Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most popular Indian dishes worldwide. This creamy, flavorful curry is made with marinated chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce enriched with butter and cream. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect with naan or rice.
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Marination Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
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Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
1 lb (500g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt to taste
2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, minced
4 large ripe tomatoes, pureed (or 1.5 cups canned tomato puree)
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with cashew cream for a dairy-free option)
1/2 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
2 tbsp chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Fresh naan or paratha
Steamed basmati rice
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, cumin, garam masala, coriander powder, lemon juice, vegetable oil, and salt.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
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2. Cook the Chicken
1. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle with a little oil.
2. Cook the marinated chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes on each side until lightly charred and almost cooked through. Set aside. (The chicken will finish cooking in the sauce.)
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3. Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce
1. In a large pan, heat butter and oil over medium heat. The oil prevents the butter from burning.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the pureed tomatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil separates from the mixture. This step is crucial for a rich and flavorful sauce.
5. Add turmeric, red chili powder, cumin, and coriander powder. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.
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4. Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce
1. Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken in the flavorful tomato mixture.
2. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
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5. Finish with Cream and Butter
1. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream. Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more water if needed.
2. Crush the fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) between your palms and add them to the sauce. This step gives the dish its signature smoky flavor.
3. Add honey or sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, if desired.
4. Simmer for 5 more minutes, then turn off the heat.
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6. Garnish and Serve
1. Garnish the butter chicken with chopped cilantro and a drizzle of cream for presentation.
2. Serve hot with naan, paratha, or steamed basmati rice.
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1. Marination is Key: Let the chicken marinate for as long as possible. The yogurt and spices tenderize the meat and enhance the flavor.
2. Cooking the Chicken: Slightly charring the chicken before adding it to the sauce gives it a smoky, tandoori-like flavor. If you have a grill, use it!
3. Tomato Base: Using fresh, ripe tomatoes will result in a naturally sweet and tangy sauce. If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, use canned tomato puree.
4. Kasuri Methi: This ingredient is non-negotiable for authentic butter chicken. It imparts a subtle, earthy flavor that ties the dish together.
5. Adjust Spice Levels: Butter chicken is mildly spiced, but you can increase the heat by adding more red chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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Serving Suggestions
Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with:
Naan or Garlic Naan: These soft, buttery flatbreads are perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
Jeera Rice: Fragrant basmati rice cooked with cumin seeds complements the rich curry.
Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side dish to balance the spices.
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Why is Butter Chicken Trending?
Butter Chicken has become a global phenomenon thanks to its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly spiced flavors. With social media influencers and food bloggers showcasing the dish in creative ways, it has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers everywhere. It’s versatile enough for both weeknight dinners and festive occasions, making it a trending favorite.
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Variations of Butter Chicken
1. Paneer Butter Masala: Substitute chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for a vegetarian version.
2. Vegan Butter Chicken: Use tofu or chickpeas as a protein substitute and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
3. Spicy Butter Chicken: Add green chilies or increase the amount of red chili powder for a fiery kick.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Butter Chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes! Butter Chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: What’s the difference between Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala?
A: While both are creamy curries, Butter Chicken is milder and sweeter with a buttery, tomato-based sauce. Chicken Tikka Masala has a spicier, tangier flavor with a yogurt-based marinade.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Replace yogurt with coconut yogurt and cream with cashew or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
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This Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful crowd-pleaser, combining the richness of Indian spices with the creaminess of butter and cream. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a comforting meal, this recipe will impress. Enjoy!
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