Butter Chicken Recipe: Savor the Richness

Butter Chicken Recipe, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a beloved Pakistan & Indian dish that has taken the culinary world by storm. Its rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender marinated chicken make it a favorite among food enthusiasts globally. In this blog post, we will delve into the art of crafting the perfect Butter Chicken Recipe, exploring its history, nutritional aspects, and providing you with a step-by-step guide to recreate this gastronomic delight at home.

Butter Chicken Recipe: Savor the Richness

1. "Butter": This term refers to the rich and creamy sauce that the chicken is cooked in. Butter Chicken is known for its velvety tomato-based sauce, which is made indulgent with the addition of butter and cream. The use of butter contributes to the dish's smooth texture and adds a rich, buttery flavor to the sauce.
2. "Chicken": This specifies the main ingredient of the dish, which is chicken. Boneless chicken pieces are commonly used in Butter Chicken. Chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices to enhance its flavor and tenderness before being cooked.

A Dish Steeped in History

Butter Chicken Recipe finds its origins in the heart of Punjab, India, where it was created by the innovative chefs of Moti Mahal restaurant in the mid-20th century. Since then, it has become a staple in Indian cuisine and a symbol of exquisite flavor.

Time Frame: From Prep to Plate

Preparing Butter Chicken Recipe is a delightful culinary journey that takes approximately 30 minutes for preparation and marination, followed by 30 minutes of cooking time. This culinary masterpiece is ideal for creating warm memories during intimate family gatherings or adding a touch of gastronomic delight to festive dinner soirées with friends.

Ingredients

Before we embark on the cooking adventure, let’s gather the necessary ingredients for Butter Chicken Recipe:

For Marination:

• Chicken Pieces: 500g, boneless and skinless
• Yogurt: 1 cup
• Ginger-Garlic Paste: 2 tablespoons
• Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoo
• Turmeric Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon

For the Sauce:

• Tomatoes: 4, medium-sized, pureed
• Cashew Nuts: 10-12 pieces, soaked in water
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
• Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): 1 teaspoon, crushed
• Honey: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: to taste
• Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Green Chilies: 2, finely chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh Coriander: for garnish

Instructions: Crafting Culinary Magic Step by Step

Step by step instruction for the recipe:

1. Marinating the Chicken: 

In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Let the flavors meld and mingle as it luxuriates in marination for a minimum of 30 minutes, enhancing the dish's depth and richness.

2. Cooking the Chicken: 

In the pan, heat the oil and to add the marinated chicken. Cook until the chicken is tender and slightly charred. Set aside.

3. Creating the Sauce: 

In another pan, melt butter and add the pureed tomatoes. Cook until the oil separates. Blend the soaked cashew nuts into a smooth paste and add it to the tomato mixture. Stir well.

4. Bringing It All Together: 

Add the cooked chicken to the tomato-cashew sauce. Gently infuse the velvety richness of heavy cream, stirring it in with care to create a lusciously smooth texture. Sprinkle kasuri methi and drizzle honey for a perfect balance of flavors. Simmer the dish over a gentle flame for an extra 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a culinary masterpiece.

5. Garnishing and Serving: 

Garnish your Butter Chicken with finely chopped green chilies and fresh coriander. Serve it hot with naan or steamed rice for a culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds.

Nutritional Facts

1. Calories: 350 kcal
2. Protein: 25g
3. Carbohydrates: 10g
4. Fat: 25g
5. Cholesterol: 80mg
6. Sodium: 800mg

Tips for Preparing the Perfect Butter Chicken

1. Marination is Key: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Balancing Flavors: Adjust sweetness with honey and creaminess with cashew paste for a perfect balance.
3. Garnish Liberally: Fresh green chilies and coriander not only add color but enhance the overall taste.
4. Experiment: Don’t hesitate to tweak the spices to match your taste buds. Cooking is an art; be the artist!

Conclusion

Butter Chicken Recipe is not just a dish; it’s an emotion on a plate. Its creamy texture, balanced spices, and tender chicken make it a universal favorite. By following this recipe, you can bring the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine into your kitchen and delight your senses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use bone in chicken for this recipe delite? 

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Q2: Is there a substitute for cashew nuts in the sauce? 

Opt for blanched almonds or the subtle crunch of melon seeds as a delightful alternative, seamlessly replacing cashew nuts in this recipe.

Q3: Can I make it less spicy? 

Certainly, reduce the amount of red chili powder and green chilies according to your spice preference.

Q4: How long can I store the leftovers? 

Preserve the remaining indulgence in a snug, airtight sanctuary within your refrigerator, where it retains its flavors for a generous span of 48 hours.

Q5: Can I freeze Butter Chicken? 

Yes, Certainly, you have the liberty to freeze this culinary delight, allowing it to endure the icy embrace of your freezer for a generous period of one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q6: What side dishes pair well with Butter Chicken? 

Popular choices include naan, rice, or even simple roti. A cucumber salad also makes a refreshing side.

Q7: Can I use low-fat yogurt for marination? 

Yes, you can use low-fat yogurt, but the consistency of the marinade might differ slightly.

Q8: Can I make it vegan? 

Certainly, replace chicken with tofu or paneer, and use plant-based butter and cream.

Q9: Why is it called Butter Chicken? 

The dish is named for its rich, buttery tomato sauce that coats the chicken.