Classic Butter Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Indian Delight
Butter chicken, or **Murgh Makhani**, is a beloved Indian dish renowned for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken. This recipe brings together a harmonious blend of spices and ingredients to create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this butter chicken recipe is both straightforward and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, and salt. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Grill or pan-fry the marinated chicken until cooked through and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes, letting the mixture simmer and thicken.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches).
- Return the sauce to the pan and stir in heavy cream. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through and thicken slightly.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Add the cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken in the sauce and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and sugar (if using), and add garam masala, cumin, coriander, and paprika or red chili powder. Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or roti.
Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken
- Marination: For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Creaminess: Adjust the amount of cream based on your preference for richness.
- Spice Level: Modify the amount of paprika or chili powder to suit your taste.
Enjoy this classic butter chicken recipe, and savor the rich, creamy flavors of this favorite Indian dish!