Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian dish that features tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices. This dish has gained immense popularity around the world thanks to its delightful balance of flavors and comforting texture. With its luscious sauce and tender meat, butter chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you straight to the heart of Indian cuisine.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this butter chicken recipe for its incredible depth of flavor and ease of preparation. The combination of spices creates a fragrant and savory sauce that beautifully envelops the chicken, making each bite exquisite. Additionally, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a gathering with friends, or even a romantic date night. Its creamy, satisfying nature fits well into a variety of diets, and with a few simple substitutions, it can be tailored to your needs.
Tips and Tricks
- Marination Magic: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours or, ideally, overnight. This enhances the flavor and tenderness significantly.
- Spice Balance: Adjust the level of spices according to your heat tolerance. Start with less chili powder and add more to taste.
- Use a Blender: For an ultra-smooth sauce, blend the tomato sauce before adding it to the pan. This creates a velvety texture.
- Finish with Cream: Adding cream at the end of cooking gives the sauce a luxurious richness. Stir it in just before serving for the best results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Avoid dry chicken by cooking it until just done. It will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Skipping Marination: Don’t skip the marination step; it’s crucial for flavor and tenderness.
- Inconsistent Spice Levels: Make sure to measure your spices accurately to avoid overpowering or underwhelming flavors.
- Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Dried spices can lose potency over time. Always use fresh spices for the best flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
- Marinate the Chicken: You can marinate the chicken a day in advance to save time on the day of cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: The butter chicken sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently before adding the chicken.
- Freezing: The dish freezes well. Portion it out and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with paneer, tofu, or a mix of vegetables like bell peppers and cauliflower.
- Spicy Twist: Add green chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Cooking Methods: Try slow cooking for a deeper flavor or pressure cooking for a quicker meal.
How to Serve
Serve your butter chicken over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of cream for a beautiful presentation. A squeeze of fresh lime can also add a refreshing touch.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your butter chicken with a refreshing mango lassi or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. For side dishes, consider serving it with garlic naan, vegetable biryani, or a simple cucumber salad to add a refreshing crunch.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place the butter chicken in freezer-safe containers, where it can last for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore its creamy texture.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl for marinating chicken
- Heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven for cooking
- Blender or food processor for the sauce (optional)
- Measuring spoons and cups for accurate ingredient measurement
Dietary Adaptations
To make this dish vegan, substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu, use coconut cream instead of dairy cream, and ensure that all spices are free from animal products. For a nut-free version, avoid any nut-based creams or oils.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the spring, consider adding peas or asparagus for a fresh twist. In the fall, you can incorporate pumpkin puree into the sauce for a seasonal touch. Use ripe tomatoes in summer for a fresher sauce, and canned tomatoes in winter for convenience.
Cost Breakdown
The estimated cost for the whole dish ranges from $12 to $15, serving about 4 people. For budget-friendly swaps, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts or even frozen chicken, which can be cheaper.
Kitchen Hacks
- Peeling Garlic: Smash cloves with the flat side of a knife for easy peeling.
- Quick Marinade: If short on time, use a vacuum sealer to marinate chicken quickly.
- Clean Cutting Board: Use lemon juice and salt to easily scrub away strong odors from garlic or onions.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it is fully thawed before marinating.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Can I substitute yogurt for cream? Yes, plain yogurt can be a great substitute, but add it at a lower heat to prevent curdling.
How To Make butter chicken recipe
Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian dish that features tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Add the cubed chicken and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Heat butter in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato puree and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the marinated chicken to the sauce, cooking until the chicken is no longer pink, about 10-15 minutes.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 598Total Fat 35gSaturated Fat 20gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 230mgSodium 781mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 1gSugar 7gProtein 59g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making butter chicken at home is not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding. This dish brings together the comforting aspects of home cooking with the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will surely impress your family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the delightful process of creating this classic dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!