Indian Butter Chicken

Indian Chicken Recipe: Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is one of India’s most iconic dishes, celebrated for its rich and creamy tomato sauce and tender pieces of chicken. This dish originated in Delhi and has since become a favorite worldwide. The combination of spices, cream, and butter creates a luxurious flavor that pairs perfectly with naan or basmati rice. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of Butter Chicken, its ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and tips for making it at home.

A Brief History of Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken was created in the 1950s by the chefs at the Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi. The story goes that leftover chicken from the tandoor (a traditional clay oven) was cooked with tomatoes, butter, and cream to create a rich sauce. This innovative dish quickly gained popularity and became a staple in Indian cuisine. Today, Butter Chicken is not just a dish; it represents the essence of Indian cooking—an amalgamation of flavors, aromas, and textures.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 500g chicken (boneless, cut into pieces)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Optional: Red food coloring for color

For the Gravy

• 3 tablespoons butter
• Whole spices: 2-3 green cardamoms, 2-3 cloves, and a small stick of cinnamon
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
• 50g cashews (soaked in warm water for about 30 minutes)
• Salt to taste
• Sugar (optional)
• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Fresh cream for garnish
• Chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Marinate the Chicken

Begin by soaking the chicken in the marinade to enhance its flavor:

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with lemon juice, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and let it rest for about 20 minutes.
2. Add Greek yogurt along with ginger garlic paste and all the spices: garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

2. Prepare the Gravy

While your chicken is marinating, you can prepare the gravy:

1. In a spacious frying pan or skillet, heat butter over medium heat until it melts.
2. Add whole spices (green cardamom, cloves, cinnamon) and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
3. Add chopped onions to the pan and cook until they turn golden brown—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in ginger garlic paste and sauté for another minute until raw smell disappears.
5. Pour in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the mixture thickens and oil separates from it—this usually takes around 10 minutes.

3. Blend Cashews

To add creaminess to your gravy:

1. Blend soaked cashews with a little water until you achieve a smooth paste.
2. Add this cashew paste to your tomato mixture and stir well.

4. Cook the Chicken

Now it’s time to add your marinated chicken:

1. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the gravy. Stir well to coat them evenly.
2. Pour in enough water to achieve your desired consistency (about ½ cup). Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

5. Final Touches

To finish off your Butter Chicken:

1. Stir in kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for an authentic flavor.
2. Taste and adjust salt as needed; if you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, add sugar.
3. For extra richness, swirl in fresh cream just before serving.

6. Serve

Garnish your Butter Chicken with chopped coriander leaves and a drizzle of fresh cream for presentation.

Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken

Marination Matters

The longer you marinate the chicken, the more tender and flavorful it will be. If possible, aim for overnight marination.

Spice Level Adjustments

Feel free to adjust the amount of red chili powder based on your spice preference. If you like it milder, reduce it or use paprika instead.

Creaminess Factor

For an even creamier sauce, consider adding more cream at the end or a dollop of butter before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Naan or roti
• Steamed basmati rice
• Jeera rice (cumin rice)

Conclusion

Butter Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings together rich flavors and culinary tradition from India. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress your guests or family members alike.

With its creamy texture and aromatic spices, Butter Chicken is bound to become a favorite in your household too! So roll up your sleeves and dive into this delightful recipe that promises warmth and satisfaction with every bite! Enjoy cooking!