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Homemade Chicken Makhani: The Ultimate Indian Comfort Food

A rich and creamy Indian butter chicken recipe featuring tender chicken pieces in a velvety tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices and finished with cream.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 408
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil divided
  • 1 medium shallot finely chopped
  • 1 medium white onion finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped for garnish

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté shallot and onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the butter, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and bay leaf. Cook, stirring for 1 minute to release the fragrance of the spices.
  3. Add tomato puree and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly.
  5. While the sauce simmers, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Transfer the chicken to the sauce and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
  8. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.