Discover the Flavours of India with Our Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Welcome to Recipecs, your ultimate destination for discovering and perfecting delectable dishes from around the world. Today, we're taking a delightful detour to India with our Indian Butter Chicken Recipe. This classic dish, known for its rich, creamy texture and aromatic spices, is a beloved staple that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of food enthusiasts everywhere. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, this guide will help you recreate an authentic Butter Chicken experience right in your kitchen.

What Makes Indian Butter Chicken Special?

Indian Butter Chicken, or 'Murgh Makhani' as it is known in its native land, is more than just a meal—it's a culinary journey. Originating from the northern regions of India, particularly Delhi, this dish embodies the essence of Indian cuisine with its indulgent combination of spices and creamy tomato sauce.

Butter Chicken gained its popularity in the 1950s at the Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi, where it was created by chefs who were looking for a way to use leftover tandoori chicken. The result was a dish that perfectly balances the tang of tomatoes with the richness of butter and cream, creating a flavour profile that is both comforting and complex.

Ingredients You'll Need

To create a mouth-watering Indian Butter Chicken, you'll need a variety of ingredients that come together to produce that signature taste. Here’s what you'll require:

For the Marinade:

• 500g of chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 200g natural yoghurt

• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust to taste)

• 100ml heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Salt to taste

• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

For Serving:

• Basmati rice

• Naan bread

Preparing the Marinade

Start by marinating the chicken, which is a crucial step for ensuring the meat is tender and flavourful. In a large bowl, combine the yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, paprika, and salt. Mix well to form a thick paste. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavours to infuse deeply into the chicken.

Cooking the Chicken

Once marinated, the chicken is ready to be cooked. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces, cooking them until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Making the Sauce

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onions until they are golden brown and soft. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the crushed tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing them to reduce slightly. Then, stir in the ground coriander, cumin, garam masala, paprika, and red chilli powder. Cook the mixture for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil begins to separate from the tomato paste.

Reduce the heat to low and add the cream, mixing it into the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken and develop the flavours. Stir in the butter, which adds that signature richness to the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Allow it to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is well-coated and heated through.

Serving Your Indian Butter Chicken

Indian Butter Chicken is best enjoyed with fluffy basmati rice and warm naan bread. The rice serves as a perfect base to soak up the rich sauce, while the naan is ideal for scooping up every last bit of the creamy goodness.

To serve, garnish the Butter Chicken with freshly chopped coriander leaves. This not only adds a pop of colour but also enhances the flavour with its fresh, herbal notes.

Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken

1. Marinate Overnight: For the most flavourful and tender chicken, let it marinate overnight. This allows the spices to fully penetrate the meat.

2. Adjust Spice Levels: The amount of red chilli powder can be adjusted based on your spice preference. If you prefer a milder dish, start with less and add more if needed.

3. Use Full-Fat Cream: For the richest, most authentic taste, use heavy cream rather than a lighter alternative.

4. Finishing Touches: A dollop of extra butter stirred into the sauce just before serving can enhance the richness and flavour.

Conclusion

Our Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is your passport to a taste sensation that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of India. The combination of tender chicken simmered in a luxurious tomato-based sauce with a blend of aromatic spices and a touch of butter creates a dish that's both comforting and indulgent. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving a hearty meal, this recipe promises to deliver an unforgettable dining experience.