How to Make Delicious Homemade Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani): A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian dish renowned for its rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce. It's a favorite in Indian cuisine, often enjoyed with naan, roti, or rice. This dish features succulent chicken pieces cooked in a buttery tomato-based gravy spiced to perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through creating this delectable dish right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500 grams boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste

For the Butter Chicken Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 green chili (finely chopped, optional)
• 1 can (400 grams) crushed tomatoes or 2 cups tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for color)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
• In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
• Add the chicken pieces and coat them well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
2. Cook the Chicken:
• Preheat your grill or oven to 200°C (400°F). You can also pan-fry the chicken if you prefer.
• If using an oven, place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. If grilling, cook for a similar time.
• If pan-frying, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until done. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Butter Chicken Gravy:
• In a large pan, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
• Add the chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown.
• Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chili (if using), and sauté for another minute.
• Add the crushed tomatoes or tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture, about 10 minutes.
• Add coriander powder, paprika, and salt. Stir well and let it simmer for a few more minutes.
• Mix in the cooked chicken pieces and let them simmer in the gravy for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
• Stir in the garam masala, sugar, and heavy cream. Cook for another 5 minutes, adjusting seasoning as needed.
4. Serve:
• Garnish with fresh cilantro.
• Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken:

• Marination: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will be. Overnight marination is ideal.
• Creaminess: Adjust the amount of cream according to your preference. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or skip the cream altogether.
• Tomato Flavor: For a deeper tomato flavor, you can roast the tomatoes before adding them to the gravy.
• Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add a little water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is a sumptuous dish that brings the warmth and richness of Indian flavors to your table. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy this restaurant favorite at home, impressing family and friends with your culinary skills. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner, Butter Chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy your homemade meal!