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    The Curry Mommy » Curry

    Butter Chicken Masala Recipe (Murgh Makhani)

    Published: Jul 26, 2018 · Modified: Apr 25, 2022 by The Curry Mommy · This post may contain affiliate links · 15 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    The Best Butter Chicken Masala Recipe (Murgh Makhani) with a delicious Makhani Sauce! Try it once to know why it's a family and kid favorite.

    This super easy Restaurant Style Butter Chicken Recipe takes minutes to make. Pair the classic North Indian-inspired dish with basmati rice, warm naan, and enjoy the flavors of the creamy curry sauce.

    worlds best butter chicken recipe in a bowl with two chili peppers by the curry mommy

    TIP! Make Extra - Freeze it in individual portions to have a meal ready at your fingertips.


    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Storing and Reheating
    • Equipment Needed
    • Kid Friendly Butter Chicken
    • Pair it with...
    • Substitutions
    • Kasoori Methi Details
    • FAQ
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Video
    • 💬 Community

    TRUTH! This restaurant-style Indian Butter Chicken Masala (also known as Chicken Makhani) is an easy and simple one-pot meal that can be made in under 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you are making it for the first time or 50th, the flavors of the creamy tomato sauce will make you add this all-time favorite Indian recipe to your weekly rotation.


    Ingredients

    1. Tomato Puree - Can substitute with tomato sauce but will have to cook longer for a thicker gravy.
    2. Butter Chicken Masala - I like to use MDH Brand Butter Chicken Masala (there has been new packaging for this but the ingredients are the same) whenever available. If you can not find that brand, then try Shan Butter Chicken Masala
    3. Heavy Whipping Cream - Can substitute with half and half, but the gravy will not be as thick which is why I do not recommend it.
    4. Butter - Salted or Unsalted
    5. Garlic - Grated
    6. Ginger - Grated
    7. Red Chili Powder
    8. Coriander Powder
    9. Turmeric Powder
    10. Oil, Salt, Granulated Sugar
    11. Fenugreek Leaves - Kasoori Methi (not to be confused with fenugreek seeds or fresh methi leaves). There is no substitution for this ingredient and it is needed in this recipe.
    12. Chicken - Boneless skinless chicken breast or tenders

    Instructions

    If the time it takes to make this dish doesn't impress you, then we need to talk! This is one of the quickest curry recipes I make from scratch.

    Heat a saucepan or large wok with butter and/or oil on medium to high heat. Then add the chopped chicken, butter chicken masala, and turmeric.

    chicken with indian spices being cooked in a non stick pan

    Mix and cook for about 3-5 minutes depending on how big the chicken pieces are. I like to cook on medium to high heat. Cook the chicken until it is about ¾ of the way fully done. There is no need to cover the pot with a lid.

    chicken with spices for indian makhani

    Add the freshly grated garlic, freshly grated ginger, spicy red chili powder, and ground coriander powder to the chicken and cook for about 30 seconds while mixing.

    indian boneless chicken with spices

    Pour in the tomato puree and let it heat through completely before adding the heavy whipping cream. This will help keep the chicken tender.

    tomato puree for butter chicken masala being cooked with shan butter chicken masala
    heavy whipping cream

    Mix it well and then add the finely grounded kasoori methi, sugar, and extra butter chicken masala (optional).

    kasoori methi with masala tomato gravy

    Let it come to a simmer with a lid on low heat for about 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the butter chicken masala cool down. As it cools the gravy will thicken even more.


    Storing and Reheating

    Freeze - Have extras? Freeze them in freezer-friendly Ziplock Bags.

    Make it ahead of time - Meal Prep for the week! If you are having a gathering and want to make this recipe, then make it ahead of time as well. It stays great in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for 2 months.

    Reheating - Defrost and heat in the microwave or on the stovetop using a pot with a lid on low heat.


    Equipment Needed

    • Large pot/wok
    • Spatula for mixing
    • Cutting Board and Knife
    • Grater for ginger and garlic
    • Grinder for kasoori methi

    Kid Friendly Butter Chicken

    I eliminate red chili powder as an ingredient and add only half of the butter chicken masala, ginger, and garlic. Oh, don't forget to load up on the butter if your kids like it!


    Pair it with...

    Make it a complete Indian restaurant-style meal with these dishes.

    1. Basmati Rice
    2. Roti
    3. Papad
    4. Onion Salad

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    Substitutions

    • Tomato Puree- Can use Tomato Sauce but simmer longer until the gravy is a bit thicker in consistency.
    • Kasoori Methi- No substitutions. This ingredient is needed for this recipe to be balanced.
    • MDH Butter Chicken Masala - Use Shan Butter Chicken Masala

    One Social Media follower said... "We stopped eating this at Indian Restaurants. This recipe is so good!"


    Kasoori Methi Details

    For this recipe, Kasoori Methi is needed. I like to grind the kasoori methi before using it in this dish. Use a chutney machine or coffee grinder to blend it into a fine powder. I really think it elevates the dish to another level.


    bowl of orange butter chicken with naan and cucumbers on the side

    FAQ

    What is Butter Chicken Masala?

    A North Indian dish that includes a creamy sauce made with heavy cream and tomatoes. This popular Indian chicken dish is tasty and delicious with homemade flatbread or even store-bought.

    Chicken Tikka Masala Versus Butter Chicken Masala

    The biggest difference between the two recipes is that Chicken Tikka Masala spices include multiple different types of peppers whereas Butter Chicken Masala includes Kasoori Methi (fenugreek leaves). Also, Chicken Tikka Masala originated in Europe whereas Butter Chicken Masala is a North Indian recipe.

    How to make it healthier?

    Eliminate the butter and substitute cream for half and half.

    What about onions?

    There are no onions in this recipe, but you are welcome to add them for a thicker gravy.

    Can I marinate the chicken with yogurt?

    Authentic chicken makhani recipes marinate chicken with yogurt and spices, in this quick and easy butter chicken recipe I skipped the step.

    Is this a keto-friendly Indian Chicken Recipe?

    Yes! No grains are used in this recipe and full-fat cream is used with chicken breast.

    Do I need kasoori methi?

    Yes! I get this question often and I can't stress how important it is to use this ingredient for Butter Chicken.

    What can I substitute for Kasoori Methi?

    There is no substitute.

    Chicken Makhani vs Butter Chicken

    They are both the same thing. Makhani means butter in Hindi which is where the name translates over from.


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    📖 Recipe

    worlds best butter chicken recipe in a bowl with two chili peppers by the curry mommy

    Butter Chicken Masala (Murgh Makhani)

    The Curry Mommy
    This is one of the easiest and best butter chicken masala recipes out there. It takes minutes to make and is packed with all of the flavor a makhani sauce comes with. Enjoy it with soft naan or some white basmati rice.
    5 from 22 votes
    Pin Recipe Print Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Resting Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 4
    Calories 511 kcal

    Equipment

    • Large pot/wok
    • spatula
    • Cutting Board and Knife

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes I prefer tenders or breast, but more traditional recipes use dark meat Roughly 1.5 pounds of chicken breast
    • 12 oz heavy whipping cream (more or less)
    • 15 oz canned tomato puree (or tomato sauce for a thinner gravy)
    • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, grated
    • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
    • 2 tablespoon butter chicken masala- my recommendations include MDH Brand, Shan Brand, or S&K Masala (use more or less depending on spice level preference)
    • 3 tablespoon butter, salted or unsalted (can add more or less)
    • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 1.5 tablespoons kasoori methi leaves, finely grounded (more or less depending on preference) dried fenugreek leaves
    • 1 teaspoon sugar (more or less-the measurement depends on tomato puree brand)
    • 1 tablespoon dry coriander powder
    • oil
    • red chili powder
    • salt (amount will vary based on salted or unsalted butter usage)
    • handful chopped cilantro for garnishment and flavor

    Instructions
     

    • Heat a pan on medium heat and add butter. Add chopped raw chicken and 1 tablespoon of butter chicken masala. Mix and cook with no lid.
    • Cook for about 5 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink. Some water might form in the pan and that is okay.
    • Add garlic, ginger, turmeric, dry coriander powder, and red chili powder. Mix and cook for about a minute. 
    • Add tomato puree and cook the chicken and puree until it has simmered well together.
    • Add heavy whipping cream, mix, and let it come to a simmer again.
    • Now add the remaining butter chicken masala, sugar, and the finely grounded kasoori methi/fenugreek leaves.
    • Mix it well.
    • Cover the pot and simmer on medium/low heat for about 5 minutes. Taste test and add salt according to your liking. At this point adjust sugar and red chili powder measurement as well.
    • Garnish with a handful of cilantro. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes (uncovered) before serving. 
    • TIP: the longer it cools the thicker the sauce will get it.

    Video

    Notes

    • Use more or less heavy cream based on your preference. The color of the curry will change according to how much is used.
    • I prefer chicken breast or tenders over dark meat for this recipe.
    • Salt should be added at the end according to taste since a few of the ingredients are already salted
    • Fenugreek Leaves/Kasoori Methi can be found at Indian Grocery stores or Amazon. It is dried green leaves. Please do not substitute fresh fenugreek leaves/methi or fenugreek seeds for this. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 8ozCalories: 511kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 41gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 19gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 154mgSodium: 82mgPotassium: 228mgFiber: 3gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 2IUCalcium: 1mgIron: 5mg
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @TheCurryMommy or #thecurrymommy!

    Video

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. The Curry Mommy says

      April 10, 2025 at 10:27 am

      aww! I love hearing this! It is always a win when the whole family can enjoy one homemade meal that is also quick to make. Thank you so much for sharing your feedback with me.

    2. The Curry Mommy says

      April 10, 2025 at 10:23 am

      I am so happy to hear this and to learn that it is now a part of your routine menu. Thank you for sharing your feedback on the recipe as well. It helps with creating new recipes in the future :).

    3. Roshni says

      April 07, 2025 at 7:23 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best butter chicken recipe! I have tried so many and nothing compares. We make this biweekly and even my 2 toddlers ages 2 and 4 eat this very well. Thank you so much for the amazing recipe!

    4. Razia says

      December 17, 2024 at 10:11 am

      5 stars
      This was outstanding! Butter chicken has always been my favourite and after trying countless recipes, which were all good mind you, yours is by far the best! My husband, who incidentally also loves Butter Chicken, said it was better than what you get in restaurants and I agree!
      I didn't need all the cream, based on what your curry looked like in the video, and I'll go slightly lighter on the curry leaf powder next time, but these are just personal taste preferences. I'm going to be making these countless times for sure <3

    5. The Curry Mommy says

      June 20, 2024 at 10:15 am

      I am so happy to hear you love it just as much as we do! Glad you were able to get the right ingredients before making it.

    6. Roshni says

      April 17, 2024 at 11:13 am

      5 stars
      I am so glad I finally made this recipe! I've had it saved for quite some time but never made it around to the Indian store to get the butter chicken masala. WOW! Definitely in our rotation for dinner. It is so easy and the taste is amazing. Chefs kiss!

    7. The Curry Mommy says

      March 26, 2024 at 10:21 am

      I am so happy to hear that it has become a repeated dish in your home. Thank you for sharing your feedback. It is greatly appreciated!

    8. Elaine says

      February 29, 2024 at 9:13 am

      Tried and tested a few butter chicken recipes over the years but they failed me until I found yours. This is by far the best butter chicken recipe (also not too many ingredients and steps) I've tried. We will definitely keep this recipe as a repeating dish in our household. Thanks for the great recipe!

    9. The Curry Mommy says

      January 31, 2024 at 9:26 am

      Thank you very much for taking time and leaving your review! I am so glad you love the recipe and allowed it to be a part of your routine meals :). It is a favorite and go-to in our house too. Yes, I agree with you about the kasoori methi. Grinding it definitely helps the end product.

    10. Kristen says

      January 26, 2024 at 4:41 am

      5 stars
      By far, this is the best recipe for Butter Chicken. The end product compares favorably to my favorite local Indian restaurant! I've made this many times now, and it is proven delicious each time. Excellent recipe. Btw, it is imperative that you grind your kasoori methi leaves. Only once did I decide to crumble them by hand, and there were small stems that nearly ruined the dish for me. Because I make this dish relatively often, I now grind about 1 cup of the dried fenugreek at a time, which is about 3 recipe's worth. It keeps for several weeks in a tightly covered jar.

    11. Avi Seth says

      May 25, 2023 at 2:48 am

      Chicken quantity used is 500g?

    12. Avani says

      April 26, 2023 at 4:50 pm

      5 stars
      I came to write a review for this recipe, but now I want it again after seeing the pictures. It’s so good! I’ve never made a butter chicken recipe that can compare to this. You hit the bullseye with this recipe and me n my husband thank you for sharing it.

    13. PJ says

      September 25, 2022 at 7:41 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for dinner tonight after my friend recommended it to me. Very easy to make and it was really good. I didn’t blend the methi but next time I plan on doing it. Can’t wait to make it again and drink the sauce because it was my favorite.

    14. The Curry Mommy says

      June 20, 2021 at 12:31 am

      So happy to hear this! Thanks for following along 🙂

    15. Tanvi S. says

      June 19, 2021 at 9:29 am

      5 stars
      This is my family’s favorite butter chicken recipe. I was shocked at how easy it is to make after watching your Instagram live.

    5 from 22 votes (15 ratings without comment)

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