butter chicken recipe

butter chicken recipe

ByMona Lori

Recipe for Mouth-Watering Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is a classic Indian dish known for its rich, creamy texture and bold flavors. It has become a popular favorite all over the world due to its unique and mouth-watering taste. In this recipe, we will share step-by-step instructions for making butter chicken at home.

Introduction

Butter chicken is said to have originated in Northern India during the Mughal Empire era. The dish was created by a chef who added leftover tandoori chicken to a rich, creamy tomato-based gravy. Soon this savory delicacy became incredibly popular among royalty and commoners alike.

Today, butter chicken remains a staple in Indian cuisine. It is loved by millions of people around the world and has been recognized as one of the top dishes in global cuisine by numerous chefs.

Ingredients

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients required to make delicious and authentic butter chicken.

Spices and Seasoning
  • Garam Masala
  • Cumin powder
  • Coriander powder
  • Turmeric powder
  • Kashmiri red chili powder
  • Salt
Meat and Dairy
  • Boneless chicken (cubed or sliced)
  • Heavy cream
  • Ghee / clarified butter
  • Yogurt
  • Tomatoes
  • Tomato puree
  • Ginger-garlic paste
Garnishing
  • Coriander leaves
  • Lemon wedges

Preparation

Now that we have our ingredients let’s start preparing the dish. The recipe is divided into three parts; chicken marinade, gravy and final instructions.

For the chicken marinade:
  1. Mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
  2. Add the cubed/sliced chicken to the bowl and mix well until all pieces are coated with the marinade.
  3. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate for one hour.
For the gravy:
  1. Heat ghee/butter in a pan over medium flame.
  2. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add tomato puree, diced tomatoes, garam masala, coriander powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and salt. Stir gently until combined.
  4. Add heavy cream to the pan. Bring it to a boil while stirring frequently.
  5. Let it simmer on low-low heat until you get your desired consistency.
Final instructions
  1. In a separate frying pan or grill pan cook the marinated chicken pieces.
  2. Once done, toss in your prepared gravy pan.
  3. Simmer on low heat for another 5-7 minutes so that the flavors blend in.
  4. Garnish with coriander leaves and squeeze a lemon wedge on top to give it a tangy twist.

That’s it! Your mouth-watering butter chicken is ready.

Tips and Variations

While this recipe is reasonably straightforward, there are always ways you can tweak it to create something that is uniquely yours. Here are some tips and variations you can try:

  • Butter chicken is typically served with plain rice or naan bread, but you can also try serving it over a bed of vegetables such as spinach or potatoes for a healthier alternative.
  • To make your butter chicken healthier, use lean chicken and low-fat dairy products.
  • If you like your food spicy, add more Kashmiri red chili powder than the recipe calls for.
  • If you would like to add some veggies, onions and bell peppers pair perfectly with this dish. Try adding them to the gravy and see how it turns out!

Conclusion

Butter chicken is an all-time favorite dish for meat lovers worldwide. This creamy and rich delicacy has its roots in Indian cuisine but has made its way into kitchens and heart’s all around the globe. Follow this recipe step by step, and you’ll surely end up with a mouth-watering plate of butter chicken that looks as good as it tastes.

So, why not treat yourself today to a little bit of Indian heaven in your own kitchen? Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think!

Frequently Asked Questions: Butter Chicken Recipe

1. What is butter chicken?

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular Indian dish made with boneless chicken and a creamy tomato-based sauce.

2. What are the ingredients needed for butter chicken?

  • Boneless chicken
  • Yogurt
  • Ginger-garlic paste
  • Ghee or butter
  • Tomatoes
  • Cream
  • Spices (such as cumin, coriander, garam masala)

3. How do I make butter chicken?

To make butter chicken, marinate the boneless chicken in yogurt and ginger-garlic paste. In a pan, sauté the marinated chicken in ghee or butter until golden brown. In another pan, cook tomatoes until they break down into a thick sauce. Add cream and spices to the tomato sauce, then combine with the cooked chicken and simmer until fully cooked.

4. Can I use other types of meat in butter chicken?

Yes, you can use other meats such as lamb or shrimp in place of the boneless chicken.

5. Is butter chicken spicy?

Butter chicken is generally considered to be a mild dish, but it can be made spicier by adding more chili powder or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

6. What are some good side dishes to serve with butter chicken?

  • Naan bread
  • Basmati rice
  • Raita (a yogurt-based side dish)
  • Pakoras (a fried snack)

7. Can I make butter chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Simply reheat and combine when ready to serve.

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