butter chicken recipe

Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish known for its rich and creamy texture, along with a delightful tomato-based sauce. Here’s a simple recipe to make butter chicken at home:

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500 grams (about 1 lb) boneless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon oil (optional)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1-2 green chilies, slit (optional, adjust for spice)
• 400 grams (14 oz) canned tomatoes (or tomato puree)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt to taste.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator for more flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. You can grill, bake, or pan-fry the marinated chicken. For best results, grill/bake the chicken at 200°C (about 400°F) for 15-20 minutes until cooked through, or until it has nice char marks.
2. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a large pan, heat butter (and oil, if using) over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the canned tomatoes (or tomato puree) and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the mixture thickens and the oil starts to separate from the sauce.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and sugar (if using) and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce and mix well. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust salt to taste.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
2. Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.

Enjoy Your Butter Chicken!

Feel free to adjust spices and ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this delicious dish with your favorite accompaniments.