- August 12, 2025
Chicken Makhani Recipe | The Iconic Indian Butter Chicken
Few dishes in Indian cuisine have achieved global fame like Chicken Makhani Recipe. Known worldwide as Butter Chicken, this dish is the pride of Punjabi and North Indian cooking. Its rich tomato-based gravy, velvety texture, and smoky chicken make it a star both in home kitchens and restaurants. Whether you’re preparing a homemade chicken makhani recipe for your family or aiming for restaurant style chicken makhani recipe perfection, this guide will walk you through every step.
In this post, we’ll explore the history, ingredients, step-by-step method, variations, serving ideas, and secret chef tips for making the best chicken makhani recipe at home.
The Origins of Chicken Makhani
The story of authentic chicken makhani recipe begins in Delhi during the 1950s. The founders of Moti Mahal restaurant stumbled upon the idea when leftover tandoori chicken was simmered in a buttery tomato gravy, creating what we now know as Butter Chicken. Since then, it has become a staple in Indian restaurants worldwide, especially as a signature Punjabi chicken makhani recipe.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Makhani
Creamy & Rich – A luscious tomato-cream gravy that melts in your mouth.
Balanced Flavors – Not overly spicy; perfect for all palates.
Restaurant Quality at Home – This homemade chicken makhani recipe rivals your favorite restaurant.
Versatile – Pair with naan, rice, or even bread rolls.
Key Ingredients for Chicken Makhani
To prepare a traditional chicken makhani recipe, gather the following:
For the Chicken Marinade:
500g chicken (preferably boneless, or bone-in for depth)
½ cup yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp garam masala
Salt to taste
For the Gravy:
4 medium tomatoes (pureed)
2 medium onions (finely chopped)
2 tbsp butter (or more for that rich butter chicken makhani recipe flavor)
1 tbsp oil
2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp red chili powder
½ tsp turmeric
1 tsp garam masala
1 cup fresh cream (for creamy chicken makhani recipe)
1 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves, crushed)
Salt to taste
Optional: Honey or sugar for balancing the tanginess of tomatoes.
Step-by-Step Chicken Makhani Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, salt, and garam masala. Add chicken and coat well. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor. This step ensures your north indian chicken makhani recipe stays juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Traditionally, chicken is cooked in a tandoor. But for a chicken makhani without tandoor recipe, you can:
Grill chicken on a stovetop grill pan.
Bake in an oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes.
Pan-sear until golden brown.
Set aside cooked chicken pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy
Heat oil and butter in a pan.
Add cumin seeds, then onions, and sauté until golden.
Add ginger-garlic paste, cook until raw smell disappears.
Stir in tomato puree, turmeric, chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook until oil separates from masala.
Blend for smoothness if desired (key for a chicken makhani gravy recipe).
Step 4: Combine Chicken & Gravy
Add chicken to the gravy, mix gently. Stir in cream, kasuri methi, and a knob of butter. Simmer for 5–7 minutes. Adjust seasoning.
Now, you have a restaurant style chicken makhani recipe ready to serve hot!
Tips for the Best Chicken Makhani
Use Ripe Tomatoes – For natural sweetness in the chicken makhani curry recipe.
Balance Cream – Too much makes it heavy; too little lacks richness.
Kasuri Methi is Key – Brings that signature aroma.
Butter Finish – Always add a pat of butter at the end for true butter chicken makhani recipe flavor.
Variations of Chicken Makhani
Quick Chicken Makhani Recipe – Use leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken.
Healthy Chicken Makhani Recipe – Reduce cream, replace with yogurt or cashew paste.
Chicken Makhani without Cream Recipe – Use milk and cashew paste for creaminess.
Simple Chicken Makhani Recipe – Skip marination if short on time.
Spicy Chicken Makhani – Increase chili powder and green chilies for heat.
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Serving Suggestions
With naan or tandoori roti – Classic combination.
With jeera rice or pulao – Perfect for soaking up the gravy.
With paratha or laccha paratha – A Punjabi dhaba-style feast.
Pair with salad and pickle for a wholesome chicken makhani dinner recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using raw tomatoes without cooking properly – gravy will taste sour.
Skipping marination – chicken may turn dry.
Overusing cream – heavy instead of creamy chicken makhani recipe.
Not balancing spices – makhani is about balance, not overpowering heat.
Why Chicken Makhani is Loved Worldwide
This dish has the unique ability to be indulgent yet approachable. The authentic chicken makhani recipe delivers subtle spice, creaminess, and smokiness that appeal to Indian and international food lovers alike. It has become a bridge between traditional Indian cuisine and global palates.
Interesting Facts
The Chicken Makhani Recipe is more than just food—it’s a cultural icon. From its roots in Delhi to its fame across the world, this dish continues to be the crown jewel of Indian cuisine. Whether you cook the traditional chicken makhani recipe, experiment with a healthy chicken makhani recipe, or try a quick chicken makhani recipe, you’ll always end up with a meal that satisfies the soul.
So, the next time you crave comfort food, skip takeout and prepare this homemade chicken makhani recipe. With its rich buttery gravy and tender chicken, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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