Chicken Makhani, also known as Butter Chicken, is a rich and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Indian cuisine straight to your dinner table. This dish combines tender chicken pieces with a creamy, spiced tomato sauce that has just the right balance of heat and warmth. Whether you’re serving it to guests or making it for a cozy family dinner, Chicken Makhani will leave everyone coming back for more.

The key to this dish’s irresistible flavor lies in its aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander, cardamom, and cinnamon. The marinated chicken soaks in the flavors, resulting in a tender and flavorful base for the creamy, buttery sauce. If you’ve ever craved a dish that is both comforting and exotic, Chicken Makhani is your answer. It’s simple to prepare yet delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen. Paired with rice or naan, this dish becomes a deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

With a perfect balance of spice and creaminess, Chicken Makhani offers a complex and satisfying flavor profile that will surely impress. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find, making this an accessible recipe for both novice and experienced cooks. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Flavor

The combination of heavy cream and butter creates a silky smooth sauce that coats the chicken perfectly, making every bite a rich and flavorful experience.

2. Balanced Spice

This recipe achieves the perfect balance of spices like cumin, cinnamon, and cardamom, adding warmth and complexity to the dish without overwhelming your taste buds.

3. Easy to Prepare

Despite the bold flavors, the recipe is simple to make with basic ingredients and minimal steps, making it an approachable dish for cooks of any level.

4. Customizable for Your Taste

The level of spice can easily be adjusted to suit your personal preference, making it great for those who prefer mild or more robust heat in their dishes.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

Chicken Makhani holds up well for leftovers and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping or enjoying over several days.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breast
Plain yogurt
Lemon juice
Chili powder
Ground cumin
Ground cinnamon
Ground coriander
Ground cardamom
Ground cloves
Paprika
Butter
Onion
Garlic
Tomato sauce
Heavy cream
Salt
Chopped cilantro for garnish

Variations

While Chicken Makhani is traditionally made with chicken, you can easily substitute the chicken with other proteins. Paneer (Indian cheese) makes for a great vegetarian alternative, and lamb or shrimp could also be used for different variations. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat yogurt and cream, or substitute coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. To customize the flavor profile, adjust the level of chili powder or add a dash of garam masala for a deeper spice complexity.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, lemon juice, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, cloves, and paprika. Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce and Cream

Stir in the tomato sauce and bring it to a simmer. Once it starts to bubble, add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the skillet along with any remaining marinade. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. This should take about 10-12 minutes.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season the dish with salt to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Marinate the chicken for at least an hour, but longer marination (up to overnight) will enhance the flavor.
For extra richness, feel free to add more butter or cream to the sauce.
Make sure to simmer the sauce gently to avoid curdling the cream.
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili powder or add a diced green chili to the sauce.
Use fresh spices for the best flavor, especially when using whole spices like cardamom or cloves.

How to Serve

Chicken Makhani is traditionally served with naan bread or steamed basmati rice. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the soft, pillowy naan, allowing you to soak up every last bit of flavor. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Makhani in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of water or cream to bring it back to the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They will add more flavor and stay tender when cooked.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter and heavy cream with coconut milk and dairy-free butter.

3. How spicy is Chicken Makhani?

The level of spice in Chicken Makhani is mild to medium, but you can adjust the chili powder to your taste.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken the night before and refrigerate it. The cooking steps can be done on the day you plan to serve the dish.

5. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can cook the marinated chicken in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours. Then, add the cream and butter at the end.

6. What can I serve with Chicken Makhani?

Rice, naan, or a fresh cucumber salad are great accompaniments to this dish.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check that the spices and yogurt you use are certified gluten-free.

8. Can I use a different protein, like lamb or shrimp?

Absolutely! Lamb or shrimp can be substituted for chicken in this recipe for different variations.

9. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer, or you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it.

10. Can I freeze Chicken Makhani?

Yes, Chicken Makhani freezes well. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before storing it in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Chicken Makhani is a delightful and flavorful dish that offers the perfect balance of spice and creaminess. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and will surely become a staple in your culinary repertoire. The rich and aromatic sauce combined with tender chicken creates a memorable meal that can be enjoyed with family and friends. Make it ahead, serve it with your favorite sides, and savor the flavors of this comforting dish.