Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish that has become a favorite around the world. It is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish that is perfect for dinner parties or a cozy night in.

We’ll cover the history of butter chicken, the ingredients you’ll need, and the step-by-step process to create the perfect dish.

History of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, was created in the early 20th century by a chef named Kundan Lal Gujral in Delhi, India.

The dish was created when Gujral decided to repurpose leftover tandoori chicken by cooking it in a tomato-based gravy with butter and cream.

The result was a delicious, creamy chicken dish that quickly became popular in his restaurant and throughout India.

Butter Chicken Recipe At Home

This Butter Chicken Recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds with its rich and creamy sauce and tender chicken.

Our recipe is easy to follow and will have you enjoying this classic Indian dish in no time. Impress your friends and family with this flavorful recipe that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

To make butter chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt, to taste

Marinating the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, and salt.
2. Add the chicken to the bowl and mix until the chicken is coated with the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

Making the Sauce

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.
4. Add the cumin, coriander, garam masala, chili powder, and turmeric, and cook for another minute.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and cilantro and cook for another minute.
8. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and place the marinated chicken pieces on the sheet.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the oven and set aside.

Combining the Sauce and Chicken

1. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir until the chicken is coated with the sauce.
2. Return the pan to medium heat and cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the flavors have melded together.

Serving Suggestions

Butter chicken is traditionally served with naan bread, but it can also be served with rice or other types of bread. You can also garnish the dish with additional cilantro or a dollop of yogurt.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat the sauce before adding the cooked chicken.
3. Can I freeze butter chicken? Yes, you can freeze butter chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. Can I make instant pot butter chicken recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of butter chicken by substituting the chicken with paneer, tofu, or vegetables such as cauliflower or potatoes.
5. Is creamy butter chicken recipe spicy? Butter chicken is typically not very spicy, but you can adjust the amount of chili powder to make it more or less spicy depending on your taste preferences.
6. Can I make authentic indian butter chicken recipe without cream? Yes, you can make a lighter version of butter chicken by substituting the heavy cream with coconut milk or yogurt.
7. Can I use store-bought tandoori chicken instead of marinating the chicken myself? Yes, you can use store-bought tandoori chicken instead of marinating the chicken yourself to save time.
8. What other spices can I add to the sauce to customize the flavor? You can experiment with adding spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, or fenugreek to the sauce to give it a unique flavor.

Conclusion

Simple butter chicken recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that is easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to please.

So next time you’re in the mood for some Indian food, give this butter chicken recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!