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Authentic Murgh Makhani: The Best Creamy Indian Chicken Curry

Classic Murgh Makhani (Indian Creamy Chicken Curry)

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 0.5 cup Plain yogurt full-fat
  • 1 tbsp Garlic minced, divided
  • 1 tbsp Ginger freshly grated, divided
  • 1 tbsp Garam masala
  • 1 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin powder
  • 1 tsp Chili powder or Kashmiri chili
  • 3 tbsp Butter divided
  • 1.5 cup Tomato puree
  • 0.5 cup Heavy cream
  • 1.5 tsp Salt divided
  • 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, whisk together 0.5 cup of plain yogurt, 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic, 0.5 tablespoon of grated ginger, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add 1.5 lbs of bite-sized chicken thighs and coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the remaining 0.5 tablespoon of garlic and 0.5 tablespoon of ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in 1.5 cups of tomato puree, 1 tablespoon of garam masala, and the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Simmer the sauce for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in 0.5 cup of heavy cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and creamy.
  • Garnish with 0.25 cup of chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with steamed white rice and warm naan bread.