Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe - A classic Indian Delight

 

Introduction:

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a beloved Indian dish that has gained immense popularity worldwide. Its rich, creamy tomato-based gravy combined with tender marinated chicken makes it a true culinary delight. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of preparing this iconic dish step-by-step, ensuring you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and achieve restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

Marination for Chicken:

1000g boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced

60g mustard oil

20g chili powder

10g coriander powder

4g cumin powder

2g turmeric powder

44g ginger and garlic paste

4g garam masala

8g salt

20g lemon juice

1g kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

1g fresh coriander, finely chopped

1g fresh mint, finely chopped

80g yogurt

Makhani Gravy Base:

1500g tomatoes, cut into wedges

300g red onion, thinly sliced

100g cashew nuts

30g ginger, sliced

90g garlic, crushed

5 cardamom pods

6g cumin seeds

6g turmeric powder

12g coriander powder

20g Kashmiri chili powder (adjust according to taste)

5 whole Kashmiri chilies

A small handful of coriander stems and roots

20g corn oil

100g butter

12g salt

Butter Chicken Final Cooking:

15g corn oil

30g butter

6g chili powder

Prepared Makhani Gravy

20g sugar

60g honey

50g butter

100g cream

1g roasted kasuri methi powder

6g garam masala

6g salt

Grilled chicken tikka (marinated and cooked chicken from the earlier step)

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with mustard oil, chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, ginger and garlic paste, garam masala, salt, lemon juice, kasuri methi, fresh coriander, fresh mint, and yogurt.

2. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated.

3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.

Prepare the Makhani Gravy Base:

1. Heat a thick-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add corn oil.

2. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and sauté briefly.

3. Add sliced onions and cook until lightly colored.

4. Stir in cardamom pods, ginger, garlic, whole Kashmiri chilies, Kashmiri chili powder, coriander powder, and turmeric powder. Cook for a minute, stirring continuously.

5. Add tomatoes, cashew nuts, salt, butter, and coriander stems and roots. Mix well.

6. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally.

7. The tomatoes will release their moisture, and the mixture will thicken. Continue cooking until the tomatoes are fully cooked and the flavors are well blended.

8. Allow the mixture to cool down completely.

Grill the Chicken:

1. While the Makhani gravy base is cooling, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.

2. Grill the marinated chicken slices on both sides until cooked through. Avoid overcooking.

Prepare the Makhani Gravy:

1. Transfer the cooled Makhani gravy base to a blender or mixer grinder.

2. Add a little hot water and blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

Final Cooking of Butter Chicken:

1. In a medium-sized pot, heat butter and corn oil over very low heat.

2. Add chili powder and cook for half a minute to a minute.

3. Strain and add the Makhani gravy base to the pot, creating a velvety sauce.

4. Add sugar, honey, and stir well. Cook for 15-20 minutes over medium heat.

5. If needed, add some hot water to adjust the consistency.

6. Stir in the grilled chicken and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes over medium heat.

7 Add roasted kasuri methi powder, garam masala, and salt to taste. Mix well.

8 Finally, add cream and butter. Lower the flame and stir gently to incorporate.

9. Be careful not to overcook.

Serve and Enjoy:

Garnish the Butter Chicken with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Serve hot with your choice of steamed rice or butter naan roti.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the heavenly flavors of this authentic Butter Chicken recipe. The combination of the marinated and grilled chicken, along with the rich Makhani gravy, will transport your taste buds to culinary bliss. With the step-by-step instructions provided, you can easily recreate this classic Indian dish at home and impress your friends and family with a delightful meal.