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Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular Indian dish that is loved for its rich, creamy taste. It is a classic dish that originated in the North Indian state of Punjab and has since gained worldwide recognition. Butter chicken is made with tender marinated chicken cooked in a tomato-based sauce, enriched with butter and cream. The dish is typically served with naan bread or steamed rice.

To cook butter chicken, you will need a few key ingredients including chicken, tomatoes, butter, cream, and a variety of spices. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices to enhance its flavor and tenderness. The tomato-based sauce is made by cooking onions, garlic, and ginger in butter until fragrant and then adding tomatoes and a unique blend of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.

One of the secrets to achieving the perfect butter chicken is the use of fenugreek leaves, also known as kasuri methi. These dried leaves add a unique and slightly bitter flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. After the chicken is cooked in the sauce, it is finished with a generous amount of cream to give it a velvety, creamy texture.

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start cooking butter chicken, you need to gather and prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of the ingredients you will need:

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Once you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to move on to the next step of the recipe.

Gathering the Ingredients

Before you start cooking butter chicken, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Having everything prepared and within reach will make the cooking process much smoother. Here are the ingredients you will need:

Marinade:

• 500 grams of boneless chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup of plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons of ginger paste
• 2 teaspoons of garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala powder
• Salt to taste

Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons of ginger paste
• 2 teaspoons of garlic paste
• 2 teaspoons of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala powder
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup of water
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Make sure to check your pantry and refrigerator to ensure you have all the ingredients listed above. You don’t want to start cooking and realize halfway through that you are missing something. Once you have everything ready, it’s time to move on to the next step: marinating the chicken.

Prepping the Chicken

Before you start cooking butter chicken, it’s important to properly prepare the chicken to ensure a delicious and tender result. Follow these steps to prep the chicken:

1. Clean the chicken

Thoroughly rinse the chicken under cold water to remove any impurities. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess water.

2. Cut the chicken

Using a sharp knife, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This will help the chicken cook evenly and allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

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3. Marinate the chicken

In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lime juice, turmeric powder, and salt. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well, ensuring that each piece is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This will help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.

By properly prepping the chicken, you’ll set the stage for a delicious butter chicken dish that’s sure to impress.

Cooking the Butter Chicken

Once you have marinated the chicken, it’s time to cook it and prepare the delicious butter chicken dish. Follow these steps to cook the butter chicken:

1. Heat a large pan or skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
2. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
4. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for another minute.
6. Next, add the tomato puree and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the spices – garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder – to the pan and cook for another minute.
8. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well to combine all the ingredients.
9. Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
10. Once the chicken is cooked, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Enjoy the rich and creamy butter chicken with its aromatic spices and tender chicken. It’s a perfect dish to impress your family and friends!

Sautéing the Onions and Spices

Before starting the sautéing process, make sure to gather all the necessary ingredients for this step:

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Follow the steps below to sauté the onions and spices:

Step 1: Heat the Ghee or Butter

In a large pan or skillet, heat the ghee or butter over medium heat until it melts and becomes hot.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Add the finely chopped onions to the hot ghee or butter and sauté them until they turn golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Add the Garlic and Ginger

Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Incorporate the Spices

Now it’s time to add the turmeric powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, red chili powder, and salt to taste. Stir well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed and sauté for another minute.

At this stage, your sautéed onions and spices are ready to be combined with the other ingredients in the recipe. It’s time to proceed to the next steps to complete your butter chicken dish!

Adding the Tomato Sauce and Cream

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to add the tomato sauce and cream to give the butter chicken its signature rich and creamy flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. In a separate pan, heat the tomato sauce over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
2. Add the cooked chicken pieces to the tomato sauce and stir well to coat each piece.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to incorporate it into the sauce.
5. Continue to cook the butter chicken for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.

At this point, your butter chicken is ready to be served! The tomato sauce and cream combination creates a velvety smooth texture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Serve it hot with naan bread or steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Simmering and Serving

Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is thick and creamy, it’s time to simmer it and get it ready for serving. Follow these steps to complete your butter chicken dish:

Simmering the Chicken

1. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes.
2. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the chicken is fully cooked.
3. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to distribute the sauce evenly.

Serving the Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is traditionally served with basmati rice or naan bread. Here’s how you can present your dish:

• Scoop a generous portion of the simmered butter chicken onto a plate.
• Sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro on top for added flavor and a pop of color.
• Place a serving of basmati rice or a piece of warm naan bread on the side.
• Garnish with a wedge of lemon or lime for a touch of acidity.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade butter chicken! Serve it hot and savor each bite of the tender chicken smothered in rich and creamy tomato sauce.

Q&A

What is butter chicken?

Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish made with tender chicken pieces cooked in a creamy and flavorful tomato-based sauce.

How do you cook butter chicken?

To cook butter chicken, start by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices. Then, fry the marinated chicken until browned. In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté onions, garlic, ginger, and spices. Add tomato puree and simmer for a few minutes. Finally, add the cooked chicken to the tomato sauce and simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Serve with naan or rice.

What spices are used in butter chicken?

The spices commonly used in butter chicken include turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder. These spices add depth and flavor to the dish.

Can I make butter chicken without butter?

Yes, you can make a healthier version of butter chicken by using a substitute for butter, such as olive oil or coconut oil. This will reduce the overall calorie and fat content of the dish while still retaining the flavors.

What can I serve with butter chicken?

Butter chicken is often served with naan bread or steamed rice. You can also serve it with roti or even with a side of salad or vegetables for a complete meal.

What is butter chicken?

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular Indian dish made with marinated and grilled chicken cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce.

How do I make butter chicken at home?

To make butter chicken at home, you will need chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, butter, tomatoes, cream, and various spices. Marinate the chicken, grill it, and then cook it in a sauce made from tomatoes, cream, and spices. Serve it with naan or rice.