suggestions
Authentic Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight from the kitchen. In India, this dish is traditionally served as a main course and pairs beautifully with local side dishes and beverages. Consider serving it family-style for a truly authentic experience.
For the most authentic presentation, use traditional India tableware if available. Garnish generously and serve immediately — this dish does not improve with waiting. Leftovers can typically be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
Ingredients
For 6 servings
- 800g boneless chicken thighs
- 200g plain yogurt
- 2 tsp tandoori masala
- 400ml tomato passata
- 150ml heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 inch fresh ginger
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander
- Salt and kasuri methi
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