Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a beloved Indian dish known for its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce and tender pieces of chicken. This iconic dish has roots in North Indian cuisine and is characterized by its luxurious texture and aromatic spices. Perfectly balanced between savory and mildly sweet flavors, Butter Chicken is a favorite for both special occasions and comforting family meals. Serve it with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
Recipe: Butter Chicken
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works well)
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste (or 1 inch ginger + 4 cloves garlic, minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for a dairy-free option)
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the plain yogurt, ginger garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, cayenne pepper, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces in batches, shaking off excess marinade as you add them to the skillet. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Spices and Tomatoes:
- Add ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, turmeric powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
- Pour in the tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes. Stir well to combine with the onion and spice mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Simmer with Cream:
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and sugar or honey. Season with salt to taste.
- Simmer the sauce for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce:
- Add the cooked chicken pieces (along with any juices) back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly with the creamy buttery sauce.
- Simmer for another 5-10 minutes over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a splash of water or more cream to adjust the consistency.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
- Serve Butter Chicken hot over steamed basmati rice or with warm naan bread for dipping and scooping up the delicious sauce.
Tips:
- Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of cayenne pepper used.
- For a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes before adding them to the skillet.
- If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness. Cook until just cooked through.
Variations:
- Add a tablespoon of almond flour or ground almonds to the sauce for a richer texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute yogurt with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Butter Chicken is a luxurious and aromatic dish that’s sure to impress. Enjoy the creamy tomato sauce infused with spices, paired with tender pieces of chicken for a memorable meal!