How to Make Perfect Butter Chicken: A Flavorful Indian Delight

Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani in Hindi, is a popular and delicious Indian dish that has won the hearts of many across the globe. This rich, creamy sauce with tender chunks of marinated chicken is loved by people who appreciate the perfect balance between spices and flavors. If you're looking to try your hand at making this classic dish at home, then look no further! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make butter chicken that will impress your family and friends.

Cooking Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6 people

Ingredients

• 500 grams of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons garam masala powder (a mix of ground spices including cumin seeds, coriander seeds, black pepper, and cardamom)
• 2 tablespoons tomato puree
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 3-4 green chilies (optional, depending on your heat preference), slit lengthwise
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons clarified butter or ghee
• 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder (for color; optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• Ginger garlic paste, for marinating chicken if using whole spices instead of a store-bought garam masala
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Steps to Make Butter Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: If you are not using store-bought garam masala, mix ground cloves, cardamom, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds with salt, turmeric powder, and a dash of oil. Rub this mixture into the chicken pieces along with minced garlic, ginger, slit green chilies (if using), and tomato puree. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Heat Clarified Butter: Heat up clarified butter or ghee in a large pan over medium heat until it is hot but not smoking.
3. Saute Spices and Tomato Puree: Add finely chopped tomatoes to the hot ghee and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their juices and thicken. This will take about 15 minutes.
4. Add Chicken: Once the tomato puree becomes thick, add marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Cook them on high heat for a few minutes until they start turning golden brown. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover partially with a lid, and cook gently for another 20-25 minutes.
5. Mix Garam Masala: After cooking the chicken, stir in garam masala powder, heavy cream, black pepper powder, salt, and bay leaf. Let everything simmer together until the sauce thickens slightly (about 10 minutes).
6. Serve Hot: Once done, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot over rice or flatbreads like naan. Enjoy your perfectly cooked butter chicken!

Additional Tips for Butter Chicken Success

To ensure that the butter chicken turns out as flavorful as possible:

• Use Clarified Butter: Using ghee or clarified butter instead of regular oil will give your dish an extra layer of flavor.
• Pre-soak Tomatoes: Soaking tomatoes in hot water for a few minutes before chopping them can help release more natural juices, resulting in a thicker and richer sauce.
• Avoid Overcooking: Chicken should remain tender but not dry. Remove it from heat once the desired texture is achieved.
• Adjust Spices Carefully: Taste your dish frequently during cooking to balance out the flavors, especially if you're adjusting spices yourself rather than using store-bought garam masala.

Butter chicken makes a delightful meal for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Whether it's for an intimate dinner party or casual family gathering, this dish is sure to make everyone's taste buds dance with joy! Experiment with different spices and cooking methods if you want to add your personal touch to the classic recipe.

Now that you know how simple yet rewarding making butter chicken can be, why not give it a try today? Impress your loved ones with this rich, creamy sauce, and enjoy every bite!