Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a classic Indian dish known for its creamy, rich, and flavorful sauce. It’s a beloved recipe because it combines tender chicken pieces with a buttery tomato-based sauce, spiced to perfection with garam masala and other aromatic spices.
Why We Love This Recipe
We adore this butter chicken recipe for its ability to deliver the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine right into our homes. Its popularity stems from the perfect blend of aromatic spices, creamy texture, and tender chicken that creates a comforting and satisfying meal. The recipe is versatile, catering to both spice enthusiasts and those who prefer milder flavors, and it pairs beautifully with various sides like rice and naan. Additionally, its straightforward preparation makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, offering a delectable culinary experience without the need for complex cooking techniques.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving
How to Make this Recipe
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until onions are translucent.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and brown on all sides.
- Stir in garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder, cooking for a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in tomato puree, mixing well to combine all ingredients. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, cooking gently until the chicken is tender and the sauce is thickened.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with rice or naan bread.
Success Tips
To ensure your butter chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these success tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices, garlic, and ginger make a significant difference in flavor, giving the dish its authentic taste.
- Brown the Chicken Well: Searing the chicken pieces before adding them to the sauce helps to lock in flavors and adds a depth of taste to the dish.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Simmer the sauce on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender without overcooking.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the amount of chili powder and garam masala to suit your taste preferences. Start with less and add more as needed.
- Stir Regularly: To prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning, stir the sauce regularly while it simmers.
- Use Quality Tomato Puree: A good quality tomato puree provides a rich and vibrant base for the sauce.
- Finish with Cream: Adding the cream at the end of cooking gives the sauce its signature creamy texture. Ensure the heat is low to prevent the cream from separating.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking can enhance the flavors even more.
Following these tips will help you create a butter chicken dish that is flavorful, tender, and truly satisfying.
Storage
Butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Notes
In preparing butter chicken, consider these notes for an enhanced cooking experience:
- Protein Options: While chicken thighs are preferred for their flavor and tenderness, chicken breasts can be used as a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook them.
- Dairy Alternatives: For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with yogurt or coconut milk. These alternatives will alter the taste slightly but can offer a healthier twist to the traditional recipe.
- Spice Adjustments: The spice levels in this recipe can be adjusted to suit personal preferences. If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of chili powder.
- Vegetarian Adaptation: Consider using paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu as a vegetarian substitute for chicken. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Garnishing: Fresh cilantro is recommended for garnish, but dried cilantro or parsley can also be used if fresh is not available.
- Serving Suggestions: Butter chicken is traditionally served with basmati rice or naan bread, but it can also be enjoyed with other grains like quinoa or couscous for a different twist.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made in advance and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
These notes should help guide you in making a butter chicken dish that not only tastes great but also suits your dietary preferences and lifestyle.
Nutrition
This dish is high in protein and fat, with the cream adding a significant amount of calories and fat. For exact nutritional content, calculations should be made based on specific ingredient amounts and brands used.
FAQs about Butter Chicken
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes, chicken breast can be used instead of thighs. Thighs are often preferred for their juiciness and flavor, but breast meat is a leaner option. Just be mindful of cooking times as breast meat can dry out more easily.
Q: Is it necessary to marinate the chicken before cooking?
A: While this recipe doesn’t require marination, marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices can add depth to the flavor and tenderize the meat. Even just 30 minutes of marination can make a difference.
Q: Can I make butter chicken without cream?
A: Yes, you can substitute cream with yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter version. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Q: How can I make my butter chicken spicier or milder?
A: Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder. You can also add green chilies for extra heat or use sweet paprika for color without much heat.
Q: Is butter chicken gluten-free?
A: Yes, traditional butter chicken is gluten-free as it doesn’t contain flour or other gluten-containing ingredients. However, if serving with naan or other bread, look for gluten-free options.
Q: Can butter chicken be frozen?
A: Yes, butter chicken freezes well. Cool it down completely and store it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.
Q: How can I thicken my butter chicken sauce?
A: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water can be added and simmered until the desired thickness is achieved.
Q: Can butter chicken be made in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, butter chicken can be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and onions before adding them to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients, except the cream. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in the cream before serving.
These FAQs should help address common questions and concerns about making butter chicken, ensuring a delicious result tailored to your taste preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, butter chicken is a beloved dish that combines tender, flavorful chicken with a rich and creamy spiced tomato sauce. It embodies the essence of Indian cuisine, offering a balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. This recipe is not only delicious but also adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re an experienced cook or new to Indian dishes, butter chicken can be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. With its comforting and aromatic qualities, it’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or simply when you crave something exotic and satisfying. Enjoy the process of cooking this classic dish and savor the delightful flavors that make butter chicken a timeless favorite.
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Butter Chicken a Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting dish, Butter Chicken is made with tender chunks of chicken enveloped in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, infused with fragrant spices. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it pairs well with rice or naan bread.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- Rice or naan bread, for serving
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Sauté onion in butter and oil, add garlic and ginger.
- Brown the chicken, then add spices.
- Mix in tomato puree and cream, simmer until thickened.
- Serve with rice or naan, garnished with cilantro.
Notes
- Adjust chili powder to taste.
- Can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 47g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 35g