Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) – The Ultimate Guide to India’s Most Loved Curry
If you’ve ever stepped into an Indian restaurant anywhere in the world, there’s a 99% chance “Butter Chicken” was sitting proudly at the top of the menu. Creamy, mildly spiced, tomato-rich, and packed with flavor, Butter Chicken (also known as Murgh Makhani) has become India’s global ambassador of comfort food. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: Let’s dive in! Credit by: AI Generated img What is Butter Chicken? Butter Chicken is a North Indian (Punjabi) curry made with tandoor-grilled chicken pieces swimming in a silky, buttery, tomato-cream gravy. The sauce is mildly spiced, slightly sweet, and has a beautiful orange-red color that makes it instantly recognizable. Fun fact: Despite the name, it doesn’t actually taste overwhelmingly of butter. The “butter” refers to the luxurious, velvety texture created by butter, cream, and slow cooking. The Real Story Behind Butter Chicken – Who Invented It? The most widely accepted origin story takes us to Moti Mahal restaurant in Daryaganj, Delhi, in the late 1940s–early 1950s. Legend has it that chefs Kundan Lal Gujral, Kundan Lal Jaggi, and Thakur Dass wanted to use leftover tandoori chicken before it dried out. They tossed the chicken pieces into a rich gravy made with tomatoes, butter, cream, and mild spices. The result? Pure magic. That improvised dish became Moti Mahal’s signature and eventually conquered the world. (Fun fact: Moti Mahal and its offshoot Daryaganj are still fighting a legal battle over who truly “owns” the invention of Butter Chicken!) Authentic Butter Chicken vs Restaurant-Style Butter Chicken Feature Authentic (Punjabi Home Style) Restaurant-Style (Worldwide) Chicken Tandoori chicken with smoky flavor Often just marinated & grilled/skillet Color Natural from tomatoes & Kashmiri chili Bright orange (food color or extra paprika) Sweetness Very mild Often noticeably sweet (sugar/honey) Cream & Butter Moderate Generous (sometimes excessive) Spiciness Mild to medium Almost always mild Most of us grew up eating (and loving) the restaurant version – and that’s exactly the recipe I’m sharing below! Credit by: AI Generated img Best Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe (Restaurant Style) Serves: 4–5 | Prep time: 15 mins + marination | Cook time: 45 mins Ingredients For Chicken Tikka Marination For the Gravy Instructions Pro tip: For that signature smoky flavor at home, do the dhungar method – place a lit charcoal in a small bowl inside the pot, drizzle ghee, cover for 2–3 mins. Butter Chicken Calories & Nutrition (per serving) Approx. 450–550 kcal (depending on cream/butter amount). High in protein, moderate carbs if paired with naan. Popular Variations Credit by: AI Generated img Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is Butter Chicken spicy? A: No! It’s one of the mildest Indian curries – perfect for beginners. Q: Can I make it in advance? A: Yes! It tastes even better the next day. Q: What’s the difference between Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala? A: Butter Chicken is creamier and milder. Chicken Tikka Masala is usually spicier and has more onions & capsicum in many restaurants. Read More Recipes: How to Make Chicken Roll at Home in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide to This Delicious Street Food Favourite Final Thoughts Whether you’re cooking it for a weekend family dinner or ordering it on a rainy evening, Butter Chicken never fails to comfort the soul. Once you make it at home, you’ll realize how easy (and way tastier) it is compared to takeout! Tried this recipe? Drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out. And don’t forget to share your Butter Chicken pictures – I love seeing them! Happy cooking! ♡ Vaskar❤️





