Indian Chicken Makhani Recipe – Creamy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make!

This Indian Chicken Makhani Recipe, also known as Butter Chicken, brings a taste of authentic Indian cuisine to your table with its rich, creamy sauce and tender, marinated chicken. You’ll love this dish for its irresistible blend of spices and comforting texture, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or special gathering. The sauce is a harmonious mix of spiced tomatoes, butter, and cream that creates a truly indulgent experience. Each bite transports you to the heart of India, where flavors are bold, comforting, and unforgettable.

Indian Chicken Makhani Recipe

Recipe by kenza

0.0 from 0 votes

Difficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories per serving

410

kcal

A delicious, creamy Indian chicken makhani recipe made with tender, marinated chicken in a rich, buttery tomato sauce.

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Ingredients

• For Marinating the Chicken

• 500g boneless chicken, cut into cubes

• 1 cup plain yogurt

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tbsp garam masala

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• Salt to taste

• For the Makhani Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 cups tomato puree

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

• Marinate the Chicken: Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Mix the chicken pieces well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the marinated chicken until golden brown. Set aside.
• Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and oil. Sauté onions until golden, then add ginger-garlic paste. Stir in tomato puree and chili powder, cooking until the sauce thickens.
• Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked chicken to the sauce, stirring in heavy cream and kasuri methi. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until flavors meld.
• Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy with naan or rice.

Notes

• Use fresh, quality ingredients for maximum flavor.
• Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing chili powder as desired.

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Tips to Make This Indian Chicken Makhani Recipe A Success

• Marination is Key: Marinate for at least an hour (or overnight) to infuse the chicken with deep flavors.
• Control Creaminess: Add cream gradually to control the sauce’s richness. For a lighter version, substitute cream with coconut milk.
• Smoky Flavor: For added smokiness, try the “dhungar” technique—place a hot coal in a small bowl within the dish, pour a little ghee over it, cover immediately, and let sit for 2 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with fluffy basmati or jasmine rice, butter naan, or roti. A fresh cucumber raita on the side will balance the spices beautifully.

How to Store Indian Chicken Makhani ?

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions

This Indian Chicken Makhani recipe is a flavorful journey into Indian cuisine. With marinated chicken and a buttery, aromatic sauce, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Plus, it pairs beautifully with any favorite side for a complete meal.