Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, is a beloved dish that originates from the Indian subcontinent. It’s renowned for its rich, creamy, and mildly spiced tomato sauce that envelops tender pieces of chicken.
Why We Love This Butter Chicken Recipe
There’s something undeniably special about butter chicken that keeps us coming back for more. The first bite transports you into a world of creamy flavors and aromatic spices. It’s a dish that beautifully balances richness with a touch of sweetness, making it suitable for everyone. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, butter chicken can impress even the most discerning palates. This recipe stands out because it’s easy to make, requires minimal preparation, and offers a comforting meal that pairs perfectly with rice or naan.
Ingredients for Butter Chicken
To create this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup full-fat plain yoghurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1.5 pounds chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons ghee or butter (or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil)
- 1 cup tomato passata (tomato puree)
- 1 cup heavy or thickened cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- Basmati rice or white rice for serving
- Fresh coriander or cilantro for garnish (optional)
How to Make Butter Chicken
Making butter chicken from scratch is more straightforward than you might think. Follow these steps for a delightful meal that will leave you wanting more:
Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yoghurt, lemon juice, turmeric powder, garam masala, chili powder, ground cumin, grated ginger, and crushed garlic. This mixture will infuse the chicken with flavors and tenderize it. Add the chicken pieces to this marinade, ensuring they are completely coated. Cover the bowl and let it refrigerate for at least three hours. For the best results, marinate overnight.
Cook the Chicken: Once the chicken has marinated, heat the ghee or butter in a large frying pan over high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and place it in the pan. Sear the chicken for about three minutes, or until it turns white on the outside.
Prepare the Sauce: Add the tomato passata, heavy cream, sugar, salt, and any leftover marinade to the pan. Stir everything together well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial, as it melds all the flavors together, creating the rich sauce that butter chicken is famous for.
Taste and Adjust: After 20 minutes, taste the sauce and adjust the salt if necessary.
Garnish and Serve: If you desire, you can garnish with fresh coriander or cilantro to add a touch of color and freshness. Your butter chicken is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Butter Chicken
Butter chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. The classic choice is basmati rice, which absorbs the sauce perfectly. You could also serve it with naan or roti for a delightful experience. If you’re up for it, consider making some side dishes such as a fresh salad or vegetable curry to complement your meal. When serving, be generous with the sauce; it’s one of the best parts of the dish!
Expert Tips for Making Butter Chicken
To elevate your butter chicken game, here are a few expert tips to consider:
Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality chicken and fresh spices for the best flavor. Fresh spices can make a significant difference in the taste of your curry.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder butter chicken, reduce the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper. Conversely, if you enjoy heat, feel free to add more.
Cream Substitutes: While heavy cream creates a luxurious sauce, you can use coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter or dairy-free alternative.
Leftover Marinate: You can add the leftover marinade into the sauce for added flavor depth. However, make sure it cooks thoroughly.
Cooking on Low Heat: After adding the cream and tomato, cooking on lower heat allows for a more blended flavor.
How to Store Butter Chicken
If you have leftovers, you can store butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often deepen and improve as they sit. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if necessary to loosen the sauce. You may also freeze butter chicken for longer storage. Before freezing, let it cool completely and place it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the reheating instructions.
Variations of Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is quite versatile and can be modified to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:
Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with tofu or paneer. You can marinate and cook them in the same way as the chicken for a delicious vegetarian option.
Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or peas into the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Butter Chicken: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, add more chili powder or include green chilies during the cooking process.
Butter Chicken Pizza: Spread the butter chicken sauce over pizza dough, top with cheese, and bake for an exciting twist.
Butter Chicken Soup: Transform your butter chicken into a soup by adding more broth and blending it for a creamy, spicy soup version.
Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Chicken
What is Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish made with marinated chicken cooked in a spiced tomato and cream sauce. It is often served with rice or bread.
Is Butter Chicken Spicy?
Butter chicken is typically mild to medium in spice, making it approachable for those who may not enjoy overly spicy dishes. You can always adjust the heat to your preference.
What Can I Serve with Butter Chicken?
Famous side dishes include basmati rice, naan, or roti. You may also enjoy it alongside a fresh salad or vegetable dish.
How Long Does Butter Chicken Last?
In the refrigerator, butter chicken can last for about three days. It also freezes well for longer storage.
Can I Make Butter Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes! Butter chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting for a while.
Butter Chicken
Equipment
- Large Frying Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
- ½ cup full-fat plain yoghurt
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 tsp. turmeric powder
- 2 tsp. garam masala
- ½ tsp. chili powder or cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 Tbsp. freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 1.5 lbs. chicken thigh fillets cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 Tbsp. ghee or butter or 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 cup tomato passata (tomato puree)
- 1 cup heavy or thickened cream
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
- 1¼ tsp. salt
- Basmati rice or white rice for serving
- fresh coriander or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine yoghurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, ginger, and garlic. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Heat ghee or butter in a large frying pan over high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess, and sear for about 3 minutes until the chicken is white on the outside.
- Add tomato passata, heavy cream, sugar, salt, and any leftover marinade to the pan. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust salt if necessary. Garnish with fresh coriander or cilantro if desired. Serve with basmati rice or naan.
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