Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a quintessential dish in Indian cuisine that has captured the hearts and palates of food lovers around the world. With its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce and tender chunks of chicken, butter chicken is a comforting and indulgent meal that never fails to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this butter chicken recipe will guide you through the steps to create a mouthwatering masterpiece right in your own home.

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Spice it Up: Add the ground turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder to the onion mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their flavors.
5. Simmer with Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Blend to Perfection: Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the sauce until smooth and creamy. Return the sauce to the skillet and bring it back to a simmer.
7. Add Cream and Chicken: Stir in the heavy cream and season the sauce with salt to taste. Add the cooked chicken pieces back to the skillet and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is thick and velvety.
8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the butter chicken with chopped cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or your favorite Indian side dishes.

With its irresistible combination of tender chicken and luscious, creamy sauce, butter chicken is a dish that never fails to delight. Whether you’re craving a taste of India or simply looking to impress your dinner guests, this butter chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So don your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a flavorful journey to the heart of Indian cuisine.