Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian dish that has won the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Its velvety tomato-based gravy and tender chicken pieces are a testament to the rich and diverse culinary traditions of India. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the history, ingredients, and a step-by-step preparation of the quintessential Butter Chicken recipe.
A Taste of History
Butter Chicken’s roots can be traced back to the bustling streets of Delhi, India, in the mid-20th century. It is said to have been created by Kundan Lal Gujral, the founder of the famous restaurant Moti Mahal, who aimed to repurpose leftover tandoori chicken by simmering it in a luxurious tomato and butter sauce. Today, it stands as a symbol of India’s culinary excellence, celebrated not just in the country but around the globe.
The name “Butter Chicken” is enough to make you crave this amazing traditional Indian dish. Indians and visitors enjoy butter chicken, especially those who want to try real Indian food. There are numerous stories about how this dish was made, but most historians concur that Moti Mahal’s kitchens were where the famous Butter Chicken was first developed. This Butter Chicken recipe is delicious and simple to make. Ingredients for a recipe for butter chicken made at a restaurant:
Butter Chicken Recipe Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 500g boneless chicken pieces
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 cup cashew nuts, soaked and blended into a smooth paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Butter Chicken Preparation
1. Marinating the Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and vegetable oil.
- Add the boneless chicken pieces and coat them well with the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results) to allow the flavors to infuse.
- You can also use MDH Butter Chicken Recipe Masala for marination.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or broiler.
- Use skewers to grill the marinated chicken.
- Grill or broil the chicken until it’s cooked and has a nice char on the outside. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skewers and set it aside.
3. Making the Gravy:
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.Add the chopped onions or onion’s paste and fry until they turn light golden brown in color.
- Also add ginger-garlic paste and cook until the ginger-garlic smell disappears.
- Add the tomato puree and cook until the mixture thickens and the oil starts to separate from the tomatoes. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
- Reduce the heat and add red chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Cook for a few minutes until the spices are well incorporated.
- Stir in the cashew nut paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the gravy is smooth and creamy.
- Add salt to taste and water for your prefer butter chicken gravy consistency.
- Add the grilled chicken pieces to the gravy and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the Butter Chicken Recipe with fresh cilantro leaves and a drizzle of melted butter.
- Serves with steamed rice or butter naan.
Also Read, Fried Chicken Pakoda Recipe
Notes
- This is a traditional chicken meal that is best when served hot. Just before serving, you can add some cream and green chilies as a garnish.
- You’ll never run out of possibilities because we offer so many different Indian chicken curry recipes.
- Our delicious Low Fat Butter Chicken Recipe covers you if you’re a health-conscious chicken fan.
- Simply substituting paneer for the chicken in the recipe would make it vegetarian. To make sure the paneer has enough flavor before cooking it in the oven or tandoor, marinate it for an additional 5 to 6 hours.
Butter Chicken, with its luscious gravy and tender chicken, is a testament to the rich and diverse culinary traditions of India. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is a must-try. It embodies the perfect balance of flavors, blending the richness of cream and butter with the warmth of spices. As you savor each bite of this creamy delight, you’ll experience the essence of Indian cuisine and its ability to captivate taste buds around the world. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a culinary adventure to create the ultimate Butter Chicken Recipe at home.
