Butter Chicken

Authentic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe | Ingredients & Steps

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Butter Chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its rich and creamy sauce. This dish is a favorite among many due to its flavorful combination of spices and tender chicken pieces.

History

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, originated in Delhi, India in the 1950s. It was created by the chefs at the Moti Mahal restaurant, who wanted to find a way to use leftover tandoori chicken. The dish quickly gained popularity and is now enjoyed all over the world.

Ingredients

4 skinned chicken breasts
1 large finely chopped onion
3 tbsp butter
2 tsp crushed garlic
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp finely chopped green chili peppers
0.5 tsp paprika
1 tbsp curry powder
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 cup whipping cream or half and half
1 tbsp finely chopped cilantro

How to prepare

Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. In a saucepan, fry the onions in butter until they turn golden brown.
Add the garlic, ginger, chili peppers, paprika, and curry powder. Fry for a few seconds.
Add the tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, and chicken, slowly bringing it to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is nearly done, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Add the whipping cream, stir, and simmer until the chicken is tender.
Garnish with cilantro.

Variations

Use tofu or paneer instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers or peas for added nutrition.
Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for a few hours before cooking to enhance the flavor and tenderness.

- Use ghee instead of butter for a more authentic taste.

- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to suit your spice preference.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Butter Chicken with steamed rice or naan bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the chicken for a few hours before cooking for maximum flavor.

- Simmer the sauce on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for the half and half for a lighter version.

Make Ahead Tips

Butter Chicken can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Butter Chicken with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of cream for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Butter Chicken with a side of basmati rice and a cucumber raita for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Butter Chicken contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Butter Chicken contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Butter Chicken is a rich dish, containing around 20 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Butter Chicken is a good source of protein, with each serving containing about 25 grams.

Vitamins and minerals

Butter Chicken is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Butter Chicken contains dairy (butter and cream) and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Summary

Butter Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is high in protein and fat, making it a hearty meal option.

Summary

Butter Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its rich and creamy sauce and tender chicken pieces, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Butter Chicken. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Sarah for a cup of tea. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, chatting about our families and sharing stories, she suddenly disappeared into her pantry and emerged with a tattered old recipe card.

"Have you ever tried Butter Chicken?" she asked, a twinkle in her eye. "It's a family favorite around here."

I shook my head, intrigued by the unfamiliar name. Sarah handed me the recipe card, her handwriting faded but still legible. The ingredients were a mix of spices and herbs I had never heard of before, but the instructions were simple enough to follow.

"Give it a try," Sarah urged me. "You won't be disappointed."

And she was right. From the moment I took my first bite of that rich, creamy Butter Chicken, I was hooked. The flavors danced on my tongue, a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

Over the years, I experimented with different variations of the recipe, tweaking the spices and adjusting the cooking time until I had perfected my own version of Butter Chicken. I added my own personal touch, a pinch of this and a dash of that, until the dish truly felt like my own creation.

But it wasn't just Sarah's recipe that inspired me to delve deeper into the world of Indian cuisine. I also had the opportunity to learn from a dear friend of mine, Mrs. Patel, who was a master in the kitchen. She took me under her wing and taught me the intricacies of Indian cooking, from the importance of toasting spices to the art of layering flavors.

Mrs. Patel's Butter Chicken was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. It was rich and velvety, with a hint of smokiness that lingered on the palate. She shared with me the secret to achieving that perfect balance of flavors – patience. She taught me to let the spices simmer and meld together, allowing the dish to develop its full potential.

As I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, I sought out other sources of inspiration for my Butter Chicken recipe. I attended cooking classes, read countless cookbooks, and even traveled to India to immerse myself in the culture and cuisine of the country.

It was during my travels in India that I stumbled upon a small roadside eatery run by a humble elderly woman. She welcomed me into her kitchen with open arms, eager to share her knowledge and passion for cooking. Together, we cooked up a storm, creating dishes that filled the air with tantalizing aromas.

One day, as we sat down to enjoy a feast of curries and rice, the elderly woman handed me a handwritten recipe for Butter Chicken. It was written in a language I couldn't quite decipher, but the illustrations and diagrams were enough to guide me through the process.

I returned home with the recipe clutched in my hands, determined to recreate the flavors of that unforgettable meal. I spent hours in the kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques until I had captured the essence of that rustic Butter Chicken.

And so, my Butter Chicken recipe evolved over the years, a culmination of my experiences and encounters with different people and places. It became a symbol of my love for cooking, a dish that brought joy and comfort to all who tasted it.

Today, as I stand in my kitchen, stirring a pot of fragrant Butter Chicken simmering on the stove, I am reminded of the journey that led me to this moment. Each spoonful of the creamy, spicy sauce transports me back to those cherished memories, the laughter and camaraderie shared over a delicious meal.

And as I sit down at the table with my loved ones, watching their faces light up with delight as they take their first bite, I am filled with a sense of contentment. For in that simple act of cooking and sharing a meal, I have found joy and fulfillment beyond measure. And for that, I am forever grateful.