Butter Chicken Classic Murgh Makhani

In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with yogurt, 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-4 hours for best flavor.

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and saute until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste, green cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add tomato puree, soaked cashews (drained), sugar, and a pinch of salt to the pan. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods.

Carefully transfer the sauce mixture to a blender. Add 1/2 cup water or chicken broth. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. For an extra silky sauce, you may pass it through a fine-mesh sieve back into the pan. This step is optional but recommended for restaurant-style texture.

Return the blended sauce to the pan over medium-low heat. Add the cooked chicken pieces and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon garam masala. Stir well to combine. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through. Stir in the heavy cream and crushed fenugreek leaves. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the sauce does not boil after adding cream. Taste and adjust salt or sugar if needed.

Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot with naan bread, roti, or basmati rice. Enjoy your homemade Classic Butter Chicken!