Delicious Butter Chicken Recipe: A Creamy Delight

Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide. This rich, creamy, and flavorful dish features tender chicken pieces simmered in a smooth tomato-based gravy, with a hint of butter and spices. The dish is famous for its aromatic blend of spices and its luxurious texture, making it a go-to choice for special occasions and family dinners. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned fan, this butter chicken recipe is sure to win your heart with its comforting flavors and creamy goodness.

Ingredients Of Butter Chicken Recipe

Why You Will Love This Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter chicken is the epitome of comfort food. The rich, velvety sauce made with butter, cream, and tomatoes perfectly complements the tender chicken, creating a mouthwatering experience with every bite. The aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander bring warmth and depth to the dish, while the tanginess from yogurt balances the richness. The addition of butter makes the sauce luxuriously smooth, and the entire dish is perfect when paired with fluffy naan or steamed rice. It’s a meal that will leave you craving more!

Preparation Process Of Butter Chicken Recipe

Making butter chicken involves marinating the chicken for extra flavor, followed by cooking it in a spiced tomato gravy and finishing it with cream and butter. The slow simmering process allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors of the sauce, making it juicy and tender. The key to a great butter chicken is balancing the richness of the cream and butter with the spices, creating a well-rounded, flavorful sauce that coats each piece of chicken perfectly.

Step By Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (preferably 2 hours) in the refrigerator.

Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and golden. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute.

Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, garam masala, cinnamon, and salt. Let the sauce simmer for 10-12 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

Add the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the sauce. Add the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Garnish and Serve: Stir in fresh cilantro for garnish. Serve the butter chicken hot with naan or steamed rice, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.

How to Serve?

• Serve butter chicken with warm naan bread for scooping up the sauce.
• Pair with steamed basmati rice for a hearty and comforting meal.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the richness.
• Serve with a side of cucumber raita to cool down the spices and add freshness.
• For an extra touch, you can also serve with a side of sautéed vegetables or a light salad to complete the meal.

Tips & Variations

Nutrition

• Calories per serving (1/4 of recipe): 350
• Total fat: 22g
• Saturated fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Total carbohydrates: 15g
• Dietary fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 25g

Recipe Card

Delicious Butter Chicken Recipe: A Creamy Delight

Recipe by Rachael rayCourse: Banana Bread Recipe

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

Butter chicken is a rich and creamy Indian dish that features tender chicken cooked in a spiced tomato gravy. The combination of butter, cream, and yogurt creates a velvety sauce that perfectly coats the chicken, making every bite indulgent and flavorful. With the aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander, butter chicken is a comforting and satisfying dish that pairs wonderfully with naan or rice. This recipe is simple yet delicious, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The rich texture and balanced flavors make butter chicken a favorite in every household.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup plain yogurt

• 1 tablespoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

• Salt to taste

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

• Lemon wedges for serving

Directions

• Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (preferably 2 hours) in the refrigerator.
• Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
• Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and golden. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute.
• Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, garam masala, cinnamon, and salt. Let the sauce simmer for 10-12 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
• Add the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the sauce. Add the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
• Garnish and Serve: Stir in fresh cilantro for garnish. Serve the butter chicken hot with naan or steamed rice, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Chicken Marinade Tip: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Try marinating for a few hours or overnight for best results.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Storage: Leftover butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream.

FAQs

Conclusion