Butter Chicken Recipe: A Culinary Delight

Butter Chicken Recipe is a beloved dish in Indian cuisine, known for its rich, creamy, and flavorful profile. This dish, also known as Murgh Makhani, originated in Delhi and has gained international fame. Preparing a delicious Butter Chicken Recipe at home is simpler than you might think. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a restaurant-quality dish in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Butter Chicken

For the Marinade:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) boneless chicken (preferably thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 3-4 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• Salt to taste

Preparing the Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
   • Add the chicken pieces and mix well to coat evenly.
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
     
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet.
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges. Alternatively, you can grill the chicken on a stovetop grill pan.

Making the Sauce

1. Sauté the Onions:
   • In a large pan, heat the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
     
2. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste:
   • Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
     
3. Incorporate Tomato Puree:
   • Add the tomato puree and cook until the mixture thickens and the oil starts to separate from the sauce.
     
4. Spice it Up:
   • Mix in the red chili powder, garam masala, and coriander powder.
   • Cook for a few minutes to blend the spices with the tomato mixture.
     
5. Creamy Base:
   • Stir in the heavy cream and cook on low heat until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
   • Add kasuri methi by crushing it between your palms to release its aroma.
   • Season with honey or sugar and salt to balance the flavors.

Combining the Chicken and Sauce

1. Simmer the Chicken:
   • Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce.
   • Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
     
2. Finish the Dish:
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
   • Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice.

Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken

1. Use Thighs: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and remain tender and juicy compared to chicken breasts.
   
2. Char the Chicken: Achieving a slight char on the chicken pieces adds a smoky flavor that enhances the dish.
   
3. Balance the Flavors: Adjust the sweetness and saltiness to suit your taste. The combination of spices, cream, and honey/sugar should create a harmonious balance.

Variations of Butter Chicken

1. Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
   
2. Low-Fat Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to make a lighter sauce.
   
3. Instant Pot Butter Chicken: Use the sauté function for the initial steps and pressure cook the chicken and sauce together for quicker preparation.

Nutritional Information

A typical serving of Butter Chicken provides:

• Calories: 400-500 kcal (depending on the amount of cream and butter used)
• Protein: 25-30 grams
• Fat: 20-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams

Health Benefits

Butter Chicken is not just delicious but also provides several health benefits:

• Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
  
• Spices: The spices used in the recipe have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
  
• Ginger and Garlic: Both are known for their immune-boosting and digestive benefits.

Conclusion

Making Butter Chicken Recipe at home is a rewarding experience that brings the rich and creamy flavors of Indian cuisine to your dining table. Whether you enjoy it with naan, roti, or rice, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Follow these steps and tips to create a delicious and authentic Butter Chicken Recipe that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy the process and savor the delightful taste of this classic Indian dish.