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Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular North Indian dish that has gained worldwide recognition for its creamy and rich flavor. This classic recipe combines tender pieces of marinated chicken with a mouthwatering tomato-based sauce that is infused with aromatic spices.

To make butter chicken, you will need a few key ingredients such as boneless chicken, yogurt, ginger, garlic, garam masala, turmeric, and of course, butter. These ingredients come together to create a dish that is full of depth and complexity, making it a favorite among food lovers everywhere.

The process of making butter chicken involves marinating the chicken, grilling it to perfection, and then simmering it in a tomato-based sauce. This combination of grilling and simmering allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors of the sauce, resulting in tender and juicy bites.

Whether you are an experienced cook or just a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious and satisfying meal. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with this tantalizing dish? Get ready to indulge in the creamy and aromatic world of butter chicken!

Preparation for butter chicken

Making butter chicken requires a few important preparation steps before diving into the cooking process. Follow these instructions to ensure a delicious and flavorful dish:

Gather the Ingredients

Before starting the preparation, gather all the necessary ingredients for the butter chicken recipe. Make sure you have:

• 500 grams of boneless chicken
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of ginger paste
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of garam masala
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, marinate the boneless chicken with ginger paste, garlic, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix everything well, ensuring each piece of chicken is coated evenly. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

Tip: For an even more tender and flavorful chicken, you can marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.

Optional: If you prefer a more smoky flavor, you can also grill or roast the marinated chicken before adding it to the curry. This step is not essential but can enhance the overall taste.

Once the chicken has marinated, you’re ready to proceed with the butter chicken recipe and start cooking this popular Indian dish!

Getting the ingredients ready

Before you start cooking butter chicken, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients prepared and ready to use. Here is a list of ingredients you will need:

1. Chicken:

Choose boneless chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

2. Yogurt:

Mix yogurt with garlic paste, ginger paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt to marinate the chicken pieces.

3. Spices:

Gather the spices required for the butter chicken, such as garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, and dried fenugreek leaves. These spices will add flavor to the dish.

4. Butter and Oil:

Butter is a key ingredient in butter chicken. You’ll also need oil to sauté the chicken and other ingredients.

5. Tomatoes and Onions:

Fresh tomatoes and onions are necessary for the butter chicken gravy. Chop them finely to blend into a smooth sauce.

6. Cashews and Cream:

For a creamy and rich gravy, gather cashews and cream. Soak cashews in hot water and blend them into a smooth paste. Use the cream to finish off the dish.

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can move on to the next steps of preparing and cooking butter chicken. Make sure to follow each step carefully for the best results. Happy cooking!

Marinating the chicken

Marinating the chicken is an important step in preparing butter chicken, as it infuses the meat with flavor and helps to tenderize it. Follow these steps to marinate the chicken:

Ingredients:

– 500 grams of boneless, skinless chicken thighs

– 1 cup of plain yogurt

– 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

– 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste

– 1 teaspoon of garam masala

– 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder

– 1 teaspoon of red chili powder

– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well until all the spices are evenly incorporated into the yogurt.

2. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Make sure each piece of chicken is well coated with the marinade.

3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. Marinating the chicken for a longer period of time will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.

4. After the chicken has marinated, it is ready to be cooked. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe.

Marinating the chicken will not only enhance the taste of the butter chicken but also make the meat tender and juicy. Take your time to marinate the chicken properly to achieve the best results in your butter chicken dish.

Cooking butter chicken

Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its rich and creamy sauce. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook butter chicken:

Ingredients:

– 500 grams of boneless chicken, cut into cubes

– 1/2 cup of plain yogurt

– 2 tablespoons of butter

– 1 onion, finely chopped

– 2 cloves of garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon of ginger paste

– 1 teaspoon of garam masala

– 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder

– 1 teaspoon of chili powder (adjust to taste)

– 1 cup of tomato puree

– 1/2 cup of heavy cream

– Salt to taste

– Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, marinate the chicken with yogurt, ginger paste, and half of the garam masala, turmeric powder, and chili powder. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are soft and translucent.

3. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for another minute.

4. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook until it is browned on all sides.

5. Add the remaining garam masala, turmeric powder, and chili powder to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spices.

6. Pour in the tomato puree and stir well to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes.

7. Add the heavy cream to the pan and stir well. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

8. Season with salt to taste.

9. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Now you know how to cook butter chicken! Serve it hot with naan or rice for a delicious meal.

Preparing the Sauce

Butter chicken is known for its rich and flavorful sauce. Preparing the sauce is a crucial step in making this delicious dish. Follow these steps to create the perfect butter chicken sauce:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, and cook for another minute.
4. Next, add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and garam masala to the pan. Cook for a few minutes until the spices become fragrant.
5. Pour in the tomato puree and stir well to combine with the spices. Cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir constantly to prevent the cream from curdling.
7. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
8. Cook the sauce on low heat for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, it is ready to be combined with the cooked chicken. The creamy and aromatic sauce will coat the chicken pieces, creating a comforting and delicious dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving. Enjoy your homemade butter chicken with rice or naan bread!

Cooking the chicken

Before cooking the chicken, you will need to marinate it to infuse it with delicious flavors. Here’s how to do it:

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, mix together yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, and salt.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well, ensuring all the chicken is coated.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.

Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to cook it. Follow these steps:

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add chopped onions and cook until they are golden brown.
4. Now add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Stir in tomato puree, salt, red chili powder, and kasoori methi.
6. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Finally, add cream and mix well. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Your delicious butter chicken is now cooked and ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot with naan or rice for a truly satisfying meal.

Q&A

What is butter chicken?

Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish made with tender pieces of chicken cooked in a creamy tomato and butter sauce. It is rich, flavorful, and mildly spiced.

What ingredients do I need to make butter chicken?

To make butter chicken, you will need chicken, butter, onion, garlic, ginger, tomato puree, heavy cream, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, fenugreek leaves, and salt.

How do I marinate the chicken for butter chicken?

To marinate the chicken for butter chicken, you can combine yogurt, ginger, garlic, turmeric, garam masala, and salt in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces and mix well. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Can I make butter chicken without cream?

Yes, you can make a lighter version of butter chicken without cream. Instead of using heavy cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a creamy texture.