Butter Chicken (Chicken Makhani) Recipe

Name: Butter Chicken (Chicken Makhani)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 800 g chicken breast fillets, cut into cubes; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke; 1 cup natural yoghurt; ⅛ teaspoon red food coloring (optional); 2 tablespoons garlic paste; 1 tablespoon garam masala; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 2 tablespoons ginger paste; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 ½ tablespoons garam masala; 1 tablespoon ginger paste; 1 tablespoon garlic paste; 1 green chili pepper, finely chopped; 690 ml tomato puree (pasata); ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves; 300 ml thickened cream

Servings: persons

800 g chicken breast fillets, cut into cubes
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon liquid smoke
1 cup natural yoghurt
⅛ teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
2 tablespoons garlic paste
1 tablespoon garam masala
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoons ginger paste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 ½ tablespoons garam masala
1 tablespoon ginger paste
1 tablespoon garlic paste
1 green chili pepper, finely chopped
690 ml tomato puree (pasata)
¼ teaspoon liquid smoke
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves
300 ml thickened cream

1
Mix 'First marinade' ingredients in a bowl and add cubed chicken.
2
Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
3
Add 'Second marinade' ingredients, cover and refrigerate for another 3 to 4 hours.
4
Preheat oven to 200 deg Celsius.
5
Place chicken on a baking tray and cook for 20 minutes.
6
For sauce, melt butter in saucepan or wok over medium heat, then stir in 1 tablespoon of garam masala.
7
When it puffs and bubbles, mix in combined ginger, garlic and chopped green chilli and saute for 5 minutes.
8
Add tomato pasata/puree, tomato paste, chili powder, 1/2 tablespoon of garam masala and liquid smoke.
9
Bring to boil and then reduce heat.
10
Add honey, fenugreek, cream, chicken cubes and drippings from the baking tray and simmer for about an hour until liquid thickens and is reduced by about one third.
11
Garnish with fresh coriander and serve on basmati rice.

795

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.
Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 25 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 800 g chicken breast fillets, cut into cubes, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke, and more.

Yes, Butter Chicken (Chicken Makhani) falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Butter Chicken (Chicken Makhani)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions