Butter Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish that is known for its creamy and flavorful sauce. This dish originated in Delhi, India, and has since gained popularity worldwide. The dish consists of tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich, buttery tomato sauce. It is usually served with naan bread or steamed rice. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make this delicious Butter Chicken at home.

Ingredients

• 500g boneless chicken, cut into cubes
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Steps

1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them evenly. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
3. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, melt the butter and add the chopped onion. Cook until the onion turns golden brown.
5. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and cook for another minute.
6. Stir in the tomato puree and cook for 2-3 minutes.
7. Return the chicken to the pan and mix well with the tomato sauce.
8. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chicken simmer for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.
9. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan or rice.

Variations

While the classic Butter Chicken recipe is delicious on its own, you can add your own twist to it by incorporating various ingredients:

• Add a teaspoon of fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) for a unique flavor.
• For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder or add chopped green chilies.
• If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or add a dollop of yogurt at the end.
• If you’re a vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu.

Tips

• Marinating the chicken for a longer duration enhances the flavor and tenderness.
• For a healthier alternative, you can use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt.
• If you don’t have ginger-garlic paste, you can finely mince ginger and garlic separately and mix them together.
• Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
• For a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomato puree before adding it to the pan.
• Don’t skip the garnish of fresh cilantro, as it adds a refreshing touch to the dish.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken is a classic Indian dish that is loved by many for its rich, creamy, and aromatic flavors. With this detailed recipe, you can now recreate this popular dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or simply looking to try something new, Butter Chicken is a must-try recipe that will surely impress your family and friends.

FAQs

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for this recipe. However, the cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly.

Q: Can I make Butter Chicken in advance?

A: Yes, Butter Chicken can be made in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze Butter Chicken?

A: Yes, you can freeze Butter Chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: What can I serve with Butter Chicken?

A: Butter Chicken is traditionally served with naan bread or steamed rice. You can also serve it with roti or pulao for a complete meal.

Q: How spicy is Butter Chicken?

A: The level of spiciness in Butter Chicken can be adjusted according to your preference. The recipe provided is mildly spiced, but you can increase or decrease the amount of red chili powder or add chopped green chilies for a spicier version.