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Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken)

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Chicken Makhani, also known as Butter Chicken, is a creamy, flavorful Indian dish with tender chicken cooked in a rich, tomato-based sauce. This recipe offers a delicious balance of spices that can be customized to suit your preferred level of heat. Serve it over basmati rice with naan bread for a complete, comforting meal that’s quick and easy to make at home.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

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

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

For the Chicken:

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

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

For Thickening:

1 tablespoon cornstarch

¼ cup water

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté shallot and onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in butter, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garam masala, chili powder, cumin, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute. Add tomato puree and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in half-and-half and yogurt, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in the remaining garam masala and cayenne pepper. Add some sauce and simmer until the chicken is cooked through.

Combine and Thicken the Sauce: Add the cooked chicken into the sauce. Dissolve cornstarch in ¼ cup water, then stir into the sauce. Cook for 5–10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

Serve: Serve Chicken Makhani with basmati rice and naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for paneer or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Spice Adjustments: Increase cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicier dish, or reduce for a milder flavor.

Add Veggies: Peas or spinach can be added for extra texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/chicken-makhani-indian-butter-chicken/