How to Make Authentic Butter Chicken at Home


Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a beloved Indian dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people worldwide. Its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce combined with tender, marinated chicken makes for an indulgent and satisfying meal. Despite its complex flavors, making authentic butter chicken at home can be quite manageable with the right ingredients and techniques. This guide will walk you through each step, from preparing the marinade to serving the final dish, ensuring you achieve a delicious result that rivals your favorite restaurant.

 Ingredients

 For the Chicken Marinade:

1. Chicken: 1.5 pounds (boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces)

2. Yogurt: 1 cup (full-fat, plain)

3. Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons

4. Ginger-Garlic Paste; 2 tablespoons (freshly made or store-bought)

5. Ground Cumin1 teaspoon

6. Ground Coriander: 1 teaspoon

7. Ground Turmeric: 1 teaspoon

8. Ground Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon

9. Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (adjust based on heat preference)

10. Salt: 1 teaspoon

 For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

1. Butter: 3 tablespoons (unsalted)

2. Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons

3. Onions:2 medium (finely chopped)

4. Garlic: 4 cloves (minced)

5. Ginger: 1 tablespoon (freshly grated)

6. Tomatoes:4 medium (pureed) or 1 can (14 ounces) of tomato puree

7. Heavy Cream: 1 cup

8. Ground Coriander1 teaspoon

10. Ground Turmeric: 1/2 teaspoon



11. Ground Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon

12. Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (adjust based on heat preference)

13. Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves 1 tablespoon (optional, but recommended)

14. Salt: to taste

15. Sugar: 1-2 teaspoons (optional, to balance the flavors)

 For Garnishing:

1. Fresh Cilantro: Chopped

2. Additional Butter: 1 tablespoon (optional, for drizzling)

 Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, ground garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Mix well to create a smooth marinade.

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Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be.

 2. Cook the Chicken

Step 1: Prepare for Cooking

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a grill if you prefer.

Step 2: Oven Method

Place the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased rack. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and has a slight char.

Step 3 Grill Method

Alternatively, thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through with a nice char.

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Step 4:Set Aside

Once cooked, set the chicken aside while you prepare the sauce.

 3. Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce

Step 1: Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Ginger

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the butter and vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become golden brown and soft, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant



Step 2: Add Tomato Puree

Stir in the tomato puree and cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the tomato sauce to reduce and thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3 Add Spices

Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, ground garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes, letting the spices meld with the tomato sauce.

Step 4: Incorporate the Cream

Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the heavy cream. Cook gently for about 5 minutes until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar if needed. Add the kasuri methi, if using, for added depth of flavor.

Step 5: Add Cooked Chicken

Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce, ensuring they are well-coated. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce and become tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even coating.

 4. Final Touches

Step 1: Garnish

Before serving, garnish the butter chicken with freshly chopped cilantro. If desired, drizzle with an additional tablespoon of butter for extra richness.

Step 2: Serve

Butter chicken is traditionally served with naan (Indian flatbread) or basmati rice. Accompany with a side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken

1. Chicken Selection Using bone-in, skinless chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture to the dish compared to breasts. However, boneless chicken breasts work well too if you prefer them.

2. Marination Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances the flavor and ensures tender, juicy pieces.

3. Cream Consistency: Adjust the amount of cream based on your preference for richness. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk, but this will affect the sauce’s richness and texture.

4. Tomato Puree: Using fresh tomatoes can add a more vibrant flavor, but canned tomato puree is a convenient alternative. If using fresh tomatoes, blanch, peel, and blend them to achieve a smooth puree.

5. Spice Adjustments: The spice levels in butter chicken can be adjusted based on your preference. Start with the recommended amounts and add more as needed.

6. Balancing Flavors: A bit of sugar can balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the overall flavor of the sauce. Taste and adjust according to your preference.

7. Consistency of Sauce If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or chicken broth. Conversely, if it's too thin, simmer it longer to reduce and thicken.

8.Kasuri Methi: While optional, kasuri methi adds a distinctive aromatic flavor that is characteristic of authentic butter chicken. Don’t skip it if possible

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9. Leftovers: Butter chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

10. Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or a mix of vegetables. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

 Conclusion

Making authentic butter chicken at home is a rewarding experience that brings the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen. By following these detailed steps and tips, you can create a dish that's rich, creamy, and full of complex flavors. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy your homemade butter chicken with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice for a meal that feels both comforting and luxurious.