Easy Butter Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful and Creamy Delight

The rich and creamy flavors of authentic Butter Chicken Recipe with our step-by-step recipe. Learn about the history and interesting facts behind dish

Origin of Butter Chicken 

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani in Hindi, is a popular Indian dish that originated in the mid-20th century in Delhi, India. The dish was created by Kundan Lal Gujral, the owner of the Moti Mahal Delux restaurant in Delhi.

Butter Chicken Recipe

According to legend, Kundan Lal Gujral created the dish by mixing leftover tandoori chicken in a creamy tomato-based sauce. He added butter and cream to the sauce, giving it a rich and creamy flavor. The dish became an instant hit with his customers and soon spread in popularity across India and around the world.

Today, Butter Chicken is one of the most popular Indian dishes in the world and can be found in Indian restaurants and homes around the globe. It is a delicious and flavorful dish that is loved for its tender chicken, rich sauce, and fragrant spices.

How to Select Chicken for Butter Chicken

When selecting chicken for Butter Chicken, it is important to choose the right type of chicken to ensure that your dish turns out delicious and tender. Here are some tips on how to select chicken for Butter Chicken:

• Use boneless chicken: For Butter Chicken, it is best to use boneless chicken pieces like chicken breast or chicken thigh. This is because boneless chicken is easier to marinate and cook, and it will also absorb the flavors of the marinade and sauce better.
• Choose fresh chicken: It is important to choose fresh chicken for any dish to ensure that it is safe to eat and to prevent any unpleasant odors or flavors in the finished dish. Look for chicken that has a pink color and firm texture, and avoid any chicken that has a grayish or slimy appearance.
• Check the label: When buying chicken, check the label to ensure that it is free from antibiotics and hormones. You can also choose organic or free-range chicken for a healthier and more sustainable option.
• Trim excess fat: Before marinating the chicken, make sure to trim any excess fat or skin from the chicken pieces. This will help to reduce the amount of fat in the finished dish and prevent it from becoming too greasy.

By following these tips, you can select the right type of chicken for Butter Chicken and ensure that your dish is delicious and tender.

How to Clean Chicken

Cleaning chicken is an important step to ensure that it is safe to eat and to remove any bacteria or impurities from the chicken. Here are some steps to follow when cleaning chicken:

• Remove packaging: Take the chicken out of its packaging and discard it immediately. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the packaging.
• Rinse with cold water: Rinse the chicken thoroughly with cold water to remove any dirt, blood, or other debris from the surface. Use a clean and sanitized sink or a large bowl to rinse the chicken.
• Pat dry with paper towels: Use paper towels to pat the chicken dry. This will remove any excess moisture from the chicken and prevent it from splattering when you cook it.
• Trim excess fat: If the chicken has any excess fat or skin, trim it off with a sharp knife or kitchen shears. This will reduce the amount of fat in the finished dish and make it healthier.
• Clean the cutting board and utensils: After handling the raw chicken, be sure to clean the cutting board and any utensils that come into contact with the chicken with hot soapy water. This will prevent the spread of bacteria and ensure that the chicken is safe to eat.

By following these steps, you can clean the chicken properly and ensure that it is safe to eat.

Butter Chicken Recipe

Here is an authentic and unique recipe for Butter Chicken that you can follow step by step:

Time and Serves for Butter Chicken

The time and serves for Butter Chicken can vary depending on the recipe and serving size. Here is a general guideline:

• Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
• Marinating time: 1-2 hours (optional)
• Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
• Serves: 4-6

Total time: 1 hour and 30-60 minutes

This recipe typically serves 4-6 people and takes about 1 hour and 30-60 minutes to prepare and cook, including marinating time. However, the serving size and total time may vary depending on the specific recipe and cooking method used. It is always recommended to check the recipe for specific instructions on preparation and serving sizes.

Ingredients for Butter Chicken Recipe

• 500g boneless chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala powder
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp ghee or clarified butter
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander leaves

For the Marinade:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth and consistent marinade.
2. Add the boneless chicken pieces to the marinade and make sure that all the chicken pieces are well coated with the marinade. Using your hands to mix the chicken and marinade together can help ensure that each piece of chicken is evenly coated.
3. Cover the mixing bowl with cling film or a lid and refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 1 hour. This will allow the flavors of the marinade to penetrate the chicken and make it more flavorful.
4. Marinating the chicken is an essential step in making Butter Chicken, as it not only imparts flavor to the chicken but also helps to tenderize it. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will be. You can even marinate the chicken overnight for the best results.
5. Once the chicken is marinated, you can proceed to cook the Butter Chicken using the instructions provided in the previous steps. Enjoy your delicious homemade Butter Chicken!

For the Butter Chicken:

1. In a large frying pan, heat the ghee and oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Be sure to stir the onions occasionally to prevent them from burning.
2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the frying pan and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. The garlic and ginger will release their aromas and flavors, which will enhance the taste of the Butter Chicken.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes to the frying pan and stir well. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and mushy. Stir occasionally to ensure that the tomatoes do not stick to the bottom of the pan.
4. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the frying pan and stir well to coat the chicken with the onion-tomato mixture. Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, or until it is cooked through. You can check if the chicken is cooked by cutting it into one piece to see if it is white and cooked all the way through.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Once the Butter Chicken is cooked to your desired consistency, turn off the heat and garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves. The coriander leaves will add a fresh and aromatic flavor to the Butter Chicken.
7. Your delicious Butter Chicken is now ready to be served! Serve it hot with steamed rice or naan bread.

Butter Chicken is a classic Indian dish that is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing guests at a dinner party. Enjoy!

Here are some tips to keep in mind when making Butter Chicken:

• Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices before cooking helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 1-2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
• Using a combination of ghee and oil to cook the onions and chicken adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish. Ghee is a type of clarified butter that is commonly used in Indian cooking, while the oil helps to prevent the ghee from burning.
• Cooking the tomatoes until they are soft and mushy helps to create a rich and flavorful sauce for the Butter Chicken.
• The number of spices used in Butter Chicken can vary depending on personal preference. Adjust the amount of red chili powder and garam masala powder based on your spice tolerance.
• Adding cream towards the end of cooking helps to prevent it from curdling and gives the Butter Chicken a creamy and luxurious texture.
• Fresh coriander leaves add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Garnish the Butter Chicken with a generous amount of chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Nutritional Value of Butter Chicken

The nutritional value of Butter Chicken can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. However, here is a general breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving (based on a typical recipe serving size of 1 cup or 240 grams):

• Calories: 450-550
• Total fat: 25-35g
• Saturated fat: 10-15g
• Cholesterol: 90-120mg
• Sodium: 400-700mg
• Total carbohydrates: 10-15g
• Dietary fiber: 1-2g
• Sugars: 4-6g
• Protein: 35-40g

Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that is typically high in calories, fat, and sodium due to the use of butter, cream, and spices. It is also a good source of protein. To make a healthier version, consider using less butter and cream, and adding more vegetables like bell peppers and spinach. Additionally, serving it with whole-grain rice or bread can provide more dietary fiber.

Interesting Facts and Stories of Butter Chicken:

Butter Chicken is a dish with a fascinating history and several interesting facts and stories associated with it. Here are some expanded versions of the interesting facts and stories related to Butter Chicken:

The invention of Butter Chicken: Kundan Lal Gujral, the founder of the famous Moti Mahal Delux restaurant in Delhi, is credited with the invention of Butter Chicken. According to legend, he was trying to find a way to use the leftover tandoori chicken in his restaurant. He decided to mix it with a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, which he then flavored with aromatic spices, butter, and cream. The result was a mouth-watering dish that soon became a favorite with his customers. Today, Butter Chicken is considered one of the most iconic dishes of Indian cuisine.

The original name of Butter Chicken: In Hindi, Butter Chicken is known as Murgh Makhani, which literally means "buttery chicken". The dish was given this name because of its rich and creamy sauce that is made with butter and cream. The dish has since become so popular that it is now known as Butter Chicken in English-speaking countries as well.

Bollywood Masala: Butter Chicken gained widespread popularity in India and around the world after it was featured in the 1973 Bollywood film "Bobby". In the film, the characters played by Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia visit a restaurant where they are served Butter Chicken. The scene became an instant hit and helped to popularize the dish among the masses. Since then, Butter Chicken has become an integral part of the Indian culinary landscape.

The royal connection: Butter Chicken is said to be a favorite dish of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge. The couple reportedly enjoyed the dish at an Indian restaurant in London during their courtship. The dish has also been served at several royal banquets and receptions, cementing its status as a dish fit for royalty.

Variations of Butter Chicken: Butter Chicken has inspired several variations and adaptations over the years. Some popular versions of the dish include Murgh Makhani, Chicken Makhani, and Murg Makhanwala. Vegetarian and vegan versions of the dish have also been created, using substitutes such as tofu and paneer instead of chicken. In recent years, Butter Chicken has even been used as a topping for pizzas and a filling for tacos, showcasing its versatility as a dish.