Chicken Makhani, also famously known as “Butter Chicken,” is a beloved dish that originates from the culinary traditions of North India. This decadent yet comforting recipe has gained international acclaim for its rich, creamy texture and robust flavors. It combines tender chicken pieces marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, which are then cooked in a velvety tomato-based sauce enriched with butter and cream. Let’s delve into the details of this iconic recipe step by step, exploring its ingredients, preparation, and cooking methods.
Ingredients
The ingredients for Chicken Makhani can be categorized into two main parts: the marinade for the chicken and the sauce. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 800 grams of chicken, preferably boneless, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons ginger paste
- 2 tablespoons garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons garam masala powder
- 1/2 cup yogurt (hung in muslin cloth to remove excess water)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon whole garam masala (such as cloves, cardamom, cinnamon)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 400 grams tomato puree
- 2 teaspoons red chili powder (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon garam masala powder
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), powdered
- 1/2 cup fresh cream
Method
Preparation:
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Marinating the Chicken:
- Start by cleaning and skinning the chicken, if necessary. Cut it into pieces suitable for marinating.
- Make incisions with a sharp knife on the chicken pieces to help the marinade penetrate.
- In a bowl, mix red chili powder, lemon juice, salt, ginger paste, garlic paste, garam masala powder, and hung yogurt.
- Apply this marinade generously to the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Cooking the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (or prepare a moderately hot tandoor, if available).
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers and cook them in the preheated oven or tandoor for 10-12 minutes until they are almost done.
- Baste the chicken pieces with butter and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until they develop a slight char and are fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Preparing the Sauce:
- Heat butter in a large pan or kadhai over medium heat.
- Add the whole garam masala (cloves, cardamom, cinnamon), allowing them to crackle and release their aroma.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chilies. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add tomato puree, red chili powder, garam masala powder, salt, and 1 cup of water. Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop depth of flavor.
- Stir in sugar or honey and powdered kasuri methi, combining them into the sauce.
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Final Assembly:
- Gently add the cooked tandoori chicken pieces into the simmering sauce, ensuring they are coated evenly.
- Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Finally, pour in fresh cream, stirring gently to incorporate it into the sauce without curdling.
- Check for seasoning and adjust salt or spices if needed.
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Serving:
- Chicken Makhani is traditionally served hot, garnished with a drizzle of fresh cream and a sprinkle of kasuri methi.
- It pairs wonderfully with naan, roti, or steamed rice, allowing you to savor the creamy sauce and tender chicken together.
Nutritional Information
Chicken Makhani is a rich dish in terms of flavors and also in its nutritional profile:
- Calories: 909.5 kcal
- Fat: 72.2 grams
- Saturated Fat: 33.5 grams
- Cholesterol: 277.3 mg
- Sodium: 438.2 mg
- Carbohydrates: 23.3 grams
- Fiber: 3.3 grams
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Protein: 44.3 grams
Conclusion
This recipe for Chicken Makhani, or Butter Chicken, encapsulates the essence of Indian cuisine with its creamy texture, aromatic spices, and tender chicken. It’s a dish that has found a place on tables around the world, cherished for its comforting flavors and versatility. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or as a flavorful weeknight meal, Chicken Makhani promises to delight your taste buds with every bite. Enjoy the process of preparing this iconic dish and savor the rich culinary heritage it represents!
