Butter Chicken Recipe – The Classic Indian Chicken Gravy
Introduction:
Butter Chicken, also known as “Murgh Makhani,” is a quintessential North Indian dish beloved for its rich, creamy, and flavorful gravy. Originally from Delhi, this dish is the epitome of indulgence, featuring tender pieces of chicken cooked in a silky, spiced tomato gravy enriched with butter and cream. Its balanced blend of spices and smooth texture makes it the perfect choice for any dinner table. Serve it with Butter Naan or steamed basmati rice for an unforgettable meal.
This recipe will guide you through the steps to prepare Butter Chicken from scratch, ensuring that the result is just as delicious as the one you get at your favorite Indian restaurant.
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Boneless chicken, cut into pieces | 300 grams |
Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1/2 cup |
Ginger garlic paste | 2 teaspoons |
Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Kashmiri red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Butter | 1 tablespoon |
Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
Homemade tomato puree | 1 cup |
Honey | 1 teaspoon |
Fresh cream | 1/4 cup |
Kasuri methi (Dried fenugreek leaves) | 1 tablespoon |
Water (optional, for gravy consistency) | As needed |
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 30-35 grams
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10-12 grams
- Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Cholesterol: 80-90 mg
(Note: Nutritional values are approximations and may vary based on ingredient variations and portion size.)
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings:
- Serves: 4
Cuisine:
- Cuisine: North Indian
Course:
- Course: Dinner
Diet:
- Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
To begin making the Butter Chicken, start by washing the chicken thoroughly. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with curd (yogurt), ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder, garam masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, salt, and a pinch of red chili powder. Mix all the ingredients well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour. The longer you marinate, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 teaspoon of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken along with the marinade. Let the chicken cook in its own juices for about 4 minutes. This helps the spices to cook and infuse the chicken with flavor.
Step 3: Add Tomato Puree and Spices
Next, add 1 cup of homemade tomato puree to the pan, along with salt, coriander powder, red chili powder, and an additional 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala. Stir everything well to combine. Cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes on low heat, allowing the tomato puree to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Add Cream and Simmer
Now, stir in 1/4 cup of fresh cream and 1 teaspoon of honey. If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can add a small amount of water at this stage to achieve your desired consistency. Let the butter chicken simmer on low heat for another 5-7 minutes, ensuring that the chicken is cooked thoroughly and the gravy has become rich and smooth.
Step 5: Finish with Kasuri Methi
Once the chicken is fully cooked and the gravy is at the desired consistency, add 1 tablespoon of Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves). Crush the leaves between your palms before adding them to release their fragrance. Stir well, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your delicious Butter Chicken is now ready! Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh coriander or a dollop of cream if desired. It pairs wonderfully with Butter Naan, Smoked Dal Makhani Dhaba Style, Pickled Onions, and Boondi Raita. For an authentic Punjabi-style dinner experience, enjoy it with aromatic basmati rice or a warm naan on the side.
Tips for the Best Butter Chicken:
- Marination: Marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with spices. You can marinate the chicken overnight for even deeper flavor.
- Creaminess: Adjust the amount of cream to your preference. If you prefer a richer gravy, add a bit more cream.
- Homemade Tomato Puree: Using fresh homemade tomato puree enhances the flavor of the dish. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought tomato puree, but fresh is always better.
- Kasuri Methi: The addition of dried fenugreek leaves is key to the authentic flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Spice Levels: Adjust the red chili powder and Kashmiri chili powder according to your spice tolerance. Kashmiri chili powder gives the dish a deep red color and mild heat, while regular red chili powder adds more heat.
Conclusion:
Butter Chicken is one of the most cherished Indian dishes, and this recipe brings you a taste of classic Punjabi flavors with every bite. The smooth, creamy gravy paired with perfectly cooked chicken creates a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal with family, Butter Chicken is sure to impress.
Enjoy your homemade Butter Chicken with naan or rice, and indulge in the comforting taste of this Indian favorite!