Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe: How to Make the Famous Indian Dish at Home

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani in Hindi) is an iconic Indian dish prized for its rich and creamy flavors. First invented in Delhi and quickly spreading around the globe, its recipe boasts bold spices balanced by a velvety tomato-based sauce. This guide will walk you through each step necessary to craft delicious Butter Chicken at home, recreating its authentic tastes and textures.

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History and Origins of Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken first emerged in the 1950s in Delhi’s Moti Mahal restaurant under Kundan Lal Gujral’s leadership, where chefs discovered an innovative way of using leftover tandoori chicken by adding it into a smooth buttery tomato sauce and creating what has since become an international classic dish. Today, butter chicken remains an icon of Indian cuisine, with aromatic spices balanced by its delectable sauce.

List of Ingredients and Their Importance

Chicken

Thighs or breasts marinated with yogurt and spices to add rich flavors, tenderizing and infusing the meat with deep flavors for maximum results in terms of both tenderness and juicy texture. Marination ensures perfect complementation to the creamy sauce!

Yogurt and Cream

Yogurt adds depth of flavor while softening the chicken, while heavy cream adds richness, giving butter chicken its signature smooth texture.

Tomatoes

An integral ingredient for sauce, tomatoes provide the foundation of this classic Italian dish. Freshly pureed or quality canned tomatoes create the ideal balance of tartness and sweetness necessary for an authentic sauce taste.

Spices

Spices Cumin, coriander, turmeric and garam masala add complex layers of flavor to this dish. Before toasting them to release their natural oils and deepen the sauce even more.

Home Prep Butter Chicken at Home

Butter Chicken can seem complex, but following these steps will ensure delicious results that are both authentic and delectable. Remember: the key to restaurant-grade flavor lies in patience, careful seasoning, and gradual cooking.

Step 1: Marinating the Chicken

1. Ingredients for Marinade:
   • 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken, cut into pieces
   • 1/2 cup yogurt
   • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
   • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
   • 1 tsp ground turmeric
   • 1 teaspoon . Kashmiri red chili powder
   • Salt to taste
2. Salt to taste Instructions:
   • Combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, and salt in a large bowl and whisk until all of the ingredients have been thoroughly mixed.
   • Add the chicken pieces, making sure all pieces are evenly coated with seasonings. Cover and marinate at least an hour, or for optimal flavor depth, up to 24 hours in total.

Step 2: Searing the Chicken

• Start by placing the oil in a saucepan over low heat.
• Add marinated chicken and cook until it has turned golden-brown all over; this process will seal in its flavors while giving the chicken an irresistibly charred exterior.
• Removing and setting aside the chicken will enable its final cooking to occur within its sauce.

Step 3: Making the Sauce

1. Ingredients for Sauce:
   • 3 tablespoons butter
   • 1 large onion, finely chopped
   • 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
   • 1 cup tomato puree
   • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
   • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
   • 1 tsp garam masala
   • Salt to taste
   • 3/4 cup heavy cream
   • 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
2. Instructions:
   • Melt butter in a deep skillet over medium-low heat, add chopped onions and cook until golden-brown in color.
   • Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant.
   • Add tomato puree and cook for 15 minutes until the mixture thickens up.
   • Add ground coriander, cumin, garam masala and salt and combine thoroughly for optimal results.

Step 4: Combining the Chicken and Sauce

• Add the seared chicken pieces, with any juices remaining from their searing, into the sauce.
• Pour in the heavy cream and continue stirring until your sauce has reached a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Allow the butter chicken to simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, so its flavors can blend fully.
• Add fennek leaves for an earthy and aromatic finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve butter chicken hot, with fresh cilantro as garnish. It pairs perfectly with:

• Basmati Rice: Basmati’s aromatic grains soak up the creamy sauce perfectly, creating an exquisite balance for this classic Asian dish.
• Naan: Soft and pillowy naan bread makes the ideal vessel to absorb all that flavorful sauce!
• Raita: Raita is an eye-catching yogurt side dish that pairs beautifully with the fiery flavors found in Butter Chicken.

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Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken

• Marinate Your Chicken Properly: The longer chicken marinates, the juicier and more flavorful it becomes.
• Don’t Rush Your Sauce: Allowing the tomato base to simmer slowly will both deepen its flavor and decrease acidity levels.
• Adjust Spices: For milder flavors, reduce the chili powder content; for a higher heat level, try adding fresh green chilis to the sauce.

Common Variations

1. Cashew-Cream Base: For a richer, slightly sweeter sauce, consider replacing heavy cream with cashew paste for an alternative cashew-cream base recipe.
2. Coconut Milk Substitute: For an easily dairy-free version, switch out cream for coconut milk for a subtle tropical flair and subtle tropical taste.
3. Vegetarian Option: Switch out chicken for vegetarian-friendly paneer (Indian cheese) or vegetables such as cauliflower and potatoes for an ideal dish.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fat: 38g
• Fiber: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is butter chicken sauce made of?
The signature butter chicken sauce combines rich tomato base with heavy cream and authentic Indian spices, perfect for a hearty dinner. At its core, the sauce starts with pureed tomatoes, simmered with butter and aromatic spices like garam masala, turmeric, and kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves). Fresh cream and butter are added near the end of cooking, creating a silky-smooth texture. The sauce gets its depth from caramelized onions, minced garlic, and ginger, while a touch of honey or sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

What is chicken butter made of?
Butter chicken begins with marinated chicken pieces, traditionally using yogurt, lemon juice, and a blend of spices. The chicken is first marinated in this mixture for 4-24 hours, ensuring tender, flavorful meat. The marinade typically includes red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and ginger-garlic paste. After marination, the chicken is traditionally cooked in a tandoor or grilled before being added to the rich sauce, where it continues to absorb flavors while simmering.

Are tikka masala and butter chicken the same?
While similar in appearance, butter chicken and tikka masala have distinct differences in origin and preparation. Butter chicken originated in Delhi, India, featuring a sweeter, creamier sauce with a tomato-based gravy. Chicken tikka masala, believed to have been created in the UK, typically has a spicier, more complex flavor profile with a greater emphasis on tomato and spices. The butter chicken sauce is smoother and more buttery, while tikka masala tends to be more aromatic with a tangier taste.

What are 3 nutrients found in grilled butter chicken?
Butter chicken provides significant protein from the chicken breast, with approximately 25-30g per serving. The dish is rich in healthy fats from cream and butter, providing essential vitamins A and D. Additionally, the spices contribute important minerals and antioxidants – turmeric offers curcumin with anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger provides immune-boosting compounds. The tomato-based sauce also provides vitamin C and potassium.

Can I make butter chicken without cashews?
Making butter chicken without cashews is entirely possible while maintaining its signature creamy texture. Instead of cashews, you can achieve the desired richness by increasing the amount of heavy cream or using Greek yogurt. Some cooks substitute almonds or poppy seeds, while others rely on additional butter and cream to achieve the classic consistency. The key is adjusting the other ingredients to maintain the sauce’s signature smooth, rich texture.

What does butter chicken taste like?
Butter chicken offers a harmonious blend of flavors – mildly spiced, creamy, and slightly sweet with a subtle tanginess. The sauce has a velvety texture that coats each piece of tender chicken perfectly. Unlike many Indian curries, it’s not particularly spicy, instead focusing on a rich, balanced flavor profile where the tomato and cream create a smooth base for the aromatic spices. The addition of butter adds a luxurious richness, while the fenugreek leaves contribute a unique maple-like sweetness that’s characteristic of this beloved dish.

While making Butter Chicken at home may seem intimidating, following these steps will bring its essence right to your table. Each element—from tender marinated chicken to velvety sauce—contributes to creating this delectable classic in Indian cuisine. Take your time, enjoy the cooking process, and relish its rich, aromatic flavors that have made this timeless classic an enduring favorite in foodie culture worldwide!