This Indian Butter Chicken is the epitome of comfort food – rich, creamy, and packed with aromatic spices. The smooth texture of the sauce, combined with tender chicken, creates an unforgettable dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you serve it with basmati rice or warm naan bread, this dish promises to bring the flavors of India right into your home. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a regular in your weekly meal rotation, offering both spice and satisfaction in every bite.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1-inch piece of ginger, grated
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1 tablespoon garam masala
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1 teaspoon ground turmeric
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon ground paprika
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1 teaspoon ground coriander
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 cup tomato paste
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions:
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the onions are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the spices (garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, coriander, and chili powder) to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add tomato paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
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Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stir to coat in the sauce, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Indian Butter Chicken: A Flavorful Classic
Indian Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved and iconic dishes in Indian cuisine. Known for its rich, creamy texture and aromatic spices, this dish is a staple in Indian restaurants worldwide. While its origins are traced back to Delhi, India, its widespread popularity has turned it into a comfort food favorite in many households, making it a go-to dish for special occasions or just a hearty weeknight dinner.
At its core, Indian Butter Chicken is a flavorful and tender chicken curry cooked in a luscious tomato-based sauce, with the richness of cream, butter, and various spices. The balance of these ingredients creates a dish that’s simultaneously comforting, bold, and decadent. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned pro, Butter Chicken is a must-try recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
A Rich History Behind Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken is often regarded as a modern invention within Indian cuisine, with its origins rooted in the 1950s. The story goes that it was created by chance at the Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi. The chefs at the time had leftover tandoori chicken, which was too dry to serve on its own. To salvage the dish, they created a rich, buttery tomato-based sauce to coat the chicken, making it succulent and flavorful. The success of this dish led to its popularity, and today, Butter Chicken can be found on the menu of nearly every Indian restaurant across the world.
The creation of Butter Chicken was a pivotal moment in the evolution of Indian cuisine, combining traditional cooking techniques with the introduction of new, innovative methods. As a result, the dish quickly gained global acclaim, and it is now considered one of the best-loved dishes in the world.
What Makes Indian Butter Chicken Special?
Indian Butter Chicken is renowned for its creamy texture and complex flavors, which come from a combination of aromatic spices, fresh ingredients, and cooking techniques. The dish’s flavor profile is rich, savory, and slightly tangy, with an underlying sweetness that balances the heat from the spices. The key to this dish lies in its cooking method, where the chicken is first marinated and then cooked in a sauce made with tomatoes, butter, and cream. This sauce, which forms the heart of the dish, is what sets Butter Chicken apart from other curry dishes.
The spices in Butter Chicken are essential to its flavor, and they are what give it its depth and complexity. A traditional blend of spices like garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder bring a warming heat to the dish, while the use of ginger and garlic enhances its fragrant qualities. These spices are carefully balanced to create a harmonious flavor profile that’s both rich and nuanced.
In addition to the spices, the dish benefits from the creamy sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and tomatoes. This combination creates a velvety texture that perfectly complements the spices and chicken, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.
How to Make the Perfect Butter Chicken
Making Butter Chicken from scratch at home is not as complicated as it might seem, and with a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. The key to a flavorful Butter Chicken is in the marination and cooking process. Marinating the chicken before cooking allows it to absorb the spices, which infuses the meat with flavor and helps tenderize it. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful the dish will be.
The sauce, which is the soul of this dish, requires careful attention. It’s important to cook the onions, garlic, and ginger until they’re soft and aromatic before adding the spices. Cooking the spices in oil and butter is crucial because it releases their natural oils, which helps enhance their flavor. Once the sauce is ready, you add the cooked chicken to it and let it simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together. Finally, adding heavy cream and butter at the end ensures a rich and velvety texture.
While Butter Chicken is typically made with chicken thighs due to their tenderness and juiciness, you can also make it with chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. The key to a good Butter Chicken is to ensure the chicken is cooked just right so that it’s tender and juicy.
Serving Suggestions for Indian Butter Chicken
Indian Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Traditionally, it is served with basmati rice or naan bread. The fluffy rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, while the naan serves as a perfect vehicle for scooping up the rich, creamy dish. You can also serve it with paratha, a type of Indian flatbread, or roti for a more authentic experience.
For a complete meal, you can pair Butter Chicken with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh cucumber raita to balance out the richness of the curry. The cooling effect of raita provides a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the dish, making it the perfect accompaniment.
If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can also serve Butter Chicken with a simple side salad. The freshness of the vegetables will provide a nice contrast to the creamy, savory dish. You can even swap out the chicken for tofu or paneer for a vegetarian variation that still maintains the rich, creamy flavors.
Is Indian Butter Chicken Healthy?
While Butter Chicken is undeniably indulgent, it can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. The dish contains several nutritious ingredients, such as chicken, which is an excellent source of lean protein. The tomatoes in the sauce are rich in antioxidants, while the spices used in Butter Chicken—such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric—are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and health benefits.
However, due to the high content of butter and cream, Butter Chicken is not necessarily considered a light meal. If you’re looking to make a healthier version, there are a few substitutions you can try. For example, you can swap out heavy cream for coconut milk or yogurt to reduce the fat content. You can also use less butter or opt for ghee, which is a healthier alternative to traditional butter. Reducing the amount of cream and butter while still retaining the spices will help create a flavorful dish that is a little lighter but still just as delicious.
Conclusion
Indian Butter Chicken is a rich, comforting dish that never fails to impress. Its combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and aromatic spices makes it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. While it’s indulgent, it also has the versatility to be adapted to suit different dietary preferences and can be paired with various sides to complete your meal.
The beauty of Butter Chicken lies in its ability to balance flavors so harmoniously. It’s savory, slightly sweet, tangy, and spicy all at once, making it a complex and delightful dish to savor. With a bit of time and attention to detail, you can easily recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen, impressing your loved ones with the incredible flavors of India.
So next time you’re in the mood for something rich and flavorful, consider making Indian Butter Chicken. It’s the perfect way to bring the tastes of India into your home and enjoy a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, Butter Chicken is a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.