Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a flavorful blend of spices, resulting in a satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with rice or naan.
The cooking process is straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks. You can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste and serve it with various sides.
Understanding Butter Chicken
Butter chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a beloved dish that hails from Indian cuisine. Known for its creamy texture and rich flavor, this dish has captured the hearts of many around the globe.
The combination of tender chicken pieces simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce creates a delightful experience for the taste buds. The blend of spices used in the preparation adds depth and warmth, making it a comforting meal.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The key to a great butter chicken lies in its ingredients. Using boneless chicken thighs ensures that the meat remains juicy and tender throughout the cooking process. Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices not only enhances the flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat.
Fresh ingredients like garlic, ginger, and onions contribute to the aromatic profile of the dish. The addition of heavy cream at the end creates that signature creamy texture that butter chicken is famous for.
The Cooking Process
Preparing butter chicken is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in about an hour. The first step involves marinating the chicken, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Once marinated, the chicken is sautéed until browned, followed by the addition of tomato puree and spices. This mixture simmers, allowing the flavors to develop further before the cream is stirred in, resulting in a rich sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Butter chicken is best enjoyed with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan, which helps to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of pickled vegetables can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
Garnishing with fresh cilantro not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of freshness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Creating the Perfect Atmosphere
When serving butter chicken, presentation plays a significant role. A rustic table setting can enhance the overall dining experience, making it feel warm and inviting.
Consider using traditional Indian serving dishes to add authenticity. A small bowl of extra curry sauce on the side allows guests to customize their meal according to their preference.
Enjoying Butter Chicken at Home
This dish is not only a favorite in restaurants but can also be easily recreated at home. With a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, anyone can enjoy a delicious plate of butter chicken.
Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, butter chicken is sure to impress. The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying meal that brings everyone together around the table.
Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
This butter chicken features marinated chicken cooked in a creamy tomato sauce with a mix of spices. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken pieces, mix well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
- Add Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the tomato puree and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 480kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 12g