Butter chicken, a popular dish in Indian cuisine, is known for its creamy texture, tomato-based gravy, and a blend of aromatic spices. The dish originated in northern India and is made by marinating chicken in a blend of spices and yogurt, then cooking it in a tomato-based gravy rich in butter. The simple step-by-step guide to making butter chicken at home includes marinating the chicken in a yogurt and spice mixture, then sautéing onion, garlic, and ginger before adding the chicken and marinade to the pan. After cooking, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and honey are added to complete the dish.

A Journey Through the Flavors of Indian Butter Chicken

Introduction

Indian cuisine is known all around the globe for its rich flavors, complex spices, and bold textures. One of the most popular and loved dishes of Indian cuisine is butter chicken. The dish is known for its creamy texture, tomato-based gravy, and a blend of aromatic spices.

Butter chicken originated in northern India, specifically in the state of Punjab. The dish is made by marinating tender chicken in a blend of spices and yogurt, and then cooking it in a tomato-based gravy rich in butter.

In this article, we will take a trip to explore the flavors of butter chicken, and also learn how to make this delicious dish step-by-step.

Ingredients

The ingredients needed to make butter chicken are:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup plain Greek Yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Step by Step Guide to Make Butter Chicken

Marinating the chicken

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, and toss to coat the chicken evenly.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours.

Cooking the Butter Chicken

5. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
6. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger to the pan and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
7. Add the paprika, cinnamon, and chili powder to the pan and sauté for another minute.
8. Add the marinated chicken to the pan, along with any remaining marinade. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
9. Add the crushed tomatoes to the saucepan and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and let the mixture cook for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
10. Add the heavy cream and honey to the pan, and stir to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes.
11. Remove from the heat and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

Conclusion

Butter chicken is one of the tastiest and most popular dishes of Indian cuisine. The dish has a rich and creamy texture that is loaded with a variety of aromatic spices. This dish is perfect for those who want to explore the flavors of Indian cuisine or who want to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal.

Making butter chicken at home is not as complicated as it may seem. You just need to follow the simple steps mentioned above and you will be able to prepare this delicious dish in no time. So, get ready to embark on a journey through the flavors of Indian butter chicken from the comfort of your own kitchen!