Introduction

 Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a beloved Indian dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based gravy. This flavorful curry is a staple in many Indian restaurants and is renowned for its luxurious texture and aromatic blend of spices.

Why You’ll Love This

•   Rich and Flavorful: The combination of spices, cream, and butter creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile.
•   Tender Chicken: The chicken is cooked to perfection in the creamy sauce.
•   Versatile: Can be enjoyed as a main course with rice or naan, or as a side dish.
•   Relatively Easy to Make: While it may seem complex, the recipe is surprisingly straightforward.
•   Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder.

Equipment Needed

•   Large pot or Dutch oven
•   Blender or food processor
•   Cutting board
•    Knife
•    Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

•   1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
•   1 cup plain yogurt
•   1 teaspoon ground cumin
•   1 teaspoon ground coriander
•   1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
•   1/4 teaspoon chili powder
•   1/4 teaspoon garam masala
•   1/2 teaspoon salt
•   2 tablespoons butter
•   1 large onion, chopped
•   2 cloves garlic, minced
•   1-inch piece ginger, minced
•   1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
•   1 tablespoon tomato paste
•   1 cup heavy cream
•   1 tablespoon butter
•   Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutritional Information (per serving)

•   Calories: 350-400
•   Protein: 30-35g
•   Fat: 15-20g
•   Carbohydrates: 10-15g

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

•   Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken, yogurt, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.
•   Sauté the Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
•   Add Aromatics: Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more.
•   Simmer the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
•   Blend the Sauce: Transfer half of the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the blended sauce to the pot.
•   Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the pot and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
•   Simmer and Thicken: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
•   Stir in Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook for 1 minute more, or until the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
•   Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan, or roti.

Tips for the Best Butter Chicken

•   Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs provide more flavor and stay more moist during cooking.
•   Marinate overnight: Marinating the chicken overnight allows the flavors to penetrate more deeply.
•   Don’t overcrowd the pot: Make sure the pot is large enough to allow the sauce to simmer without sticking.
•   Adjust the spice level: Add more or less chili powder to suit your taste.
•   Simmer gently: Low and slow simmering allows the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

•   Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or roti.
•   Garnish with a dollop of plain yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice.
•   Enjoy as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.
•   Serve alongside other Indian dishes like raita or samosas.

FAQs About Butter Chicken

 Q 1: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?

Ans: Yes, but they may dry out more easily, so cook them for a shorter time.

 Q 2: Can I use store-bought yogurt?

Ans:  Yes, plain Greek yogurt works well in this recipe.

 Q 3: Can I make this dish ahead of time? Ans: Yes, the sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and reheated gently.

 Q 4:Can I freeze Butter Chicken?

Ans: Yes, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

 Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to impress. With its tender chicken and creamy sauce, it’s a perfect option for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the taste of India in your own kitchen.