Butter Chicken Recipe, Murgh Makhani (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between butter chicken and murgh makhani? ›

Butter chicken, traditionally known as murgh makhani (pronounced [mʊrɣ ˈməkʰaːni]), is an Indian dish originating in Delhi. It is a type of curry made from chicken with a spiced tomato and butter (makhan) sauce. Its sauce is known for its rich texture. It is similar to chicken tikka masala, which uses a tomato paste.

Butter Chicken is best served with Jeera rice , Turmeric Rice, plain fluffy Basmati Rice, Tandoori Roti, Naan or Paratha.

As you have discovered, even a heavily spiced dish can taste bland if there is not enough salt or umami flavouring. In the case of your Butter Chicken recipe, first of all I'd ensure the spices you use are fresh, and clearly have an aroma. Stale spices won't taste of much. Secondly, a good dish is a balanced dish.

Water, Tomato, Cream, Unsalted butter, Vegetable oil, Sugar, Modified corn starch, Concentrated tomato purée, Spices, Dried onion, Ginger, Garlic, Salt, Lactic acid (acidulant), Paprika extract, Citric acid (acidulant), Dried fenugreek leaf.

Although both dishes have high levels of saturated fat, chicken remains the preferred choice for maintaining good health. Compared to other meats, chicken dishes tend to be more nutritious. Chicken tikka masala is a healthier option than butter chicken as it contains less fat (7 grams vs. 4 grams) and more protein.

In Punjabi, Butter Chicken is known as “Murg Makhani.” Can Butter Chicken be referred to as “Chicken Makhani”? Yes, Butter Chicken can also be referred to as “Chicken Makhani,” as both names essentially translate to “buttery chicken” due to the rich, creamy sauce it is cooked in.

Yoghurt or heavy cream:

To achieve a creamy, tangy curry sauce, incorporate yoghurt or heavy cream. Stir them in gently, as high heat may cause curdling. These ingredients are ideal for creating a luxurious texture in dishes like butter chicken or tikka masala.

You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. We prefer dark meat, but go with what you like.

With its sweetly spiced tomato and cream-based gravy, butter chicken is a comforting, warming dish that feels decadent thanks to its silky-smooth richness. It's a dish that can be cooked with either breast meat or chicken thighs, with bones or without.

The chances are you can rescue your bitter curry by: Add equal parts sugar and salt, a teaspoon at a time, mixing well between each pair of additions and tasting until the curry is no longer bitter. Sugar and salt help to reduce bitterness. You can use any sweetener or salt you like.

What is a substitute for tomato paste in butter chicken? ›

You don't have to dash out to the store if you're out of tomato paste; tomato sauce and tomato puree are both an excellent substitute. For every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste needed, use 3 tablespoons of tomato puree or sauce.

Do not overcook because it will continue to cook in the sauce.

Heavy cream is an important ingredient, and butter adds a final silkiness to the finished sauce (and is why this curry is called Butter Chicken!).

The secret to the tender, flavour infused chicken is a spice infused yogurt marinade made with fresh ginger, garlic, lemon juice and spices. The spices in Butter Chicken are turmeric, garam masala, chilli powder and cumin.

Butter chicken is prepared with marinated chicken that's first grilled and then served in a rich gravy (a.k.a. curry) made with tomato, butter, and a special spice blend as a base.

The heat/ spice of the dish combines with the rich gravy and slight sweetness that make it very hard to resist. With most dishes that have fond memories it's the taste that lingers on even years later.

Butter chicken is called as Murgh makhani in Hindi. There are many different recipes for this dish. Everyone seems to follow their own recipe for it. I followed my favorite chef Sanjeev Kapoor's simple makhani gravy recipe and changed few things.

Butter chicken vs tikka masala – at a glance

Butter chicken uses tandoori chicken, which is then finished in a spicy, buttery tomato-based sauce. The chicken in tikka masala is usually chargrilled, for a distinct flavor. Chicken tikka masala is most likely based on butter chicken, originally known as murgh makhani.

Makhani is simply a Punjabi word meaning butter. Makhani Chicken, or Murgh Makhani means 'Butter Chicken'. Your question is a bit like asking if Ginger is the same things as 'Ginger Beef'.