Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian dish that has gained worldwide popularity for its rich and creamy sauce and tender pieces of chicken. This dish is characterized by its smooth tomato-based gravy enriched with butter, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices. Butter Chicken is perfect for those who love bold flavors and creamy textures. In this recipe, we will guide you through the steps to create an authentic Butter Chicken that’s easy to make at home, ideal for both special occasions and casual dinners.
Ingredients for Butter Chicken
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt, to taste
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- Salt, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Additional cream (optional)
To Serve:
- Basmati rice or naan bread
How to Make Butter Chicken
1. Marinating the Chicken
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
Step 2: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors and tenderize.
2. Cooking the Chicken
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
Step 4: Set the cooked chicken aside while you prepare the sauce.
3. Making the Butter Chicken Sauce
Step 5: In a large skillet or pan, heat the butter and vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 6: Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Step 7: Pour in the tomato puree and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 8: Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, and chili powder to the sauce. Stir well and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 9: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. If the sauce is too thick, add water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 10: Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce, stirring gently to coat the chicken with the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and honey or sugar if desired.
4. Serving the Butter Chicken
Step 11: Garnish the Butter Chicken with fresh cilantro leaves and a drizzle of additional cream if desired.
Step 12: Serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread, allowing the creamy sauce to be soaked up by the rice or bread.
About the Main Ingredients
Chicken: The choice of chicken thighs or breasts can depend on personal preference. Thighs are generally juicier and more flavorful, while breasts are leaner. Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices tenderizes it and infuses it with rich flavors.
Butter and Cream: The use of butter and cream is what gives Butter Chicken its distinctive richness and smooth texture. The butter adds a luxurious quality to the sauce, while the cream balances the spices and adds a velvety finish.
Tomato Puree: A key ingredient in the sauce, tomato puree provides a tangy base that complements the richness of the butter and cream. It also adds a beautiful color to the dish.
Spices: The blend of cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder creates the signature flavor profile of Butter Chicken. These spices bring warmth and depth to the sauce, making it both aromatic and flavorful.
Butter Chicken is a dish that embodies the essence of Indian cuisine, combining rich, creamy textures with a harmonious blend of spices. This easy-to-follow recipe makes it accessible for anyone to enjoy this delicious dish at home. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned pro, this Butter Chicken recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
