Butter chicken, or Murgh Makhani

Butter chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian dish celebrated for its rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken pieces. This dish is not only a favorite in Indian cuisine but also a beloved comfort food worldwide. This guide’ll explore how to make this deliciously seasoned butter chicken at home, complete with ingredients, cooking instructions, tips, and nutritional information.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works well)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 ½ tablespoons garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 14 oz (400 g) crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree)
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, combine the chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and ginger; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
   • Stir in garam masala and ground coriander; cook for another minute.
   • Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer for another 10 minutes until heated through and flavors meld together. Adjust seasoning with salt and sugar if desired.
5. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with naan or steamed basmati rice.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes (or overnight)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

Nutritional Information

This recipe serves about 4 people. Here’s an approximate breakdown of nutritional information per serving:

Tips and Notes

• Make Ahead: Prepare the marinade a day in advance for deeper flavor.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well; store in an airtight container for up to two months.
• Spice Level: Adjust chili powder according to your spice preference; you can add more for heat or reduce it for a milder dish.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

Butter chicken is a delightful dish that brings together a symphony of flavors in every bite. It’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. For more mouth-watering recipes like this one, don’t forget to purchase our eBook filled with delicious dishes!Also, pre-order our new cookbook “Deliciously Fit,” which focuses on weight loss and healthy meal options without compromising on taste! Transform your cooking experience today!