Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a beloved Indian dish known for its rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. This indulgent delicacy is the perfect combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and velvety butter sauce. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to create your very own mouthwatering butter chicken at home. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to India with this flavorful recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Marination:
- 1.5 pounds (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons ginger garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt to taste
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for color)
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cashew paste (blend cashews with water until smooth)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar), to balance the flavors
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Marinating the Chicken:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results.
- Cooking the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the marinated chicken on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. You can also use a grill or stovetop if you prefer.
- Preparing the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the ginger garlic paste, chili powder, garam masala, and paprika. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato puree and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cashew paste, mixing well. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the oil begins to separate.
- Season the sauce with salt and honey (or sugar), adjusting the sweetness and seasoning to your liking.
- Combining the Chicken and Sauce:
- Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce, stirring gently to coat the chicken with the creamy tomato mixture.
- Let the butter chicken simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the delicious sauce.
- Serving:
- Garnish your mouthwatering butter chicken with fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, naan, or roti. Enjoy!
Butter chicken is a culinary delight that brings the flavors of India to your kitchen. This mouthwatering recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating this creamy and decadent dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of this classic Indian recipe, and savor the magic of butter chicken!
