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Makhani Chicken (Authentic Indian Butter Chicken)

Makhani Chicken (Indian Butter Chicken)

This fragrant makhani chicken recipe features yogurt-marinated chicken baked and finished in a rich, buttery tomato sauce. It’s a restaurant-style Indian classic best served with hot naan or roti.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian, Mughlai, North Indian, Punjabi
Calories: 492
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Marinade:
  • 1¾ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice divided
  • 2 tbsp chili powder divided
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup yogurt drained
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp garlic paste
  • 2 tbsp ginger paste
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1½ tsp garam masala
  • Sauce:
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp ginger paste
  • 1 tbsp chopped garlic
  • 1 tbsp chopped green chile pepper
  • 2 cups tomato puree
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • ½ tsp dried fenugreek leaves
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Method
 

  1. Season chicken with lemon juice, chili powder, and salt; marinate 1 hour.
  2. Prepare yogurt marinade and marinate chicken for 3–4 hours.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F and bake chicken on skewers for 20 minutes.
  4. Prepare sauce by sautéing spices and simmering tomato puree.
  5. Add chicken to sauce and cook until done.
  6. Stir in cream and serve hot.