Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) is a beloved Indian dish that has earned global fame for its rich, creamy texture and delightful flavors. This dish features tender pieces of chicken, marinated to perfection and cooked in a luscious tomato-based gravy enriched with butter and a perfect blend of aromatic spices. Whether you're preparing it for a cozy family dinner or impressing your guests at a dinner party, this Butter Chicken recipe is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

For Marinating the Chicken:

• 500g boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to heat preference)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 cups tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/4 cup cream
• 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Start by marinating the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes; for enhanced tenderness and flavor, marinate it for several hours or overnight in the fridge.

Next, cook the chicken. Heat a little butter or oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Prepare the gravy in the same pan. Melt the butter over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until golden brown and soft, which will bring out their natural sweetness, about 5 minutes. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Now, spice it up by adding the tomato puree. Cook it for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have thickened and the oil begins to separate from the gravy. Then, add cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Stir well to incorporate the spices and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Add the cooked chicken pieces to the gravy, mixing gently to coat them with the sauce. Reduce the heat and let the chicken simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully absorb into the meat.

Finish the dish by stirring in the cream and kasuri methi, ensuring that the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt or additional spices if needed. Simmer for an extra 5 minutes to achieve a rich, velvety texture.

Finally, garnish the Butter Chicken with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of color and freshness. Serve it hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice for the perfect meal.

Expert Tips for the Best Butter Chicken:

Perfect marination is key. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. If you're short on time, even 30 minutes will make a difference, but marinating overnight will bring out the best results.

Adjust the spice levels according to your taste. Butter Chicken can be made as mild or spicy as you like. For a milder version, reduce the red chili powder and garam masala. If you love extra heat, add more chili powder.

The thickness of the gravy can be adjusted based on your preference. If you like a thicker gravy, allow it to cook longer to reduce. For a thinner consistency, add a splash of water or chicken stock.

Full-fat cream will give you the richest, most luxurious texture. However, you can opt for low-fat cream or even substitute with cashew cream if you want a dairy-free alternative.

Kasuri methi adds a distinct herbal and slightly bitter flavor that’s quintessential in Butter Chicken. If you don’t have it, you can skip it, but we recommend using it if possible.

Conclusion:

Butter Chicken is not just a dish; it’s a comforting experience that brings together the rich, indulgent flavors of butter, cream, and aromatic spices. With its tender chicken pieces enveloped in a velvety gravy, this dish is perfect for any occasion—from family meals to special celebrations.

Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients or steps—once you make Butter Chicken at home, you'll find it’s easier than it seems, and the results are absolutely worth the effort. So, put on your apron and bring the irresistible flavors of India into your kitchen. Happy cooking!