Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich and creamy Indian curries, then butter chicken is a dish you must try. This popular North Indian recipe features succulent chicken pieces cooked in a luscious tomato-based sauce with a perfect balance of spices. Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a crowd-pleasing dish that pairs well with naan or steamed rice. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making this flavorful dish step by step. Butter Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Butter chicken holds a special place in the hearts of food lovers worldwide. This delectable dish originated in the early 20th century in Delhi, India, and has since gained immense popularity. Its creamy texture, combined with the aromatic blend of spices, makes it a favorite among both locals and international food enthusiasts.

History of Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken was born out of a creative culinary experiment by the legendary Kundan Lal Gujral, a chef from the famous Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi. Legend has it that he devised this dish by combining leftover tandoori chicken with a tomato-based gravy enriched with butter and cream. The result was an instant hit, and butter chicken quickly became an iconic dish in Indian cuisine.

Butter Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

To recreate the authentic flavors of butter chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken (bone-in or boneless)
• Yogurt
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Garam masala
• Red chili powder
• Turmeric powder
• Kashmiri chili powder (for a vibrant red color)
• Tomato puree
• Butter
• Fresh cream
• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Salt
• Oil

Step 1: Marinating the Chicken

Marination is a crucial step to infuse the chicken with flavors. Start by making a marinade with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Coat the chicken pieces in the marinade and let them rest for at least 30 minutes. This process tenderizes the chicken and enhances its taste.

Step 2: Preparing the Sauce

The rich and creamy sauce is the soul of butter chicken. Begin by melting butter in a pan and adding ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until fragrant, then pour in the tomato puree. Add garam masala, red chili powder, and Kashmiri chili powder to create a well-rounded flavor profile. Let the sauce simmer on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken

Once the sauce has thickened, add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are tender and fully cooked. As the chicken simmers in the sauce, it continues to absorb the flavors of the spices, creating a harmonious blend of taste and texture. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan.

Step 4: Garnishing and Serving

Before serving, add a touch of richness to the butter chicken by drizzling fresh cream and sprinkling kasuri methi over the dish. The cream adds a velvety smoothness to the sauce, while the kasuri methi imparts a delightful aroma. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of freshness and visual appeal.

Now, your homemade butter chicken is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal. The creamy and flavorful sauce, combined with the tender chicken, will surely leave you craving for more.

Tips for a Perfect Butter Chicken

• For a smoky flavor, you can grill the marinated chicken before adding it to the sauce.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference. Increase or decrease the amount of red chili powder and garam masala accordingly.
• To enhance the color of the sauce, you can add a pinch of food-grade orange color powder or saffron strands soaked in milk.
• For a healthier version, you can substitute cream with yogurt or coconut milk.
• To make it more indulgent, you can add a dollop of butter to the finished dish.

Health Benefits of Butter Chicken

While butter chicken is undoubtedly a rich and indulgent dish, it does offer some health benefits. The chicken provides a good source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, the spices used in the dish, such as ginger, garlic, and garam masala, have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it’s important to enjoy butter chicken in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Variations and Adaptations

Butter chicken is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different dietary preferences and restrictions. Here are a few variations you can explore:

1. Vegetarian Butter Chicken: Substitute chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu for a vegetarian twist on this classic dish.
2. Butter Chicken Pizza: Spread butter chicken sauce as a topping on pizza dough, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for a fusion of flavors.
3. Butter Chicken Pasta: Toss cooked pasta in butter chicken sauce and garnish with fresh herbs for a delightful pasta dish with an Indian twist.

Feel free to experiment and get creative with your own adaptations to make the dish uniquely yours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)