Butter chicken makhani Recipe(indian)

Murgh Makhani, another name for butter chicken, is a well-known Indian dish that blends soft chicken with a thick, creamy sauce made from tomatoes. This cuisine, which comes from the Indian subcontinent, has gained popularity in restaurants and homes all over the world. It’s an appealing delicacy because of the rich, buttery gravy and its distinctive spice mixture. We’ll lead you through a simple, traditional Butter Chicken dish in this post that’s ideal for both inexperienced and seasoned chefs.

Ingredients

To prepare a delectable Butter Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500 grams of boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup of plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of garam masala
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Juice of one lemon

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of ginger, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit (optional for extra heat)
• 2 cups of tomato puree (about 4-5 medium tomatoes, blended)
• 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of garam masala
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons of fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, garam masala, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric powder, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well to form a smooth paste.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate overnight.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking tray. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. Alternatively, you can grill the chicken on a stovetop grill pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce

1. Heat the Butter: In a large pan or skillet, heat the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Cook the Onions: Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Ginger and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped ginger, and slit green chilies. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
4. Incorporate Spices: Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, red chili powder, and turmeric powder to the pan. Cook the spices for about 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent them from burning.
5. Add Tomato Puree: Pour in the tomato puree and mix well. Cook the mixture on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes until the tomatoes are cooked through and the oil starts to separate from the sauce.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Add the Chicken: Add the baked chicken pieces to the sauce and mix well to coat the chicken with the sauce.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Add Cream and Fenugreek: Stir in the heavy cream and fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi). Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is rich and creamy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Once the Butter Chicken is cooked to perfection, turn off the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
2. Serve: Serve the Butter Chicken hot with steamed basmati rice, naan, or paratha. Enjoy this delicious dish with your family and friends!

Tips for Making the Perfect Butter Chicken

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, high-quality spices, and tender chicken make a significant difference in the taste of Butter Chicken. Ensure that your ingredients are fresh and of good quality.
2. Marination Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least an hour helps the flavors penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Overnight marination yields the best results.
3. Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice tolerance. Butter Chicken is meant to be mildly spiced but can be tailored to your preference.
4. Cooking the Chicken: Baking or grilling the chicken before adding it to the sauce gives it a nice charred flavor, which adds depth to the dish.
5. Cream and Butter: Using heavy cream and unsalted butter adds richness to the sauce. Adjust the amount of cream to achieve your desired level of creaminess.
6. Rest the Dish: Letting the Butter Chicken rest for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Variations of Butter Chicken

1. Vegetarian Butter Chicken: Replace chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu for a vegetarian version. Follow the same steps for marinating and cooking the paneer or tofu.
2. Seafood Butter Chicken: Substitute chicken with shrimp or fish for a seafood twist. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as seafood cooks faster than chicken.
3. Healthier Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce the calorie content. You can also use a blend of olive oil and butter to make it slightly healthier.
4. Extra Veggies: Add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach to the sauce for additional texture and nutrition.

Nutritional Information

Butter Chicken is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a quick overview of its nutritional benefits:

• High Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Tomatoes and onions are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants, which boost immunity and promote overall health.
• Healthy Fats: Using moderate amounts of unsalted butter and heavy cream provides healthy fats necessary for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken is a delightful and versatile dish that brings the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine to your table. Its perfect balance of spices, tender chicken, and creamy tomato sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser. By following this easy and authentic recipe, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home, impressing your family and friends with your culinary skills.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a regular weeknight dinner, Butter Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the rich, creamy, and aromatic experience of Butter Chicken!