Easy Butter Chicken
Easy Butter Chicken Recipe: A Taste of India at Home
Are you craving the rich, creamy flavors of authentic Indian cuisine? Look no further than this easy butter chicken recipe. Perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs, this dish brings the taste of your favorite Indian restaurant right to your kitchen. Let's dive into the world of aromatic spices and tender chicken that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
What is Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular North Indian dish that has gained worldwide fame. This creamy, tomato-based curry features tender pieces of chicken in a velvety sauce, making it a favorite among Indian food enthusiasts.
Why This Easy Butter Chicken Recipe Works
This simple butter chicken recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort. Here's why it's a winner:
- Time-efficient: With just 30 minutes of active cooking time, it's perfect for busy weeknights.
- Authentic taste: The blend of spices creates a rich, complex flavor profile.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level to suit your palate.
- Crowd-pleaser: A hit with both adults and children alike.
Health Benefits of Butter Chicken
While indulgent, this easy butter chicken recipe also offers some nutritional benefits:
- Protein-rich: Chicken provides essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair.
- Antioxidants: Turmeric and other spices offer anti-inflammatory properties.
- Calcium: Yogurt and cream contribute to bone health.
- Vitamin C: Tomatoes boost immune function.
The History of Butter Chicken
Butter chicken has a fascinating origin story. It was reportedly created in the 1950s by Kundan Lal Gujral, the founder of the famous Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi. The dish was born out of a need to use up leftover tandoori chicken, which was mixed with a tomato gravy rich in butter and cream. Little did Gujral know that his creation would become a global sensation!
Your New Favorite Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
With this easy butter chicken recipe, you're well on your way to creating a restaurant-quality Indian meal at home. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and creamy tomato sauce is sure to make this dish a regular in your cooking repertoire. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this butter chicken will impress with its rich flavors and comforting warmth.
So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey to India. Your taste buds will thank you, and you'll wonder why you ever ordered takeout when making butter chicken at home is this easy and delicious. Enjoy your homemade butter chicken feast!
This Easy Butter Chicken recipe is your gateway to a delicious and authentic Indian dish. With a creamy tomato-based sauce and tender marinated chicken, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
- 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces, 1000 grams)
- 1 cup plain yogurt (240 grams)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric (10 grams)
- 2 teaspoons garam masala (10 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander (5 grams)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 grams)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (45 grams)
- 1 large onion (finely chopped, 150 grams)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (15 grams)
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (15 grams)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin (10 grams)
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander (10 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (5 grams)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (5 grams)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala (5 grams)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 grams)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (400 grams)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- 1/2 cup water (120 ml)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (30 grams)
- Marinate the Chicken:In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, and salt.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for best results.
- Cook the Chicken:Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:In the same skillet, add the remaining butter.
- Sauté the chopped onion until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger, cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook for 1 minute.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:Add crushed tomatoes to the skillet, stir well to combine with the spices.
- Pour in water and bring to a simmer.
- Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce:Stir in heavy cream and simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish and Serve:Garnish with chopped cilantro.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Cholesterol 120mg40%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 750mg22%
- Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 7g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 700 IU
- Vitamin C 15 mg
- Calcium 100 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Vitamin D 10 IU
- Vitamin E 2 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.2 mg
- Niacin 8 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 30 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg
- Biotin 5 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
- Phosphorus 250 mg
- Iodine 20 g
- Magnesium 30 mmol
- Selenium 15 mg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.3 mg
- Chromium 5 mcg
- Molybdenum 10 mg
- Chloride 500 mmol
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best results as they remain tender and juicy.
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
- Fresh ginger and garlic provide the best flavor, but powdered forms can be used in a pinch.
- Serve immediately for the best taste, as the flavors are most vibrant when fresh.
Tips & Tricks
- To make the dish richer, add an extra tablespoon of butter towards the end of cooking.
- For a smokier flavor, grill the chicken pieces before adding them to the sauce.
- Make sure to stir the sauce frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Use full-fat yogurt and cream for a truly authentic and rich taste.
- Adding a pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Butter Chicken with warm naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Pair with steamed basmati rice for a complete meal.
- A side of cucumber raita can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
- Garnish with additional fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- Accompany with pickled onions for an added tangy crunch.
Dietary Restrictions
- Contains dairy and is not suitable for dairy-free diets. Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.