Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Indian cuisine with this authentic and creamy Butter Chicken recipe. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a rich blend of spices, cooked in a flavorful tomato-based gravy, and finished with a touch of butter. This dish is perfect for satisfying your cravings for Indian food and will leave you wanting more. Serve it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric powder, chili powder, coriander, and cumin. Whisk until well blended.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and mix until they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the ground cinnamon and cardamom, and cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet, along with any remaining marinade. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt to taste. Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve the Indian Butter Chicken over basmati rice or with warm naan bread.
- Enjoy the creamy and flavorful Indian Butter Chicken!
Interesting Facts
Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular dish in Indian cuisine.
It is believed that this dish was accidentally created by a chef in Delhi, who mixed leftover chicken in a tomato-based gravy with butter and cream.
The spices used in Butter Chicken, such as garam masala, turmeric, and cardamom, not only add flavor, but also have potential health benefits.
Traditionally, the chicken in Butter Chicken is cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), but this recipe allows you to achieve the same delicious flavors using simpler cooking methods.
The creamy texture of Butter Chicken comes from the addition of yogurt and heavy cream, which balances the spices and adds richness to the dish.