butter chicken recipe

 Introduction:

Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian dish that has gained worldwide popularity for its rich and creamy texture, combined with a tantalizing blend of spices. Originating from the vibrant streets of Delhi, this recipe has become a staple in Indian cuisine. The succulent pieces of chicken are cooked in a velvety tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices and finished with a generous amount of butter and cream. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating an authentic and mouthwatering butter chicken dish right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the chicken marinade:

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

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt to taste

For the butter chicken sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste

2 teaspoons red chili powder

2 teaspoons ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 cup tomato puree

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt to taste

Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Marinating the chicken:

In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt.

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse.

Cooking the chicken:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Place the marinated chicken on a baking tray and cook in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Set aside.

Preparing the butter chicken sauce:

In a large skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the red chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, and garam masala. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.

Simmering the sauce:

Reduce the heat to low and add the tomato puree. Stir well to combine the spices with the puree.

Pour in the heavy cream and mix thoroughly. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

Add sugar and salt to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

Adding the chicken:

Gently add the cooked chicken pieces to the simmering sauce, coating them evenly. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes.

Serving:

Remove the butter chicken from the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Serve the butter chicken hot with naan bread or steamed rice. It pairs perfectly with a side of cooling cucumber raita.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the heavenly flavors of butter chicken by following this authentic recipe. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and the luscious buttery sauce will transport your taste buds to