BUTTER CHICKEN – MURGH MAKHANI

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular Indian dish made with tender chicken pieces cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. Here's a complete recipe for making butter chicken from scratch.

 


Here’s the recipe of butter chicken:


Ingredients:


1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup plain yogurt

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

2 tablespoons butter

1 large onion, diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon grated ginger

1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Cooked basmati rice, for serving

 

Instructions:


In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces, yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, salt, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and turmeric. Mix everything together thoroughly, making sure each piece of chicken is coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the marinated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.

While the chicken is baking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.


Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.

Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the sauce is heated through and has thickened to your desired consistency.


Once the chicken is done baking, add it to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is heated through and fully coated in the sauce.

Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve the butter chicken over cooked basmati rice.

This butter chicken recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It's a great way to enjoy classic Indian flavors in a comforting and satisfying dish. Enjoy!