Indian Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a popular creamy and flavorful Indian dish that originated in Delhi in the 1950s. The step-by-step recipe includes marinating boneless chicken thighs in yogurt and spices, cooking them in butter, and preparing a creamy tomato sauce with onions and heavy cream. The dish is then combined and simmered to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with cilantro and serve with naan or rice for a delicious meal. Customize the recipe by adjusting spices or adding vegetables for a unique twist on this classic Indian dish. Enjoy impressing friends and family with your homemade Indian Butter Chicken!
Mastering the Art of Indian Butter Chicken: A Step-by-Step Recipe
Introduction
Indian Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish that is creamy, flavorful, and utterly delicious. This dish originated in the 1950s at the Moti Mahal Restaurant in Delhi, India. It has since become a staple in Indian cuisine and is enjoyed by people all over the world. If you want to learn how to make this mouthwatering dish at home, then follow our step-by-step recipe below!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder, chili powder, cumin, garam masala, and salt.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them well.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until it is soft and translucent.
- Add the tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Add the cooked chicken pieces back to the skillet with the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
- Serve hot with naan or rice.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade Indian Butter Chicken!
Now that you have mastered the art of making Indian Butter Chicken, you can impress your friends and family with this flavorful and authentic dish. Feel free to customize the recipe by adjusting the spices or adding more vegetables. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this delicious Indian classic!