Butter Chicken Recipe: A Delicious Indian Classic

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine. This creamy and flavorful dish features tender chunks of marinated chicken simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions, bringing warmth and comfort to the table. Expect a delightful balance of spices, creaminess, and a hint of sweetness that makes this dish irresistible.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to try this Butter Chicken recipe. First and foremost, it boasts an incredible taste that appeals to both spicy food enthusiasts and those who prefer milder flavors. The combination of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices elevates the taste profiles. Additionally, Butter Chicken is versatile; it pairs wonderfully with rice, naan, or even roasted vegetables. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this dish is easy to prepare yet impressive enough to wow your guests.

How to Make Butter Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making Butter Chicken is a straightforward process that can be broken down into simple steps. Here’s how to create this meal in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 500 grams of boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and salt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are translucent. Then add the crushed tomatoes and simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the sauce thickens, add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken with the sauce.
5. Add Cream and Butter: Pour in the heavy cream and add the butter. Mix until everything is well combined and the sauce is creamy.
6. Final Touches: Let the dish simmer on low heat for about 10 more minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

How to Serve Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is traditionally served hot, accompanied by fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. You can also offer a side of cucumber raita to balance the spiciness of the dish. For a festive presentation, serve the Butter Chicken in a large bowl, garnished with cilantro, alongside a platter of naan.

How to Store Butter Chicken

To keep Butter Chicken fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Note that the flavors often deepen as it sits, making leftovers delicious.

Tips to Make Butter Chicken

• Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor, so plan ahead.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less garam masala.
• For a smoky flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Experiment with adding vegetables like peas or bell peppers to make it more nutritious.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Spicy Twist: Add sliced green chilies during the cooking process for extra heat.
• Lighter Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce with a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze Butter Chicken?
Yes, Butter Chicken freezes well. Store it in a suitable container and consume it within 2 months for optimal taste.

2. What can I serve with Butter Chicken?
It pairs beautifully with basmati rice, naan bread, or even quinoa. You can also serve it with a side of salad or raita for freshness.

3. Is Butter Chicken suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep, and the flavors are even better the next day.

Enjoy bringing the flavors of India into your home with this delicious Butter Chicken recipe! Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, you won’t be disappointed.

Butter Chicken

A creamy and flavorful Indian classic featuring marinated chicken simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, perfect for family dinners and special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Marinade

• 500 grams boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• to taste salt

For Cooking

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece ginger, minced
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons butter
• to garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions

 

Marination

• In a bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and salt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

Cooking the Chicken

• In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Preparing the Sauce

• In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are translucent. Then add the crushed tomatoes and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Combining Chicken and Sauce

• Once the sauce thickens, add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken with the sauce.

Adding Cream and Butter

• Pour in the heavy cream and add the butter. Mix until everything is well combined and the sauce is creamy.

Final Touches

• Let the dish simmer on low heat for about 10 more minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Serving

• Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor.

Keyword Butter Chicken, creamy chicken, Indian Recipe, Murgh Makhani, Spicy Chicken Dish