Sizzling Butter Chicken Makhani Recipe for Your Dinner Table

Creamy chicken makhani bursts with rich, aromatic flavors that transport you straight to the bustling streets of delhi.

Culinary magic happens when tender chicken pieces swim in a velvety tomato-based sauce.

Warm spices like garam masala and fenugreek leaves dance together, creating an irresistible harmony of taste.

Indian cuisine offers comfort and excitement in every single bite.

Butter and cream provide luxurious depth to this classic dish.

Fragrant basmati rice serves as the perfect companion for soaking up every delectable drop of sauce.

You’ll find this recipe simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive for special occasions.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that promises to delight your senses.

What Makes Chicken Makhani Recipe So Flavorful

• Blast Exotic Flavors: Dive into a mouthwatering journey of Indian cuisine with this incredible chicken makhani that blends rich spices and creamy textures for an unforgettable dining experience.
• Master Culinary Skills: Perfect for home cooks wanting to explore international recipes, this dish allows you to create restaurant-quality Indian cuisine right in your kitchen with simple techniques.
• Quick Marination Magic: Minimal preparation time with a simple marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into a spectacular meal, infusing deep, complex flavors that will impress your family and guests.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A versatile recipe that appeals to both spice lovers and those who enjoy mild, creamy dishes, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or weekend gatherings with friends.

What You Need For Chicken Makhani Recipe

• Chicken: Tender meat that absorbs the rich marinade and creates the base of the dish.

• Yogurt: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds creamy tanginess.
• Lemon Juice: Provides acidity and helps break down the chicken proteins.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Cinnamon, Coriander, Cardamom, Cloves, Paprika: Creates a complex and aromatic flavor profile that defines the character of the dish.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps develop deep flavors.
• Onion, Garlic: Provides foundational aromatics and depth to the sauce.

• Tomato Sauce, Cream: Creates a smooth, velvety base that gives the dish its signature creamy texture.

• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds brightness and color as a garnish.

How To Cook Chicken Makhani Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Marinade

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, and a vibrant blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, cloves, and paprika. Whisk everything together until the spices are thoroughly incorporated, creating a rich, aromatic marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Submerge the chicken completely in the spice mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat a large skillet over medium flame and melt butter until it’s bubbling. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they turn soft, translucent, and release their sweet, fragrant essence.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce

Pour in tomato sauce and cream, stirring gently to create a smooth, velvety mixture. Let the sauce simmer softly, developing a rich, deep flavor profile.

Step 5: Cook Marinated Chicken

Transfer the marinated chicken into the skillet, including any remaining marinade. Cook thoroughly, ensuring the chicken turns completely opaque and is cooked through, absorbing the delicious sauce.

Step 6: Season and Perfect

Taste the dish and add salt as needed to enhance the complex layers of flavor. Stir gently to distribute the seasoning evenly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of color and fresh herbal notes. Serve piping hot, ready to delight your taste buds.

Helpful Hints For Chicken Makhani Recipe

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor absorption, ideally overnight in the refrigerator.
• Choose full-fat yogurt to ensure tender, juicy chicken and richer sauce consistency.
• Remove whole spices like cardamom and cloves before serving to prevent unexpected bites.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing chili powder for mild version or adding more for extra heat.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more succulent and flavorful results compared to chicken breasts.

Ways To Change Chicken Makhani Recipe

• Spicy Seafood Makhani: Replace chicken with shrimp or salmon, adding extra chili flakes for heat and using coconut cream for a tropical touch.
• Vegetarian Makhani Delight: Swap chicken with paneer or mixed vegetables like cauliflower, peas, and bell peppers, maintaining the rich creamy sauce.
• Tandoori Fusion Makhani: Grill marinated chicken in tandoori style before adding to the sauce, creating a smoky flavor profile with traditional Indian spices.
• Low-Carb Protein Makhani: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, and incorporate lean turkey or tofu as protein alternatives while keeping the classic makhani sauce intact.

Great Pairings For Chicken Makhani Recipe

• Elevate Creamy Chicken Makhani Flavor Combinations
• Pair Perfectly with Crisp Riesling: Refreshing white wine cuts through the rich, buttery sauce, balancing its creamy texture with bright, fruity notes.
• Match with Garlic Naan Bread: Soft, warm flatbread becomes the ideal vehicle for soaking up the luxurious tomato-cream sauce, enhancing every delicious bite.
• Complement with Cucumber Raita: Cool, tangy yogurt side dish provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced chicken, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
• Serve Alongside Saffron Rice: Fragrant, golden rice adds subtle complexity and absorbs the delectable makhani sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal experience.

Simple Storage Tips For Chicken Makhani Recipe

• Store chicken makhani in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken makhani to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm chicken makhani in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to prevent drying out.

Chicken Makhani Recipe Most Asked Questions

• What makes the marinade special in this Chicken Makhani recipe?

The marinade combines yogurt with multiple Indian spices like chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, and cardamom, which tenderize the chicken and infuse deep, complex flavors before cooking.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes, reduce the amount of chili powder or use a mild paprika to lower the heat while maintaining the rich flavor profile of the dish.

• Is marinating the chicken really necessary?

Absolutely! Marinating for at least an hour helps the chicken absorb the spices, making it more tender and flavorful, which is crucial for authentic Chicken Makhani.

Chicken Makhani Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Fragrant Chicken Makhani whispers spicy tales of Indian culinary passion, blending rich butter sauce with tender marinated chicken. Silky tomato-cream depths and aromatic spices invite you to savor a classic North Indian delicacy that dances between comfort and exotic elegance.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste

Wet Ingredients and Aromatics:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream

Garnish:

• Chopped cilantro

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Instructions

1. Prepare a robust marinade by whisking together yogurt, lemon juice, and an aromatic blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, cloves, and paprika until thoroughly combined.
2. Immerse chicken pieces completely in the spice mixture, ensuring even coating, then seal and refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
3. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature, sautéing finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Pour tomato sauce and cream into the skillet, gently stirring to create a smooth, rich sauce, and allow to simmer softly.
5. Transfer marinated chicken into the simmering sauce, including any remaining marinade, and cook until chicken turns completely opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, roughly 12-15 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, ensuring balanced flavor profile.
7. Transfer to serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for vibrant color and additional aromatic notes.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, ideally overnight in the refrigerator for maximum taste penetration.
• Swap dairy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream to create a vegan or lactose-free version that maintains the rich, creamy texture.
• Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more tender and juicy meat that absorbs marinade better and prevents dryness.
• Control spice level by adjusting chili powder and adding yogurt or cream to reduce heat intensity for sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 595 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg