Butter Chicken
Tender chicken in a mildly spiced, creamy tomato sauce.
Details
Ingredients
- 500g chicken thighs, cubed
- Yogurt and spices for marinade
- Sauce:
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 can tomato puree
- 1/2 cup cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- Garam masala, fenugreek leaves
Instructions
- 1
Marinate chicken. Grill or fry until cooked.
- 2
Sauté onion. Add spices and tomato.
- 3
Simmer 15 mins.
- 4
Blend sauce until smooth.
- 5
Stir in cream, butter, and chicken.
- 6
Serve with naan.
About This Recipe
A culinary legend born from the kitchens of Moti Mahal in Delhi during the 1950s, Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, stands as a testament to the brilliance of Indian comfort food. What makes this dish truly extraordinary is its delicate balance of rich, tangy tomato puree, a whisper of aromatic spices, and a luxurious finish of cream and butter, all cradling impossibly tender pieces of chicken. The magic begins with a strategic yogurt and spice marinade, which not only infuses flavor but also ensures the chicken remains succulent through cooking. The sauce itself is a masterpiece of slow simmering, allowing the diced onions, tomatoes, and key spices like garam masala to meld into a velvety, flavorful base. A crucial final touch is the inclusion of crushed fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi), which impart an unmistakable, nutty aroma that defines the dish. While traditionally made with chicken, variations might include paneer for a vegetarian option, or a cashew paste for added richness. Serve this iconic curry alongside warm, fluffy naan bread to sop up every drop of the exquisite sauce, or with fragrant basmati rice and a cooling raita for a complete, satisfying meal.
Tips & Tricks
- • For deeply tender and flavorful chicken, ensure it's marinated for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. Searing the marinated chicken cubes before adding them to the sauce also locks in juices and develops a richer exterior.
- • If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut cream can be substituted for the heavy cream, offering a slightly different but equally luscious texture. For a vegetarian twist, paneer cheese cubes can be used in place of chicken, pan-fried until golden before adding to the sauce.
- • Butter Chicken is an excellent make-ahead meal; its flavors deepen beautifully when prepared a day in advance and gently reheated. It also freezes exceptionally well for up to three months, making it perfect for meal prep.
- • Elevate your serving experience by garnishing with fresh cilantro and a swirl of additional cream. Pair it with warm garlic naan or plain paratha to truly enjoy the sauce, alongside a simple cucumber and onion salad to cut through the richness.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (approximate)