Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe
Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most popular Indian dishes worldwide. This creamy dish features tender chicken pieces in a rich tomato cream sauce, bursting with aromatic spices. Serve it over basmati rice or with warm naan for a truly comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, turmeric, garam masala, and coriander. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until the onion is soft.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes. Then, add the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips
For a more authentic flavor, cook the chicken on high heat to get a nice char before simmering in the sauce.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, but chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor.
- What can I use instead of heavy cream? Coconut milk is a good alternative that gives a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
- Is butter chicken spicy? It has a mild spice level, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, butter chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Just reheat it gently before serving.
Conclusion
This creamy butter chicken is perfect for those nights when you want something comforting, rich, and full of flavor. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve to guests. Make this dish part of your regular rotation, and it will surely become a family favorite.
