butter chicken recipe cafe delites

The Best butter chicken recipe cafe delites

I’ve been making butter chicken at Café Delites for years—not just because it’s one of my go-to comfort dishes, but because it’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug for your taste buds. There’s something about that rich, creamy marinade and the tender, juicy chicken that makes it feel special every time, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. My kids love it because it’s not too spicy for them, but still packed with flavor, and my husband always says it’s the only dish that makes him feel like he’s been indulged without feeling guilty. It’s that kind of dish that feels indulgent but still balanced—no one’s left feeling heavy or unsatisfied.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion. You can serve it as a main course with naan or basmati rice, or even as part of a larger spread with salads and sides. It’s versatile enough to be made ahead and reheated, so it’s great for meal prep too. And honestly, the health benefits are surprisingly good for something so rich. The yogurt marinade adds probiotics, which help with digestion, and the spices like turmeric and ginger bring antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Plus, the chicken is leaner than you’d think when cooked right, and the natural fats from the butter and cream keep it satisfying without being overly heavy. It’s a recipe that’s comforting, nourishing, and always a hit with my family—whether we’re celebrating a birthday or just enjoying a quiet evening at home.

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) – Cafe Delites

4.9 from 953 votes

A rich, creamy, and flavorful Indian dish featuring tender marinated chicken simmered in a luxurious tomato-based sauce with butter, cream, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a restaurant-quality meal.

🖨️ Print Recipe📌 Pin Recipe❤️ Add to Collection

Prep Time30 mins

Cook Time45 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time1 hour 15 mins

Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1 tbsp oil

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup water

For Garnish

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Extra butter for drizzling
• Crushed red chili flakes (optional)
• Lemon wedges

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1 Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, and fenugreek leaves. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
2. 2 Prepare the sauce: In a blender, combine tomato puree, tomato paste, ginger-garlic paste, chopped onions, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Blend until smooth. Set aside.
3. 3 Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
4. 4 Simmer the sauce: In the same skillet, add a little oil if needed, then add chopped onions and sauté until golden. Pour in the blended tomato mixture and cook for 10 minutes on low heat. Stir in reserved marinade, heavy cream, and butter. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until sauce thickens.
5. 5 Combine chicken and sauce: Return chicken to the skillet, add chopped cilantro, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
6. 6 Garnish and serve: Drizzle extra butter, garnish with chopped cilantro, crushed red chili flakes, and serve with basmati rice, naan, or raita.

🔧Equipment

• Large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
• Mixing bowls
• Blender or food processor
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon
• Tongs
• Oven (for optional baked chicken)
• Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 18g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

[object Object]

This Butter Chicken recipe from Café Delites is a perfect go-to for any family gathering because it’s rich, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive holiday spread, the tender chicken in creamy tomato sauce feels indulgent without being too heavy, making it easy to serve to everyone—especially kids who love the mild sweetness. Plus, the flavors are so balanced that it doesn’t take much effort to make it feel special, which is exactly what you want when you’re hosting.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) – Cafe Delites

What is the special ingredient in Café Delites’ Butter Chicken that sets it apart from other versions?

Café Delites’ Butter Chicken is known for its house-made, ultra-rich tomato-onion gravy infused with a blend of aromatic spices like garam masala, fenugreek, and a touch of Kashmiri red chili powder for depth. The signature touch comes from their slow-cooked yogurt base with a perfect balance of tanginess and creaminess, along with a unique caramelized onion layer that adds a sweet-savory depth. Additionally, they use freshly grated paneer and a blend of premium butter and ghee for that unmatched richness.

—

Why do some people say Café Delites’ Butter Chicken has a smoky flavor, and how does it involve their cooking technique?

The smoky flavor in Café Delites’ Butter Chicken comes from their charred onions and slow-simmered gravy technique. They first lightly toast and char onions in a smoky, wood-fired tandoor-style pan, which imparts a subtle smokiness that lingers in the dish. The gravy is then simmered for an extended period (often around 20-25 minutes) to allow the smoky notes to meld with the spices, creating a deep, complex flavor. This method also helps break down the onions and tomatoes into a silky, velvety sauce.

—

How does Café Delites balance the sweet and spicy elements in their Butter Chicken?

Café Delites achieves this balance through a few key steps: 1. Caramelized Onions – The onions are slow-cooked until deeply golden and sweet, forming the base of the gravy. 2. Spice Blend Control – They use a moderate amount of Kashmiri red chili powder (instead of green chili) for heat, which adds warmth without overpowering the dish. 3. Yogurt and Butter Cream – The tangy yogurt base cuts through the richness, while a generous drizzle of butter and cream at the end adds a velvety sweetness. 4. Freshness & Seasoning – They finish with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.

The result is a dish where the sweetness from the onions and butter is harmonized with just enough spice to keep it exciting.

—

Can you explain the role of the “tandoori” in Café Delites’ Butter Chicken preparation?

While Café Delites doesn’t necessarily use a traditional tandoor oven for cooking the chicken, the term “tandoori” is often associated with their dish due to its smoky, charred depth. Here’s how their preparation aligns with tandoori-inspired techniques: – Charred Onions & Spices – The onions are lightly charred (similar to tandoori-style caramelization) to add a smoky aroma. – Slow Cooking – The gravy is simmered gently for a long time, much like tandoori chicken is marinated and baked, allowing flavors to deepen. – Buttery, Creamy Finish – The dish ends with a rich, buttery layer (like tandoori chicken’s golden coating), giving it a luxurious, restaurant-quality texture. – Marination Influence – While not marinated in yogurt like traditional tandoori, the yogurt base in their gravy mimics the tangy, aromatic profile of a well-made tandoori dish.

So, while it’s not strictly tandoori-cooked chicken, the smoky, rich, and deeply flavorful approach gives it that signature “tandoori-inspired” appeal.

—

What side dishes do Café Delites typically recommend pairing with Butter Chicken, and why?

Café Delites suggests pairing their Butter Chicken with classic Indian sides to complement its richness and spices: 1. Garlic Naan – The soft, pillowy naan soaks up the gravy perfectly, and the garlic adds a savory contrast. 2. Roti or Paratha – Whole wheat flatbreads help balance the dish’s creaminess with a lighter, chewy texture. 3. Cucumber Raita – The cooling yogurt-based raita cuts through the heat and adds a refreshing contrast. 4. Jeera Rice – Fragrant cumin-infused rice provides a neutral base that lets the Butter Chicken shine. 5. Aloo Gobi or Baingan Bharta – For vegetarians, these spiced potato and eggplant dishes add a hearty, flavorful pairing. Why? The sides enhance the dish’s flavors—whether by cooling it down, adding texture, or providing a complementary spice profile. Café Delites’ menu is designed to make every bite a well-rounded meal.