Creamy Homemade Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) Recipe

Creamy, rich butter chicken with its velvety makhani sauce has been delighting taste buds across India for generations.

This classic North Indian butter chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors directly to your kitchen.

Tender chicken pieces swim in a luxurious tomato-based gravy that balances spicy and sweet notes perfectly.

Marinating the chicken beforehand ensures each bite melts with incredible depth and complexity.

Aromatic spices like garam masala and kasuri methi transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

The secret lies in slow-cooking and carefully layering flavors that create an unforgettable dining experience.

Serve this mouthwatering dish with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice for a meal that will transport you straight to the streets of Delhi.

How to Make Rich and Creamy Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Aromatic Base

Layer sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker.

These onions will transform into a sweet, caramelized foundation that adds depth to your butter chicken.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Blend

• Chicken pieces
• Bell pepper (diced)
• Carrots
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Curry powder
• Garam masala
• Salt

Toss all ingredients together until every piece is perfectly coated with the vibrant spice mixture.

Step 3: Layer and Dot

Transfer the spiced chicken mixture over the caramelized onions.

Strategically dot the top with chilled butter pieces to ensure rich, creamy goodness throughout the dish.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to high and let it work its magic for 4.5 hours.

Alternatively, use the low setting for 6.5 hours if you prefer a more gentle cooking process.

Once cooking is complete, gently stir the mixture to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Goodness

Allow the dish to cool slightly, then swirl in yogurt and half-and-half.

This final touch creates a luxurious, velvety sauce that will make your butter chicken absolutely irresistible.

Tips for That Signature Sauce and Tender Chicken

• Layer thin, uniform onion slices at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a natural sweetness and prevent chicken from sticking.
• Mix chicken with spices and acidic ingredients like lemon juice beforehand to help tenderize the meat and enhance overall taste profile.
• Use chilled butter pieces sparingly to prevent excess greasiness while maintaining the signature rich, creamy texture of butter chicken.
• Stir in yogurt and half-and-half after cooking to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, velvety sauce consistency.
• Adjust garam masala and curry powder proportions to suit personal heat preferences without overwhelming the delicate chicken flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Butter Chicken Smoothly

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack cooled butter chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Gently warm leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking.

Best Sides to Pair With Butter Chicken

• Pair with Fluffy Basmati Rice: Scoop creamy butter chicken over steamed basmati rice, letting the fragrant grains soak up the rich, spicy sauce.
• Match with Crisp Cucumber Raita: Cool down the dish's warmth with a refreshing yogurt-based cucumber raita, balancing the intense flavors and providing a smooth contrast.
• Serve with Garlic Naan Bread: Tear soft, slightly charred garlic naan into pieces to scoop up the luxurious sauce, capturing every delicious drop.
• Pour Mango Lassi on Side: Complement the spicy curry with a chilled mango lassi, its sweet and tangy profile perfectly cutting through the dish's creamy richness.

Different Spices or Swaps to Try With Butter Chicken

• Vegetarian Butter Masala: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu or paneer cubes, maintaining the same spice blend and cooking method for a plant-based alternative.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap yogurt and half-and-half with coconut milk and cashew cream to create a rich, creamy sauce without traditional dairy ingredients.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute carrots and bell peppers with cauliflower and zucchini, reducing overall carbohydrate content while keeping the authentic flavor profile.
• Instant Pot Adaptation: Convert the slow cooker recipe to an Instant Pot by using the pressure cook function for 15 minutes on high, then quick-releasing the pressure for faster preparation.

FAQs

• Why use onions as the base layer in the slow cooker?

The onions caramelize during cooking, creating a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the butter chicken.

• Can I substitute the half-and-half with another dairy product?

You can use heavy cream or whole milk as alternatives, but half-and-half provides the perfect balance of richness and creaminess for this recipe.

• Is it necessary to add butter to the dish?

The chilled butter pieces help create a luxurious, silky texture and add richness to the sauce, which is characteristic of traditional butter chicken.

• How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling when adding it to the hot dish?

Let the mixture cool for a few minutes before stirring in the yogurt, and gently fold it in to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.

Why Homemade Butter Chicken Is Worth Making at Home

• Toss ingredients together without complex prep, letting the slow cooker transform simple components into a rich, aromatic dish with minimal hands-on work.
• Packed with kid-friendly vegetables and mild spices, this butter chicken offers a perfect balance of flavors that appeals to both adults and children, making mealtime a delightful experience.
• Embrace a foolproof cooking method that requires no constant monitoring, allowing you to multitask while creating a restaurant-quality meal that impresses family and guests with its depth of flavor.
• Combine protein-rich chicken, colorful vegetables, and creamy dairy for a well-rounded meal that delivers taste and nutrition in a single, convenient dish.

Murgh Makhani Ingredients You’ll Want to Have Ready

• Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this classic Indian dish.

• Onions: Sweet base that caramelizes during slow cooking.
• Bell Pepper, Carrots: Fresh vegetables that add texture and depth to the dish.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide robust flavor and traditional Indian spice profile.

• Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste: Rich base that creates the signature creamy and tangy sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acid that balances and enhances overall flavor.
• Curry Powder, Garam Masala: Warm spice blend that delivers authentic Indian taste.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that brings out the depth of other ingredients.

• Butter: Adds richness and traditional makhani (buttery) character.
• Yogurt, Half-and-Half: Creamy components that create a smooth, luxurious sauce texture.

Homemade Butter Chicken (murgh Makhani) Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent homemade butter chicken (murgh makhani) brings Indian culinary magic straight to your kitchen. Creamy tomato-based sauce embraces tender chicken, delivering rich flavors that dance with traditional spices and promise an unforgettable dining experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) plain Greek yogurt (whole, low-fat, or fat-free)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 medium yellow onions, peeled, cut in half and sliced (~13 ounces or 368 grams)
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 3 medium carrots, diced (5–6 ounces or 142–170 grams)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger (~2-inch piece)

Sauces, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce or 425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6-ounce or 170 grams) can tomato paste
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 3 tablespoons curry powder
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 tablespoon salted butter, chilled and cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) half-and-half

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Instructions

1. Create a foundational layer of sliced onions in the slow cooker, allowing them to caramelize and develop a rich, sweet essence during cooking.
2. Combine chicken with bell peppers, carrots, tomato sauce, tomato paste, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, curry powder, garam masala, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring thorough and even coating.
3. Carefully transfer the seasoned mixture over the caramelized onion base, strategically placing chilled butter pieces across the surface to enhance flavor and texture.
4. Set slow cooker to high temperature and cook for 4.5 hours, or alternatively use low setting for 6.5 hours until chicken is tender and sauce is richly developed.
5. Once cooking is complete, gently stir the mixture to integrate flavors and allow it to rest briefly before incorporating yogurt and half-and-half, creating a creamy, luxurious finish.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting curry powder and garam masala for mild or intense flavor profiles.
• Opt for Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt to enhance protein content and create a thicker, creamier sauce.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more tender and juicy meat that absorbs spices better than chicken breasts.
• Consider preparing the dish a day ahead, as flavors intensify and meld together beautifully when allowed to rest overnight in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 384
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg