Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular and mouthwatering dish that originates from the Indian subcontinent. With its rich, creamy tomato-based gravy and tender chicken, it has gained immense popularity worldwide. This iconic dish perfectly balances flavors and textures, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts. In this blog, we will explore the traditional recipe for Butter Chicken, along with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure you can recreate this delectable dish in your own kitchen.
Recipe for Butter Chicken:
Ingredients:
500 grams boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon oil
2 medium-sized onions, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, pureed
1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
1 cup heavy cream
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Marination:
In a bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt.
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well, ensuring that each piece is coated evenly.
Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour. For the best results, refrigerate it overnight.
Cooking Steps:
Heat a tablespoon of butter and oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, add the remaining butter and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and lightly browned.
Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the masala mixture. This process helps enhance the flavors.
Sprinkle kasuri methi over the mixture and stir well.
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and mix it with the masala.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently.
Simmer the dish for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Season with salt according to your taste and adjust the consistency of the gravy by adding water if needed.
Once the Butter Chicken reaches the desired consistency, turn off the heat.
Tips to Perfectly Cook Butter Chicken:
Use fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best taste and texture.
For a healthier option, you can use boneless chicken breast instead of dark meat.
Marinating the chicken for a longer period allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken.
To achieve an authentic taste, use ghee (clarified butter) instead of regular butter, if possible.
If you prefer a spicier version, adjust the amount of red chili powder according to your spice tolerance.
The addition of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) enhances the aroma and flavor of the dish. If you cannot find it, you can omit it or use fresh fenugreek leaves as a substitute.
Garnish the Butter Chicken with fresh coriander leaves to add a touch of freshness.
Serve Butter Chicken with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or roti for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Butter Chicken is a classic Indian dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its creamy, tangy, and mildly spiced flavors. By following this authentic recipe and incorporating the suggested tips, you can recreate this beloved dish at home and enjoy its delightful flavors with family and friends. So, put on your chef's hat and embark on a culinary journey to savor the exquisite taste of Butter Chicken – a dish that has captured hearts around the world.