Introduction to Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a rich and creamy Indian dish that has won hearts worldwide. Originating from the kitchens of Delhi, this dish features tender chicken pieces marinated in spices and yogurt, cooked in a velvety tomato-based sauce enriched with butter and cream. The combination of smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors makes Butter Chicken a standout dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned fan, this recipe will guide you through making restaurant-quality Butter Chicken at home.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Butter Chicken recipe is easy to follow, uses accessible ingredients, and delivers a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The creamy tomato sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic spices create a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and indulgent. Plus, it’s highly customizable—you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this Butter Chicken is sure to impress.

---

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Butter Chicken at home:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 pound boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tomatoes (pureed)
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Salt (to taste)

For Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh cilantro (chopped)

---

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and lemon juice.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they’re well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Grill or Pan-Fry: Grill the marinated chicken on a barbecue or pan-fry in a skillet until lightly charred and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat Butter and Oil: In a large pan, heat butter and oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
3. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add Spices: Add cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
5. Add Tomato Puree: Stir in the tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Add Chicken: Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce and mix well.
2. Simmer: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

1. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and kasuri methi. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and spices if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Add Butter: Stir in a tablespoon of butter for extra richness.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
3. Serve: Enjoy hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

---

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g

---

Health Benefits of Butter Chicken

While Butter Chicken is an indulgent dish, it offers several health benefits when made with wholesome ingredients:

1. High-Quality Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which supports muscle repair and growth.
2. Antioxidants: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that promotes heart health.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Spices: Turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Healthy Fats: Butter and cream provide healthy fats that are essential for brain function.

---

Ending Notes and Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and herbs will enhance the flavor of the dish.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour ensures it’s flavorful and tender.
3. Adjust Spice Level: Reduce the amount of red chili powder if you prefer a milder dish.
4. Serve Immediately: Butter Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, as the flavors are most vibrant when hot.
5. Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to maintain the texture.