Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of India! Butter Chicken, or Chicken Makhani, is not just a recipe—it's a legendary culinary masterpiece that has captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide. With its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly tender chicken, this dish promises to turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary gastronomic experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onion finely, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Set them aside for later use.
- In a large bowl, add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Sprinkle with salt and half of the garam masala. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- In a large skillet or pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Next, add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on all sides.
- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the chicken simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- After the chicken is cooked, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and the remaining garam masala according to your taste. Stir well to combine.
- Once the sauce is to your desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the Butter Chicken with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve the Butter Chicken hot with steamed basmati rice or naan bread for a delicious meal.
Tips
- Marination is Key: For the most flavorful chicken, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if possible. This helps the spices penetrate deeply into the meat.
- Use High-Quality Garam Masala: The spice blend can make or break your Butter Chicken, so invest in a good quality garam masala or consider making your own blend.
- Control Your Heat: Simmer the chicken on low heat to ensure it remains tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
- Cream Temperature Matters: Add cream at the end and heat it gently to prevent curdling. Stir continuously to maintain a smooth, silky texture.
- Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Use fresh garlic, ginger, and cilantro for the most vibrant and authentic flavor profile.
- Optional Enrichment: For an even more luxurious sauce, you can add a small amount of cashew paste or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Serving Suggestion: Always serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, and paired with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice to soak up that incredible sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 215mg
