Butter Chicken, known as “Murgh Makhani” in Hindi, is a rich and creamy dish that originates from the Indian subcontinent. It’s famed for its tender chicken pieces simmered in a velvety tomato and butter sauce with a blend of aromatic spices. The dish strikes a perfect balance between savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavors, making it a favorite among both seasoned connoisseurs and those new to Indian cuisine. This recipe is not only quick to make but also allows for a healthy spin, ensuring you can enjoy all its delightful qualities without the guilt.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, pureed
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a lighter alternative)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, turmeric powder, chili powder, garlic, ginger, and salt. Mix well to create a smooth paste.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. (If you have more time, marinating for up to 2 hours will enhance the flavors.)
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted and hot, add the marinated chicken pieces, shaking off excess marinade. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Then, add the finely chopped onions. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and lightly golden.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Spices and Tomatoes: Add the cumin seeds and garam masala, stirring for 30 seconds before adding the diced tomatoes. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Blend the Sauce: (Optional) For an ultra-smooth sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the pan or transfer it to a blender and blend until smooth, then return to the skillet.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Mix Together: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, stirring to coat the pieces in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve Hot: Serve the Butter Chicken hot, accompanied by naan bread, basmati rice, or even a light salad.
Serving Suggestions
- Basmati Rice: Fluffy, fragrant basmati rice is the perfect base for soaking up the rich butter sauce.
- Naan Bread: Soft, pillowy naan is ideal for scooping up the chicken and sauce.
- Salad: A simple cucumber and tomato salad can provide a refreshing crunch.
- Beverages: Pair with a sweet mango lassi, refreshing lemonade, or a nice chilled beer. For those preferring non-alcoholic options, a soda or flavored water balances the spices nicely.
Nutritional Information
Butter Chicken is not only delicious but also can be made healthier by using lean chicken and reducing the cream content or substituting with coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Here’s a brief overview of its nutritional benefits:
- Protein: Chicken is a great source of protein which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The spices used, such as turmeric and cumin, have anti-inflammatory properties and provide a range of vitamins and minerals.
- Healthy Fats: The use of yogurt and butter can contribute healthy fats when consumed in moderation.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving, assuming recipe serves 4):
- Calories: Approximately 370
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g (from tomatoes and onion)
Enjoy this rich and flavorful Butter Chicken recipe that’s not only quick to make but also celebrates the vibrant tastes of Indian cuisine! Perfect for dinner on a busy weeknight or serving guests at a dinner party, this dish brings warmth and comfort to any dining experience. Happy cooking!