Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish that originated in the city of Delhi. The dish is made with marinated chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based gravy, seasoned with various spices, and finished with a dollop of butter. The dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the marinade:
2 lbs boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp ginger paste
1 tbsp garlic paste
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
For the gravy:
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp oil
1 tbsp ginger paste
1 tbsp garlic paste
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp chili powder
1 can of tomato puree (14 oz)
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp sugar
Salt to taste
For garnishing:
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, mix together all of the marinade ingredients until well combined. Add the chicken pieces and mix well, making sure each piece is coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spread the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. Set aside.
Add the cooked chicken to the gravy and mix well. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the gravy is bubbly.
Step 5: Garnishing
Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the chopped cilantro and cook for a minute until fragrant. Drizzle the butter-cilantro mixture over the butter chicken. Finish with a swirl of heavy cream and serve hot with naan or rice.
Nutrition
The following nutrition information is for one serving of butter chicken (based on a yield of 6 servings):
Calories: 526
Protein: 30g
Fat: 41g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Sugar: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 796mg
Conclusion
Butter Chicken is a classic Indian dish that is loved by people all around the world. With its creamy, flavorful gravy and tender chicken pieces, it's no wonder why this dish is so popular. Whether you're a fan of Indian cuisine or just looking to try something new, give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.