Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken)

This butter chicken recipe, or chicken makhani, is a favorite Indian dish that features a full-flavored sauce with spices that complement chicken.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 408 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 teaspoons garam masala, divided
• 0.25 cup water
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 0.25 cup plain yogurt
• 0.25 white onion, chopped

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.

Step 2

Reduce heat, and season with remaining 1 teaspoon garam masala and cayenne. Stir in a few spoonfuls of sauce, and simmer until liquid has reduced, and chicken is no longer pink. Add cooked chicken into sauce and stir together.

Step 3

Dissolve cornstarch into water, then mix into the sauce. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until thickened.

Step 4

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté shallot and onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in butter, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garam masala, chili powder, cumin, and bay leaf. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, and cook for 2 minutes, continuing to frequently stir.

Step 6

Stir in half-and-half and yogurt. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, frequently stirring. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.