Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is an iconic Indian dish celebrated for its rich, creamy texture. This delectable curry combines tender, boneless chicken in a homemade tomato-based sauce, enriched with a blend of basic spices and herbs. Perfectly complementing a variety of sides like basmati rice, naan, and roti, it's an excellent choice for both lunch and dinner.
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Originally crafted at Moti Mahal Restaurant in New Delhi, Butter Chicken has a unique origin, born from the innovative use of leftover tandoori chicken in a butter-rich sauce. This creation quickly became renowned for its distinctive flavor and silky texture. Today, it's not just a beloved curry but also a versatile ingredient in pizzas, wraps, and more.
Ideal for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive gathering, Butter Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, adding a touch of Indian culinary tradition to your meal.
Discover the Global Flavors of Chicken Curries:
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To prepare Butter Chicken, gather a selection of essential Indian spices and fresh produce. These ingredients are readily available at most Indian grocery stores. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients for Marination:
- Chicken: Choose between boneless chicken breast, for a leaner option, or thigh pieces for more juiciness and flavor. Ensure they are cut into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Greek Yogurt or Curd: This is crucial for tenderizing the chicken, leading to exceptionally juicy meat. Its thicker consistency also holds the spices well. If unavailable, regular yogurt or curd is a fine substitute, though slightly less creamy.
- Spice Powders: Gather Kashmiri chili powder for a vibrant color and mild heat, coriander powder for its lemony-sage flavor, garam masala for a warm, aromatic blend, and cumin powder for its earthy, slightly bitter essence.
- Ginger Garlic Paste: This paste is a cornerstone in Indian cooking, offering a fresh, pungent flavor while neutralizing any raw aromas from the meat.
- Mustard Oil: Essential for authentic flavor, mustard oil adds a distinct warm, peppery note that is irreplaceable in traditional recipes.
- Herbs: Kasoori methi, or dried fenugreek leaves, is a secret ingredient in many Indian dishes. It imparts a slightly bitter, nutty taste that significantly enhances the curry’s flavor profile.
Other Key Ingredients:
- Whole Spices: Bay leaves and cardamom, vital for their warm and earthy undertones, enrich the curry’s base.
- Fresh Ginger and Garlic: These aromatic essentials add significant depth and a pungent kick to the dish.
- Onion and Tomato: Their natural sweetness and tanginess lend complexity and body to the sauce.
- Nuts: Cashews or almonds, key for their creamy texture, subtly enhance the sauce with a nutty richness.
- Heavy Cream: Integral for its smooth texture, it mellows the spices and adds a luxurious touch.
- Green Chili: A hint of green chili introduces a balanced, gentle heat to the curry.
- Fat: A combination of oil and butter (or ghee as an alternative) is crucial for adding a rich, deep flavor to the dish.
How to Make Butter Chicken at Home?
Dive into our butter chicken recipe, complemented by detailed photos and video. Follow four essential steps: marinating the chicken, frying the chicken, making the sauce, and assembling the butter chicken. Let's get started!
Discover Popular Indian Curry Dishes:
- Chicken Curry
- Chicken Korma
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Tandoori Chicken
- Chicken Vindaloo
- Chicken Karahi
- Chicken Chettinad
- Paneer Tikka Masala
- Palak Paneer
Butter Chicken
Savor the richness of Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani), a beloved Indian curry. This mildly spicy delight combines golden-fried boneless chicken with aromatic spices and a creamy tomato sauce. Perfectly paired with basmati rice, naan, or roti, it's an ideal choice for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
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Ingredients
For Marination
- 1 tbsp Mustard Oil
- 1 tbsp Kashmiri Chili
- ½ tsp Garam Masala
- ¾ tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- 1 tsp Kasoori Methi, crushed
- 3 tbsp Greek Yogurt, plain or thick yogurt, or curd
- 1½ tsp Salt
- 1.75 lb Chicken Breast, bite size pieces
For Sauce
- 4 Cardamon
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 5 cloves Garlic
- 1 tsp Ginger, chopped
- ½ cup Onion, chopped
- 2 Green Chili
- 2 tsp Cashew Nut, or almonds, chopped
- 1 tsp Kashmiri Chili Powder
- 2 tbsp Coriander Powder
- ½ tsp Garam Masala Powder
- ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
- Salt, to taste
- 4 Tomatoes, medium size, chopped
- ½ cup Heavy cream
- ½ tsp Kasoori Methi, crushed
To Fry Chicken
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 2 tbsp Oil
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter, to prep butter chicken
- ½ tsp Kasoori Methi, crushed, for garnishing
- Coriander Leaves, optional, for garnishing
Instructions
Marination
- Combine mustard oil and Kashmiri chili powder in a bowl, whisking until well combined. This mixture will give the chicken a vibrant red color and an earthy flavor.
- Add ginger garlic paste, garam masala powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, kasoori methi, Greek yogurt, and salt to the same bowl. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Place the chicken breast pieces in the bowl and ensure they are well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Frying Chicken
- Heat oil and a tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat. Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Making Butter Tomato Sauce
- In the same pan used for frying the chicken, add cardamom, bay leaves, green chilies, garlic, ginger, onion, and either almond or cashew nuts. Sauté these ingredients until they become soft and aromatic, setting the foundation for your butter tomato sauce.
- Now, introduce Kashmiri chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, kasoori methi, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt to the pan. Continue to sauté until the spices emit a fragrant aroma.
- Next, add tomatoes to the pan and sauté them until they become mushy and well-integrated with the spices. Once the tomato mixture is thoroughly cooked and softened, remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
- After the mixture has cooled, transfer it to a blender. Blend until it achieves a smooth consistency. Your butter chicken tomato sauce is now prepared and ready for use.
Preparing Butter Chicken
- In a new pan over medium heat, melt butter. Pour the blended sauce into the pan, adding some water. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Place the previously fried chicken into the pan with the sauce. Let it cook for 7 to 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors of the sauce. During this stage, feel free to adjust the salt and water to suit your taste.
- To finish, stir in heavy cream and garnish the dish with crushed kasoori methi. After adding these final touches, remove the pan from the heat. Your butter chicken is now ready to serve.
To Serve
- Enjoy this creamy and flavorful Butter Chicken with basmati rice, naan, or chapati, creating a perfect meal for lunch or dinner. For more pairing ideas, refer to the serving suggestions section.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Here are some essential tips to elevate your Butter Chicken:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For optimal flavor in your butter chicken, prioritize fresh ingredients. Freshly ground spices, along with fresh ginger, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and high-quality chicken, significantly enhance the dish's depth and taste.
- Rest the Marinated Chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes is crucial for flavor absorption. For an even more flavorful result, consider marinating overnight.
- Sauté Spices Well: When cooking the sauce, take time to sauté the spices until the oil separates. This step, known as 'bhunao,' is crucial for developing depth and richness in the flavor.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream: While the onion-tomato sauce is robust on its own, adding half a cup of heavy cream can transform it into a luxurious, smooth sauce akin to restaurant quality.
- Cool Before Blending: After cooking, let the onion-tomato mixture cool to room temperature before blending. This prevents the risk of explosions and ensures safety.
- Don't Omit Kasoori Methi: Kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves) is a non-negotiable ingredient. It imparts a unique flavor, significantly enhancing the curry's taste.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your preferred spice level. Remember, Kashmiri chili powder is more for color than heat, so balance it with other hot spices if you like it spicier.
- Balance of Flavors: Taste and adjust the seasoning as you cook. The perfect butter chicken should have a harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
- Consistency of the Sauce: Adjust the consistency of the sauce to your liking. If it's too thick, add a bit of water or chicken stock. For a thicker sauce, simmer it for a longer period.
Nutrition Info
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 123mg | Sodium: 801mg | Potassium: 802mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1195IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 2mg
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Serving Suggestions
Explore the perfect pairings for your Butter Chicken feast with these curated suggestions, each enhancing the flavors and experience of this classic dish:
- Breads: Best served with warm naan, soft roti, or buttery paratha, ideal for soaking up the rich and flavorful sauce.
- Rice Options: Perfectly paired with fragrant basmati rice, delicate jasmine rice, traditional white rice, or spiced jeera rice, each enhancing the butter chicken's aromatic spices.
- Sides: Complement the dish with a refreshing cucumber raita, zesty mango chutney, or a light green salad to balance the curry's richness.
- Drinks: Pair with a cooling traditional lassi, a fruity mango lassi, or soothing warm chai, mint tea each offering a refreshing contrast to the meal.
- Desserts: Finish the meal with a sweet note of smooth kulfi or delectable gulab jamun, adding a delightful Indian touch to the dining experience.
- Indian-Themed Dinner: Create a complete Indian dining experience with a menu that includes starters like samosas, butter chicken as the main attraction, and a selection of complementary sides and desserts.
Storage Suggestions
For keeping your Butter Chicken Curry as delicious as the day it was made, follow these storage suggestions:
- Refrigeration: Store the Butter Chicken Curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the curry for 2 to 3 months. For ease of use, store in individual serving packs.
- Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw the curry overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until it's warmed through.
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