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Home » Mains » Butter Chicken / Murg Makhani (Instant Pot + Stovetop)

Butter Chicken / Murg Makhani (Instant Pot + Stovetop)

by Shilpa · 14 Comments

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Tender and juicy chicken in a mildly spiced creamy sauce, this murg makhani is a hearty and comforting curry that is so full of flavors. This easy recipe is tried and tested to give you restaurant-style butter chicken masala at home in less than 30 minutes.
butter chicken.

Butter chicken masala step-by-step recipe with video and photos.

Jump to:
  • About this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Stovetop Instructions
  • Useful tips
  • FAQs
  • Bonus
  • Recipe card
  • Comments

About this recipe

Tender and flavorful chicken in a mild and creamy sauce, this murg makhani is definitely a crowd pleaser. Butter chicken is one of the most popular curries around the world and probably one of the easiest curries to put together. This hearty and comforting curry is so full of flavors.

This chicken makhani is very easy to make and is milder when compared to regular Indian curries. This chicken butter masala is also a great keto recipe. You will not want a take-out curry after you try this easy recipe.

This easy recipe is tried and tested to give you restaurant-style butter chicken masala at home in less than 30 minutes. Making it in the Instant Pot is a breeze and it saves time too. I am also including stovetop instructions if you do not have access to the Instant Pot.

This creamy and flavor-packed ultimate comfort food will be loved by all. Serve with naan, roti, steamed rice, or jeera rice, and include a side of raita or kachumber along with a glass of mango lassi for the perfect Indian feast.

Read on for ingredients, different cooking methods, and useful tips to make easy and delicious chicken butter masala at home. Also, click here to see how to may home-style Indian chicken curry.

murg mahkani.

Ingredients

butter chicken ingredient labels.

Chicken: Use boneless, skinless thigh pieces.

Butter: As the name suggests, this curry is cooked in butter.

Tomato puree: Or passata, forms the base of the curry sauce.

Ginger garlic paste: It adds flavor to the curry.

Cream: It adds richness to the curry. You may replace it with half and half.

Spices: The spices used are ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, chili powder (or cayenne), and garam masala.

Step-by-step instructions

Heat one tablespoon of butter and add the ginger and garlic paste. Saute for one minute (step 1).

Add the tomato puree/passata, ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, ground turmeric, salt, and sugar. Add ½ cup of water and deglaze the pot (steps 2,3).

Next, add the chicken thigh pieces (step 4).

saute ginger, garlic, and add tomato puree.

Mix well. Secure the IP lid and set it to 'Poultry' mode for 5 minutes (steps 5,6).

Do a quick release of pressure. Set the Instant Pot to saute mode (step 7).

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with garam masala and cream (step 8).

pressure cook and add cream.

Mix well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add chopped cilantro and mix well (steps 9,10).

top with cilantro.

Stovetop Instructions

To make murg makhani masala on a stovetop:
- Take a thick bottom pan and heat one tablespoon of butter.
- Add the ginger garlic paste and saute for one minute.
- Next, add tomato puree, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, chili powder, sugar, and salt.
- Saute for 5-7 minutes, until the spices are cooked.
- Add the chicken pieces.
- Add one cup of water and mix well.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 12-15 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients - cream, garam masala, and 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Simmer for 6-7 minutes.
- Top with cilantro.

butter chicken.

Useful tips

It is important to saute ginger garlic paste in butter first before adding the tomato puree. This helps remove the raw smell of garlic and also adds flavor to the curry.

The authentic makhani chicken recipe does not use onions. The sauce of this curry is made with tomatoes only.

I like to use store-bought tomato puree (or passata) as it adds a nice color to the curry.

I highly recommend using chicken thigh pieces as the chicken breast pieces tend to overcook quickly and become rubbery and chewy.

You can substitute cream with half and half. Also, add the cream only after pressure cooking. If we add it before, it may split.

More chicken recipes:
1. Chicken vindaloo.
2. Balti chicken.
3. Chicken & artichoke recipe.
4. Pumpkin chicken curry.
5. Maple dijon chicken.

chicken butter masala.

Check out my collection of other chicken recipes.

FAQs

Is it the same as tikka masala?

No. The sauce of murg makhani is made without onions and uses tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and spices.

Is butter chicken really an Indian dish?

Yes, it truly is. However, it is more popular outside of India than it is within India.

How to store it?

You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. It also freezes well and can be frozen for up to three months.

murg makhani.

Bonus

This recipe:
- is very easy to make,
- gives you restaurant-style curry,
- can be paired with naan or jeera rice.

butter chicken served with naan.

Recipe card

butter chicken.

Butter Chicken / Murg Makhani

Tender and juicy chicken in a mildly spiced creamy sauce, this murg makhani is a hearty and comforting curry that is so full of flavors. This easy recipe is tried and tested to give you restaurant-style butter chicken masala at home in less than 30 minutes.
5 from 79 votes
Print Pin Rate
Author: Shilpa
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 6
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 lb chicken thigh boneless and skinless
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • 2 cups tomato sauce or passata (16 oz)
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • ½ cup water

To finish:

  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • ½ cup cream
  • 2 tablespoon cilantro

Instructions

  • Set the Instant Pot in saute mode and add one tablespoon of butter.
  • Once it heats, add the ginger and garlic paste. Saute for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the tomato puree/passata, ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, ground turmeric, salt, and sugar. Mix well and saute for 2 minutes.
  • Add ½ cup water and deglaze the pot.
  • Add the chicken and mix well.
  • Secure the IP lid and set it to 'Poultry' mode for 5 minutes.
  • Do a quick release of pressure.
  • Set the Instant Pot to saute mode. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with garam masala and cream.
  • Mix well and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Add chopped cilantro and mix well.
  • Serve warm with naan or basmati rice.

Video

Notes

See the tips section above for useful tips to make this dish.
Nutrition Facts
Butter Chicken / Murg Makhani
Amount per Serving
Calories
454
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
38
g
58
%
Saturated Fat
 
19
g
119
%
Trans Fat
 
0.4
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
12
g
Cholesterol
 
142
mg
47
%
Sodium
 
926
mg
40
%
Potassium
 
494
mg
14
%
Carbohydrates
 
7
g
2
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Protein
 
22
g
44
%
Vitamin A
 
1426
IU
29
%
Vitamin C
 
8
mg
10
%
Calcium
 
59
mg
6
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

More Mains

  • South Indian Chana Masala
  • Hakka Noodles / Veg Hakka Noodles
  • Bread Omelette / Indian Omelet Sandwich
  • Cabbage Palya / Cabbage Poriyal (South Indian Cabbage Stir-fry)

Reader Interactions

Comments

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    Recipe Rating




  1. James Strange says

    September 01, 2022 at 10:01 am

    5 stars
    This turned out delicious and using the IP made it super easy.

  2. Sara says

    September 01, 2022 at 10:18 am

    5 stars
    I could genuinely eat this butter chicken every. single. day. I love garam masala, so I'll find any excuse possible to use it! This was super easy to make and didn't involve much clean-up after. I served mine over cauliflower rice.

  3. k says

    September 01, 2022 at 10:59 am

    5 stars
    I've been challenging myself with traditional Indian recipes to expand my cooking base, and dang - this one is SO good. Easily a weekly staple with tons of flavor that can be folded into so many meals as leftovers. We love making wraps out it for lunch the next day.

  4. Glenda says

    September 01, 2022 at 11:50 am

    5 stars
    The Instant Pot made a family favorite, Butter Chicken, even easier to get on the table. It was delicious! Thank you!

  5. Shelby says

    September 01, 2022 at 12:36 pm

    5 stars
    There's no way I would have guessed this was keto, it was so comforting! Such a hearty dish for cooler months.

  6. Jamie says

    September 29, 2022 at 12:11 am

    5 stars
    This was even better than the restaurant version we get. So delicious and flavorful!

  7. Stephanie says

    September 29, 2022 at 5:12 am

    5 stars
    I've never made my own curry, but your detailed instructions and video have enticed me to try your recipe. I know the family will love coming home to a bowl of this!

  8. Mary says

    September 29, 2022 at 11:48 am

    5 stars
    I had never made butter chicken from scratch until I tried your recipe. Before I always used a jarred butter sauce. Love the flavor here and will definitely be making it again.

  9. Nora says

    September 29, 2022 at 2:32 pm

    5 stars
    What a wonderful recipe! Easy to make and so delicious! Yum!

  10. Dee says

    September 29, 2022 at 4:06 pm

    5 stars
    This is a dish that we've fallen in love with. The flavor and spices really stand out, making for an unforgettable meal. Well done!

  11. Nancy says

    September 29, 2022 at 5:37 pm

    5 stars
    I’m really excited to make this tonight as the weather is getting Chillyyy

  12. MyYellowApron says

    September 29, 2022 at 6:06 pm

    5 stars
    Love this chicken dish!!

  13. Helen at the lazy gastronome says

    September 29, 2022 at 8:26 pm

    5 stars
    An amazing dish! It’s so easy to make too. We love it!

  14. Alexandra says

    September 30, 2022 at 7:13 pm

    5 stars
    I just love butter chicken, and this recipe is delicious, perfectly flavoured and simple to prepare. So good.

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