Butter Chicken Recipe: Silky Murg Makhani Made Easy

A weeknight version of the classic butter chicken featuring a silky tomato sauce and juicy marinated chicken, perfect for pairing with naan.

Scale

800 g (1.75 lbs) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 3–4 cm (1–1.5 inch) pieces
150 g (2/3 cup) plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
1 tsp (2 g) garam masala
1 tsp (2 g) ground turmeric
1 tsp (2 g) Kashmiri chili or paprika
600 g (20 oz) canned tomato purée or passata
1 medium onion (150 g / 5 oz), roughly chopped
4 garlic cloves (12 g)
2 cm (3/4 inch) fresh ginger piece, roughly chopped
1 tbsp (12 g) butter chicken masala or 1 tsp (2 g) ground coriander + 1 tsp (2 g) ground cumin
1 tsp (2 g) smoked paprika
1 bay leaf
45 g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter
120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
1 tsp (1 g) dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
Pinch of sugar to taste
2 tbsp (30 ml) neutral oil
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Squeeze of lemon for garnish

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Combine 800 g chicken thighs, 150 g Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp turmeric, and 1 tsp Kashmiri chili. Toss until coated, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In a blender, combine 1 medium onion, 4 garlic cloves, 2 cm ginger, and 600 g tomato purée. Blend to a smooth consistency.
Heat 2 tbsp neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until browned; internal temperature should reach 60°C.
Discard excess oil, leaving about 1 tbsp in the pan. Add the blended mix, 1 bay leaf, 1 tbsp butter chicken masala, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Simmer for 12–15 minutes.
Return the seared chicken and any juices to the pan. Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes until chicken reaches 74°C and the sauce thickens. Stir in 45 g unsalted butter and 120 ml heavy cream.
Finish with a pinch of dried fenugreek. Let sit for 2 minutes, adjust seasoning, and garnish with lemon and cilantro before serving.

Use thighs for juicier results. Can substitute chicken with paneer or cauliflower for a vegetarian version.