Butter Chicken

This Butter Chicken is the perfect combination of creamy, savory flavors with a slight hint of spice, making it a satisfying and comforting dish. The rich sauce made with tomatoes and cream coats the tender pieces of chicken beautifully, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.

Pair it with warm naan bread or fluffy rice to soak up the flavorful sauce and create the perfect meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The easy preparation makes it perfect for weeknight dinners, yet it’s flavorful enough for special occasions.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 cup tomato puree

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Stir in the garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Add the cubed chicken breast to the pan, and cook until browned on all sides.

5. Mix in the garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and cumin, and cook for another 2 minutes.

6. Pour in the tomato puree, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.

7. Stir in the heavy cream, and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

8. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Butter Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Butter Chicken, also known as “Murgh Makhani,” is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine. This rich, flavorful, and creamy curry has captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide. The combination of tender chicken cooked in a velvety sauce made from tomatoes, butter, and cream creates a mouth-watering experience that is hard to resist. Whether you’re new to Indian food or a seasoned fan, Butter Chicken is a dish that guarantees to satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul.

In this article, we’ll dive into the history of Butter Chicken, explain the essential ingredients, offer tips for preparing the dish, and provide you with all the details you need to make the perfect Butter Chicken at home.

The History of Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken was born in the heart of India, specifically in Delhi, during the 1950s. The story goes that the dish was created by the owners of the famous Indian restaurant, Moti Mahal. The chefs, while preparing tandoori chicken, found that some leftover chicken was dry and lacked the desired moisture. To prevent the chicken from going to waste, they decided to cook it in a rich, buttery tomato sauce, and thus Butter Chicken was born.

Since its creation, Butter Chicken has become a cornerstone of Indian cuisine, often served with naan bread or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. While its origins are in North India, the dish has spread to various parts of the world, evolving with local tastes and ingredient availability. Today, Butter Chicken is a dish that represents Indian cuisine globally.

What Makes Butter Chicken So Special?

What makes Butter Chicken stand out is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sauce, made from tomatoes, butter, cream, and a blend of aromatic Indian spices, gives the dish its signature creamy texture and rich taste. The chicken, typically marinated in yogurt and spices before being cooked, becomes tender and infused with the flavors of the marinade, making it a juicy and flavorful protein. The mild spiciness of the dish is another factor that contributes to its popularity, as it’s not overwhelmingly hot, but instead full of warm, earthy flavors.

Key Ingredients for Butter Chicken

To make the best Butter Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used, as they are easy to cook and absorb the flavors well. Some people also use thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.

• Butter: The key ingredient that gives the dish its name. Butter creates the creamy texture of the sauce and adds a richness that is essential to the flavor profile.

• Onions: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.

• Garlic & Ginger: These two aromatic ingredients bring bold, savory flavors that enhance the dish’s overall taste.

• Spices: Garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder are the core spices used to flavor the dish. These spices are what give Butter Chicken its distinctive flavor and warmth.

• Tomatoes: The base of the sauce is made from tomato puree, which adds both sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the butter and cream.

• Cream: Heavy cream is used to make the sauce silky and smooth, while giving the dish its signature creamy texture.

• Fresh Cilantro: This is used as a garnish to add freshness and color to the final dish.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken

While making Butter Chicken at home is relatively easy, there are a few tips to ensure the best results:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken is key to achieving tender and flavorful meat. Use a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices (such as garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder) to tenderize and infuse the chicken with deep flavors. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for best results, overnight.

2. Sauté the Onions and Aromatics: Properly sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger ensures that they become soft and caramelized, which enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce. Don’t rush this step just allow the onions to soften and become golden before adding the spices.

3. Simmer the Sauce: After adding the tomato puree and spices, it’s important to simmer the sauce for a few minutes to develop the flavors. Don’t skip this step, as it allows the spices to bloom and gives the sauce a rich, well-balanced flavor.

4. Adjust the Spice Level: Butter Chicken is traditionally not very spicy, but you can adjust the level of heat according to your preference. If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra chili powder or fresh chilies. If you want it milder, reduce the chili powder or omit it entirely.

5. Use Full-Fat Cream: For the best texture and flavor, use full-fat cream. This will give the sauce a rich, velvety texture that is essential to the dish’s mouth-watering taste.

6. Serve with Naan or Rice: Butter Chicken is best served with freshly baked naan bread or steamed basmati rice. The naan is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce, while the rice complements the dish by absorbing the flavors.

Butter Chicken Variations

While the classic Butter Chicken recipe is delicious on its own, there are many variations you can try to customize the dish to suit your preferences:

• Vegetarian Butter Chicken: Replace the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu for a vegetarian version. The creamy tomato sauce complements the mild flavor of these proteins beautifully.

• Butter Chicken with Cashews: For added richness, you can blend in some cashews or cashew paste into the sauce. This makes the dish even creamier and adds a subtle nutty flavor.

• Keto Butter Chicken: For those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream, and serve the dish with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or naan.

Pairing Butter Chicken with Sides

Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Naan Bread: Soft, pillowy naan bread is a classic side dish for Butter Chicken. Use plain, garlic, or butter naan for extra flavor.

• Rice: Basmati rice is the ideal accompaniment, as its long grains complement the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Raita: A cooling yogurt-based raita (made with cucumber, mint, and spices) pairs beautifully with the spiciness of Butter Chicken.

• Salad: A simple cucumber and onion salad with lemon juice and cilantro can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich curry.

Storing and Reheating Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the dish to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency. You can reheat the dish in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken is a dish that is loved by people all around the world, and for good reason. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a creamy tomato sauce makes it one of the most comforting and delicious meals you can prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, Butter Chicken is sure to impress. With the tips and tricks shared in this article, you’ll be able to create a perfect version of this iconic dish at home.

So next time you’re craving something rich and flavorful, make a batch of Butter Chicken and enjoy the indulgent, satisfying meal that everyone loves.