Unveiling the Secret Recipe for Irresistible Butter Chicken
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a beloved Indian dish renowned for its rich and creamy tomato-based sauce and tender chunks of marinated chicken. With its tantalizing blend of spices and velvety texture, butter chicken is a favorite in Indian restaurants and home kitchens alike. In this article, we’ll delve into the secrets behind crafting the perfect butter chicken at home, sharing a cherished recipe that will impress your taste buds and have you coming back for more.
Ingredients:
- 500g boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and salt. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the chopped onion. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomato puree and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream, garam masala, and kasuri methi. Simmer for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or roti.
Conclusion:
Mastering the art of butter chicken at home is easier than you think, especially with this secret recipe in hand. With its tantalizing blend of spices, velvety sauce, and tender chicken, this butter chicken is sure to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, follow the instructions carefully, and get ready to enjoy a taste of India in the comfort of your own kitchen.