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.
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.
Notes
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.