The Best Butter Chicken Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Hello there, foodies! Are you in the mood for some delectable Indian cuisine that will melt in your mouth? Well, today I have a recipe that will satisfy your cravings for sure. I present to you, the best butter chicken recipe you’ll ever try! This dish is a classic Indian favorite that has become popular all over the world. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with aromatic spices that will leave you wanting more.

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a North Indian dish that originated in the 1950s. It’s made by marinating chicken in yogurt and spices before grilling or roasting it. The chicken is then simmered in a tomato-based gravy that’s enriched with butter, cream, and a blend of flavorful spices such as ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The result is a dish that’s bold in taste and loaded with texture.

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How to Make Delicious Butter Chicken at Home

If you are a fan of Indian cuisine, chances are you have tried butter chicken at least once in your life. This popular dish is a creamy and rich curry that melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more. While it is easy to order takeout, making butter chicken at home is not as difficult as you might think. With a few spices and fresh ingredients, you can create a delicious and savory meal that your whole family will love.

Ingredients Needed

-1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
-1/4 cup plain yogurt
-1 tablespoon lemon juice
-1 teaspoon turmeric powder
-1 teaspoon chili powder
-1 teaspoon cumin powder
-1 teaspoon coriander powder
-1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
-1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
-1/4 teaspoon black pepper powder
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/4 cup unsalted butter
-1 onion, finely chopped
-2 garlic cloves, minced
-1 teaspoon grated ginger
-1 cup tomato puree
-1 cup heavy cream

Method of Preparation

1. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric powder, chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, cardamom powder, cinnamon powder, black pepper powder, and salt. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 2 minutes.

3. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Pour in the tomato puree and stir until everything is combined. Cover the skillet and let simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until everything is combined. Cover the skillet again and let simmer for another 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

5. Serve the butter chicken hot with rice or naan bread.

Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken

-If you prefer a less spicy version, reduce the amount of chili powder.
-Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
-If you are short on time, use pre-cut chicken to reduce prep time.
-If the sauce is too thick, add more heavy cream or chicken broth until the desired consistency is achieved.
-For a richer flavor, use ghee instead of butter.

Now that you know how to make delicious butter chicken at home, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get to cooking. This mouth-watering dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests. With a little bit of patience and practice, you’ll become a butter chicken-making expert in no time.

Why Butter Chicken is a Popular Dish

Origin of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is a famous North Indian dish, also known as Murg Makhani. The dish has originated in the 1950s in Delhi, India. The story behind the invention of this dish has many versions, but the most popular one is that it was accidentally invented by the legendary chef Kundan Lal Gujral. Kundan Lal Gujral owned a restaurant in Peshawar before the partition of India and Pakistan, where he used to cook tandoori chicken. After the partition, Kundan Lal Gujral migrated to Delhi and opened a restaurant. One day, he decided to experiment with the leftover tandoori chicken, and he added tomato gravy, butter, and cream. He then cooked it on low flame to make it tender and rich in flavor. The dish became an instant hit and popular because of its unique taste.

The Taste and Flavor

Butter chicken is known for its rich and creamy texture, mild spicy flavor, and perfect blend of spices. The dish is made of succulent chicken pieces, which are marinated in yogurt and spices and then grilled in a tandoor. The chicken pieces are then simmered in a tomato-based creamy gravy, made of butter, cream, and a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, garam masala, and fenugreek. The dish has a mild spicy taste, which can be adjusted based on personal preferences. The use of different spices and flavorings gives butter chicken a unique taste different from other chicken dishes. The dish is best served with naan bread or rice.

Butter Chicken and Cultural Impact

Butter chicken is not only a popular dish in India but has become a worldwide favorite. It has become a significant part of Indian cuisine and culture around the world. The dish has reached far beyond its country of origin and has become the face of Indian cuisine globally, appearing on the menus of restaurants worldwide. In many countries, Indian restaurants can be found on every street corner, and what is the one dish that everyone orders? Butter chicken, of course!
Moreover, Butter Chicken’s impact has created an avenue for Indian cuisine and culture to become more familiar to western audiences. The dish has become a symbol of the rich and varied flavors of Indian cuisine, and a significant cultural ambassador for Indian culture.

In conclusion, Butter Chicken is a popular Indian dish with a rich, creamy texture, and mild spicy flavor that has captured the taste buds of people across the world. Its origin story is fascinating, and its cultural significance is significant. It is a great dish to explore the flavors of Indian cuisine, one of the world’s most diverse and flavorful. Do give it a try!

Variations and Accompaniments

Paneer Butter Masala and Vegetarian Variations

It’s no secret that the creamy goodness of Butter Chicken is a favorite dish of food lovers around the world. However, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option or want to switch things up a bit, there are some great variations of this dish that you should try. For instance, Paneer Butter Masala, a vegetarian alternative to Butter Chicken, is gaining immense popularity among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

To make Paneer Butter Masala, we use cottage cheese instead of chicken, marinate it in yogurt and spices and then cook it in butter and creamy tomato gravy. The result is a delicious vegetarian dish that’s just as rich and creamy as the original Butter Chicken. You could also try Tofu Butter Masala or Mushroom Butter Masala if Paneer is not your thing. These variations are equally delicious and satisfying.

Accompaniments for Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is a dish that tastes best when accompanied by other complementary dishes. Whether you’re looking for something indulgent or simple, below are some sides that will enhance the flavors of Butter Chicken:

1. Naan Bread – A fluffy, flavorful naan bread is the perfect accompaniment to any Indian curry. It’s ideal for soaking up the sauce and spices and filling you up in the process.

2. Basmati Rice – A serving of fluffy, aromatic basmati rice makes for the perfect bed for the buttery chicken curry. It soaks up the flavors and adds richness to each bite.

3. Raita – Raita is a cooling condiment made with yogurt, grated cucumber, and spices. It’s a refreshing side that balances the heat and spice of the curry.

4. Salad – A simple side salad of sliced onions, cucumber and tomato with a squeeze of lemon juice, adds a refreshing crunch to the meal.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to presenting and serving Butter Chicken, there are several options that you can choose from. Below are some popular and creative ideas:

1. On a Platter – Arrange the Butter Chicken in a large serving dish with a generous sprinkling of fresh coriander leaves for a stunning presentation.

2. In a Bowl – Serve the chicken in individual bowls, accompanied by rice and naan bread.

3. Family Style – Place the Butter Chicken, rice, naan bread and sides on the table and let everyone dig in.

4. Appetizer Style – Use small bowls or mini dishes to serve bite-sized portions of Butter Chicken, topped with garnish and toasted nuts and raisins.

In conclusion, Butter Chicken is a versatile dish with several variations and complementing sides. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, there’s a delicious adaptation of this dish for you. And with the right sides and presentation, it can be an impressive and indulgent meal for any occasion.

Thanks for Reading!

We hope you enjoyed discovering the best butter chicken recipe out there and are ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spice levels and ingredients to make it your own. And if you have any tips or variations you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you in the comments!

Also, don’t forget to check out our website for more mouth-watering recipes and food-related articles. We strive to bring you the best content to help you take your culinary skills to the next level. Thanks again for reading and we hope to see you again soon!

FAQ

1. Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?

Absolutely! You can substitute boneless chicken thighs or breasts in this recipe.

2. Can I use less butter?

Yes, you can use less butter if you prefer. However, the butter adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Just make sure to store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat the sauce before adding the chicken.