indian butter chicken recipe
Posted inIndian Recipes

Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe – Quick & Easy

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a favorite dish from India. It’s loved by people all over the world. This recipe lets you make it easily at home. It’s filled with flavors of marinated chicken in a creamy tomato sauce.

This recipe makes 6 servings, each with about 471 calories. It takes only 1 hour and 15 minutes to make. You’ll need 30 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook. The chicken marinates for at least 30 minutes, making it taste amazing.

This recipe uses 3 large chicken breasts, cut into small pieces. It has a special spice mix, including Garam Masala. This gives the dish its unique smell and taste. Cashews are also used to make the sauce creamy, without needing cornstarch or flour.

What is Traditional Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian dish loved by many. It started in Delhi, India. It’s made with grilled tandoori chicken in a creamy tomato sauce.

Origins and Cultural Significance

The story of Butter Chicken begins with the Mughlai cooking tradition. It mixed Persian and Indian tastes. It was first made in the 1950s by Kundan Lal Gujral at Moti Mahal in Delhi. Now, it’s a favorite in homes and restaurants around the world.

Key Characteristics of Authentic Butter Chicken

  • Smooth, rich, and creamy texture
  • Mild spice level, unlike Chicken Tikka Masala
  • No onions, unlike Chicken Tikka Masala
  • Made with butter, not oil

Difference Between Butter Chicken and Tikka Masala

Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala are both popular Indian dishes. But they’re different. Butter Chicken has a smoother sauce, while Tikka Masala’s sauce is thicker because of onions. Butter Chicken also doesn’t have onions and is cooked with butter, unlike Tikka Masala’s oil-based sauce.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Butter Chicken

Making a delicious butter chicken needs careful picking of ingredients. At its core are boneless chicken thighs or breasts, which make the dish juicy and tender. You also need tomatoes, whether fresh or canned, for the creamy sauce.

Spices bring the dish to life. Garam masala adds warm, complex flavors. Kashmiri red chili powder gives a gentle heat and color. Cumin and coriander boost the flavor. And dried fenugreek leaves, or kasuri methi, add a unique, slightly bitter-sweet aroma.

For a rich, velvety sauce, use Greek yogurt or hung curd for marinating. Also, add cashews and heavy cream. And don’t forget ghee (clarified butter) or regular butter.

Fresh ginger and garlic are key for depth and complexity. With these ingredients, you’re ready to make an amazing butter chicken.

MAKE BUTTER CHICKEN - THE EASY WAY | HOW TO MAKE BUTTER CHICKEN AT HOME

Marination Process and Spice Blend

The secret to great butter chicken is in the marination. Start by marinating the chicken in a yogurt mix. This mix is full of aromatic spices. It makes the meat tender and flavorful.

Yogurt-Based Marinade Components

To make the perfect butter chicken marinade, you need full-fat Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and spices. You’ll also need kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), turmeric, cumin, coriander, oil, and ginger-garlic paste. The yogurt makes the chicken tender, while the spices add unique flavors.

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Optimal Marination Time and Techniques

  • For the best taste, marinate the chicken for 12 to 48 hours in the fridge. This lets the flavors soak into the meat fully.
  • Make sure to turn and baste the chicken often. This helps the marinade spread evenly.

Spice Measurements and Combinations

Start with small amounts of each spice and adjust to taste. Aim for a mix that balances heat from the chili powder with the aroma of garam masala. Find the right mix that excites your taste buds.

SpiceHeat Level (Scoville Units)
Kashmiri Red Chili Powder1,000 – 2,000 SHU
Red Chili Powder4,000 SHU
Cayenne Pepper30,000 – 50,000 SHU

Remember, marination is key to bringing out the flavors of the tandoori chicken marinade and garam masala. Be patient and let the chicken absorb all the delicious seasonings.

Indian Butter Chicken Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Get ready to enjoy the amazing flavors of indian butter chicken recipe with our simple guide. This dish, known as Murgh Makhani, is a favorite in India. It has tender chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, cooked in a rich creamy tomato curry sauce. Follow our steps to make this delicious dish at home.

  1. Begin by marinating the chicken. Mix boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins with yogurt, ginger, garlic, and spices. Let it sit in the fridge for 12-24 hours to soak up the flavors.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Coat the marinated chicken in flour and sear until golden. Then, set the chicken aside.
  3. In the same pan, cook diced onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger until they’re soft and fragrant. Add spices like garam masala, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Cook for a minute to release their flavors.
  4. Next, add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Blend the mixture until smooth. Let it simmer and reduce slightly for 5-7 minutes.
  5. Put the seared chicken back in the sauce. Make sure it’s fully covered. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. This will cook the chicken and thicken the sauce.
  6. Remove the lid and stir in heavy cream and butter or ghee. Simmer for another 5 minutes. This will make the sauce creamy and velvety.
  7. Finish by garnishing with chopped cilantro and crushed fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) for an authentic touch.

Serve the indian butter chicken recipe hot with basmati rice or naan bread. It’s a meal that’s both satisfying and restaurant-quality. Every bite offers a perfect mix of spices, creaminess, and tender chicken.

Creating the Signature Creamy Tomato Sauce

The secret to authentic Indian butter chicken is its rich, velvety tomato sauce. We start by sautéing onions in ghee (clarified butter) until they’re soft. Then, we add spices like ginger and garlic to deepen the flavor.

After that, we mix the onions with juicy tomatoes and a bit of cashew paste. The cashews make the sauce creamy and thick. If you prefer, you can use more heavy cream instead.

When the sauce is perfectly simmered, the ghee-clarified butter will separate. This shows the flavors have mixed well and the sauce is ready to coat the chicken.

creamy tomato curry

“The rich, velvety texture of the tomato sauce is what truly sets authentic Indian butter chicken apart from other chicken curry dishes.”

Cooking Techniques for Tender Chicken

To get the perfect texture for your Indian butter chicken, you need to cook the chicken right. Start by marinating the chicken for at least 12 hours. This lets the spices and yogurt make the meat tender. The tandoori chicken marinade based on yogurt is key.

After marinating, you can choose to pan-fry, grill, or bake the chicken. For a smoky taste, grilling or roasting is best. Make sure not to overcook it to avoid dryness. Cook for 5-6 minutes on the sear side, then simmer in the sauce for 15 minutes.

Once the chicken is cooked, add it to the butter chicken sauce. This lets the chicken soak up all the flavors. With these steps, you’ll have delicious butter chicken at home.

IngredientQuantity
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs2 pounds
Cooking Time5-6 minutes seared, 15 minutes simmered, 5 minutes further cooking
Nutrition (per serving)475 calories, 13g carbs, 54g protein, 23g fat, 9g saturated fat
Leftovers StorageRefrigerator for up to 4 days

For a vegan version, use plant-based chicken and dairy-free cream and butter. Using ghee or a spice blend can also add to the dish’s authentic taste.

“Marinating the chicken overnight in a yogurt and spice mixture is the secret to achieving the perfect tender texture for your butter chicken.”

Balancing Flavors with Spices and Cream

Getting the flavors just right is key for a delicious Indian butter chicken. Adjusting spice levels and adding creamy elements can make your creamy butter chicken sauce taste amazing.

Adjusting Spice Levels

The heart of an Indian butter chicken is the garam masala spices. This mix includes cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, cloves, and peppercorns. Taste your sauce and decide if it’s too spicy or not spicy enough. If it’s too hot, cut down the chili powder. If it’s too mild, add more garam masala until it’s just right.

Incorporating Heavy Cream and Butter

The creaminess of butter chicken comes from heavy cream and butter (or ghee) added at the end. Add the cream slowly, tasting as you go, to get the right amount of richness. A bit of butter or ghee at the end adds a luxurious feel and authentic taste.

Remember to season with salt to taste. Adding a sprinkle of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) can add depth. By balancing spices and cream, you’ll make a butter chicken that’s both true to its roots and irresistible.

Tips for Restaurant-Style Texture

Getting the smooth, creamy texture of butter chicken sauce is key for a real dining experience at home. To get that perfect butter chicken feel, follow these easy tips:

  1. Blend the sauce well with an immersion blender or regular blender for a silky texture. Strain it through a fine-mesh sieve if you need to get rid of any lumps.
  2. Add a cashew paste or finely ground cashews to the sauce. This makes it richer and creamier without adding too much liquid.
  3. Simmer the sauce gently, stirring now and then, until it’s thick and velvety. This lets the flavors mix and the sauce thicken naturally.
  4. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for 10-15 minutes. This lets it soak up all the tasty butter chicken flavors.

By blending, thickening, and simmering the sauce, you can get the same rich, restaurant-style butter chicken texture. The secret is patience and paying close attention to every detail. This way, every bite is as delicious as the last.

Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments

Make your butter chicken even better with the right sides. The creamy flavors of this dish go great with basmati rice and naan bread. Try steaming basmati rice or making a fragrant pilaf. For bread, choose plain, garlic, or butter naan.

Rice and Bread Pairings

  • Basmati rice: Steamed or prepared as a fragrant pilaf
  • Naan bread: Plain, garlic, or butter naan
  • Roti or chapati: Whole wheat flatbreads
  • Jeera rice: Cumin-flavored basmati rice
  • Quinoa: A healthier alternative to rice

Garnishing Tips

Make your butter chicken look great by adding a few touches. Swirl in some heavy cream, add a pat of butter, and sprinkle fresh cilantro. For extra richness, drizzle melted ghee on top.

AccompanimentDescription
Basmati riceA fragrant long-grain rice variety that is the perfect base for butter chicken.
Naan breadA leavened, oven-baked flatbread that perfectly complements the rich flavors of butter chicken.
Cucumber raitaA cooling yogurt-based condiment that provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy curry.
Mango chutneyA sweet and tangy condiment that balances the richness of the butter chicken.
butter chicken accompaniment

There are many ways to enjoy butter chicken with tasty sides. Try different rice, bread, and condiments to find your favorite mix.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Butter chicken is a delicious and comforting dish. It’s perfect for meal prep or entertaining. You can enjoy leftovers or freeze it for later.

This dish gets even tastier after a day or two. It’s great for busy weeknights or dinner parties. Its flavors deepen over time.

Refrigerating Butter Chicken

Butter chicken stays good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the sauce and chicken in separate containers. When reheating, add water or cream if the sauce is too thick.

Freezing Butter Chicken

  1. Let the cooked butter chicken cool before freezing.
  2. Put the sauce and chicken in separate containers or bags.
  3. Butter chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  4. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat with a splash of water or cream.

Freezing and reheating make butter chicken convenient. Enjoy it anytime, whether for a quick meal or a special event.

Storage MethodMaximum Storage Time
Refrigerator3 days
Freezer3 months

When reheating, add water or cream to avoid a thick sauce. Enjoy your meal prep freezer-friendly butter chicken leftovers!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect butter chicken needs focus and knowing the traditional ways. Stay away from these common errors to make your butter chicken truly outstanding:

  • Using cold yogurt in the marinade: This can make the yogurt grainy. Make sure the yogurt is room temperature before mixing it into the marinade.
  • Overcooking the chicken: Boneless chicken thighs are key, but overcooking makes them tough. Watch the cooking time closely and remove the chicken when it’s still tender.
  • Adding cream too early: Adding cream too soon can ruin the sauce. Wait until the end to add the cream for a smooth sauce.

Don’t skip the marination step. It’s essential for adding strong flavors and making the meat tender. Be careful with the spices, starting with a small amount and adding more as needed. Don’t rush the cooking, as this can make the sauce weak. Give it time to thicken and the flavors to blend.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you make a perfect butter chicken. It will have the real flavors and textures of this favorite Indian dish.

Conclusion

Learning to make homemade butter chicken lets you enjoy top-notch Indian food at home. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make a dish as good as any restaurant’s. Try different spice levels and sides to find your favorite way to make butter chicken.

Discovering and perfecting butter chicken is very rewarding. Dive into its rich flavors and cultural importance. Cooking and sharing this dish with loved ones creates memories and deepens your love for Indian cuisine.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or new to the kitchen, making homemade butter chicken is a great journey. It’s a chance to bring authentic Indian flavors into your home and enjoy the taste that has won hearts worldwide.

FAQ

Q: What is traditional Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)?

A: Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a beloved Indian dish from Delhi. It’s made with grilled tandoori chicken in a creamy tomato sauce. The sauce is smooth and mild, making it a favorite.

Q: How is Butter Chicken different from Chicken Tikka Masala?

A: Butter Chicken doesn’t have onions and uses butter in its sauce. This makes the sauce silky. Chicken Tikka Masala, on the other hand, has a sauce with caramelized onions, giving it a different texture.

Q: What are the key ingredients in Butter Chicken?

A: The main ingredients are boneless chicken, tomatoes, and Greek yogurt. You’ll also need spices like garam masala and cumin. Cashews, butter, and heavy cream add richness. Don’t forget fresh ginger and garlic for authentic taste.

Q: How do you properly marinate the chicken for Butter Chicken?

A: Marinate the chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, and spices. Use a mix of Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala, and turmeric. Let it marinate in the fridge for 12-48 hours for the best flavor.

Q: How do you make the signature creamy tomato sauce for Butter Chicken?

A: Start by sautéing onions in ghee. Then, add ginger-garlic paste and spices. Blend with tomatoes and cashews for a smooth sauce. Simmer until it thickens and the ghee separates.

Q: How should the chicken be cooked for Butter Chicken?

A: Cook the chicken by pan-frying, grilling, or baking. Grilling or roasting adds smokiness. Then, add the chicken to the sauce to absorb the flavors.

Q: How do you balance the flavors in Butter Chicken?

A: Adjust the spices to taste. Add cream at the end to avoid curdling. Use butter or ghee for richness. Kasuri methi adds authentic flavor. Taste and adjust as needed.

Q: How can you achieve a smooth, restaurant-style texture for Butter Chicken?

A: Blend the sauce well and strain if needed. Use cashew paste for creaminess. Simmer until it reaches the right consistency, stirring to prevent sticking.

Q: What are the best accompaniments for Butter Chicken?

A: Serve with basmati rice or naan bread. For rice, try a fragrant pilaf or simple basmati. Naan can be plain or flavored. Garnish with cream, butter, and cilantro.

Q: Can Butter Chicken be made ahead and stored?

A: Yes, you can make it ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months. Store sauce and chicken separately. Reheat by adding water or cream if needed.
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