Butter chicken, also known as “Murgh Makhani,” is a popular Indian dish known for its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. Here’s a classic recipe for Butter Chicken:
Ingredients:
For Marinating the Chicken:
- 500 grams of boneless chicken pieces
- 1/2 cup of plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons of butter or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons of ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1 cup of tomato puree
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Marinating the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for a few hours for a richer flavor.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Heat a grill or a pan over medium-high heat. Grill or cook the marinated chicken until it’s cooked through and has a slight char on the outside. Set aside.
Preparing the Gravy:
- In a large pan, melt the butter or ghee over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent and golden.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a few minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add the red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the tomato puree, salt, and sugar (if using). Cook the tomato mixture until the oil begins to separate from the sides.
- Lower the heat, and gradually add the cream, stirring constantly. This creates the creamy base for the sauce.
- Gently simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add the grilled chicken pieces to the sauce and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve the Butter Chicken hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
Enjoy your homemade Butter Chicken with its creamy, flavorful sauce and tender chicken pieces.
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe instead of boneless chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through as bone-in pieces may take longer.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for regular plain yogurt in the marinade?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for regular plain yogurt in the marinade. It will work well for marinating the chicken.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely, you can adjust the level of spiciness by reducing the amount of red chili powder used. You can also reduce or omit the chili powder in the marinade for a milder flavor.
Is it essential to grill the chicken, or can I pan-fry it instead?
Grilling the chicken is a traditional method, but you can certainly pan-fry it if you prefer. Both methods work well to cook the chicken.
Can I use canned tomato puree instead of fresh tomato puree?
Yes, you can use canned tomato puree if fresh tomatoes are not available. Just ensure it’s unsalted and doesn’t contain added flavorings.
Is it possible to freeze Butter Chicken for future consumption?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Butter Chicken. Store it in an airtight container and thaw and reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy it again. The texture may change slightly upon reheating, but it will still be delicious.
What are the best side dishes to serve with Butter Chicken?
Common accompaniments include naan, roti, paratha, or steamed rice. You can also serve it with Indian bread like garlic naan or butter naan.
Can I make Butter Chicken in advance and reheat it later?
Yes, you can make Butter Chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the gravy?
Sugar is added to balance the acidity and tartness of the tomato puree. It enhances the overall flavor of the dish. You can adjust the amount to your taste or omit it.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu. The rest of the recipe can remain the same.
Can I use canned tomato puree instead of fresh tomato puree?
Yes, you can use canned tomato puree if fresh tomatoes are not available. Just ensure it’s unsalted and doesn’t contain added flavorings.
