Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most popular Indian dishes worldwide. This creamy, mildly spiced curry is perfect for pairing with naan or basmati rice. If you want to prepare an authentic butter chicken at home, follow this step-by-step guide.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g boneless chicken (preferably thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oil
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (pureed)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cashews (soaked and blended into a paste)
- 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients together.
- Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for the best flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan or grill.
- Cook the marinated chicken on medium heat until slightly charred and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce
- Heat butter and oil in a pan.
- Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
- Sauté onions until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant.
- Add pureed tomatoes, chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric, garam masala, and sugar.
- Cook until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens.
- Blend the sauce using an immersion blender for a smooth texture.
- Add cashew paste and mix well.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add cooked chicken to the sauce and mix well.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently.
- Add salt to taste and a little water if the sauce is too thick.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serving Suggestions
| Accompaniment | Description |
|---|---|
| Naan | Soft, buttery Indian flatbread |
| Basmati Rice | Fragrant, long-grain rice |
| Roti | Whole wheat Indian bread |
| Jeera Rice | Cumin-flavored rice |
Tips for the Best Butter Chicken
- Use thigh meat: Chicken thighs remain juicy and tender.
- Marinate longer: The longer the chicken marinates, the better the flavor.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and spices enhance the taste.
- Cashew paste adds richness: This gives the dish a creamy texture.
- Simmer on low heat: This helps the flavors blend well.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs remain juicier. If using chicken breast, be careful not to overcook.
2. How do I store leftover butter chicken?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, replace butter with oil and heavy cream with coconut milk.
4. Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly to retain texture.
Enjoy your homemade authentic butter chicken with your favorite Indian sides!