Easy Irresistible Butter Chicken Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Indian Dish

Introduction

Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a beloved dish from the Indian subcontinent. With its rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender pieces of marinated chicken, it has captured the hearts and taste buds of food lovers around the world. This dish is not only a staple in Indian restaurants but also a favorite for home cooks looking to impress family and friends. In this post, we will guide you through a step-by-step recipe to create the perfect butter chicken, ensuring you can enjoy this culinary delight right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 500 grams boneless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 can (400 grams) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, chili powder, salt, and ginger-garlic paste.
  2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
  2. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the marinated chicken pieces (discard excess marinade) and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add garam masala, ground cumin, and sugar (if using). Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
  2. Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, adjusting salt to taste.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan, rice, or your favorite Indian bread. Enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of your homemade butter chicken!

Conclusion

Making butter chicken at home is a rewarding experience that brings the flavors of India right to your dining table. With this step-by-step guide, you can master this iconic dish and impress your loved ones with your culinary skills. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, butter chicken is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, follow the recipe, and indulge in the irresistible taste of this classic Indian dish!

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