Butter Chicken Murgh Makhani Recipe Creamy and Delicious Indian Curry

Introduction:

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is a famous Indian dish known for its rich and creamy sauce combined with tender chicken pieces. This Butter Chicken recipe will guide you in making a delicious, restaurant-quality curry right at home. Ideal for any occasion, this dish blends aromatic spices with a velvety tomato sauce, making it a beloved choice among many. Whether you are a seasoned cook or new to Indian cuisine, this Butter Chicken recipe ensures a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 1 kg chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-inch piece ginger, minced
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

To achieve the best Butter Chicken, start with marinating the chicken. This process not only enhances the flavor but also tenderizes the meat.

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of ground coriander, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, and salt to taste. Mix well.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade. Ensure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors and become tender.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to cook it.

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. This oil helps in cooking the chicken evenly and adds a slight crispiness.
2. Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

The sauce is where Butter Chicken truly gets its signature flavor. Here’s how to make it:

1. Sauté Onions: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, add 3 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds the base flavor of the sauce.
2. Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in 6 minced garlic cloves and 2 inches of minced ginger. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This combination adds depth to the sauce.
3. Incorporate Spices: Add 2 tablespoons of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder. Stir well to combine, letting the spices toast in the butter for about 1 minute.
4. Add Tomatoes and Paste: Pour in 1 can (400g) of crushed tomatoes and 3 tablespoons of tomato paste. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes. This simmering allows the tomatoes to cook down and the flavors to meld.
5. Creamy Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine. The cream enriches the sauce, making it creamy and smooth. Simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Now it’s time to bring everything together:

1. Add Chicken to Sauce: Add the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken with the creamy sauce. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary. You can also adjust the level of heat by adding more red chili powder if you prefer a spicier Butter Chicken.

5. Finish and Serve:

Your Butter Chicken is almost ready to be enjoyed:

1. Garnish: Before serving, garnish the Butter Chicken with freshly chopped cilantro. This adds a fresh, aromatic touch to the dish.
2. Serve: Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with basmati rice, garlic naan, or roti. It’s perfect for a comforting meal or for impressing guests at a dinner party.

Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken:

• Marinate for Flavour: For the most flavourful Butter Chicken, make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.
• Cook in Batches: If your skillet is not large enough, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding.
• Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences. Add more red chili powder for extra heat or reduce it for a milder flavor.
• Creamy Texture: Use full-fat heavy cream for a rich, creamy sauce. Avoid using low-fat substitutes as they can alter the texture and flavor of the sauce.

Variations and Serving Suggestions;

• Spicy Butter Chicken: Increase the amount of red chili powder or add a chopped green chili to make the Butter Chicken spicier.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for a vegetarian version of Butter Chicken. The paneer will absorb the flavors of the sauce similarly to the chicken.
• Side Dishes: Serve Butter Chicken with side dishes like vegetable biryani, raita, or a fresh salad to complement the meal.

Nutritional Information:

For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a brief overview of the nutritional content of Butter Chicken:

• Calories: Approximately 500-600 calories per serving
• Protein: About 35-40 grams per serving (from chicken)
• Fat: 30-40 grams per serving (from butter and cream)
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams per serving (mostly from the sauce and any accompanying sides)

History and Cultural Significance:

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a dish with a rich history rooted in Indian cuisine. It originated in Delhi, India, at the Moti Mahal restaurant in the 1950s. The chefs at Moti Mahal created Butter Chicken as a way to utilize leftover tandoori chicken. The result was a dish with a creamy, buttery sauce that quickly became popular and has since spread worldwide.

Conclusion:

This Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) recipe provides a comprehensive guide to creating one of India’s most beloved dishes. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic spices, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, Butter Chicken is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Follow this recipe to make a delicious Butter Chicken that rivals any restaurant dish.

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