Butter Chicken Recipe: A Rich and Creamy Indian Delight

 Butter Chicken Recipe: A Rich and Creamy Indian Delight

Introduction:
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most loved and popular Indian dishes worldwide. It features tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich, creamy, and mildly spiced tomato-based gravy. The deliciousness of butter chicken lies in its perfect balance of spices and the smooth, buttery sauce that makes each bite melt in your mouth. This indulgent dish is perfect for special occasions or a comforting meal when paired with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

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Ingredients:

• 500g boneless chicken (murgh), cut into pieces

• 2 tablespoons yogurt (dahi)

• 1 tablespoon ginger (adrak), garlic (lehsun) paste

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (nimbu ka ras)

• Salt (namak) to taste

• 2 tablespoons butter (makhan)

• 1 onion (pyaaz), finely chopped

• 2 tomatoes (tamatar), pureed

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (lal mirch)

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (malai)

• 1/2 cup water (pani)

• Fresh coriander leaves (dhaniya), chopped, for garnish

• 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crushed (optional)

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Steps to Prepare Butter Chicken:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a bowl, mix the chicken (murgh) pieces with yogurt (dahi), ginger (adrak), garlic (lehsun) paste, lemon juice (nimbu ka ras), and salt (namak).

• Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour for better flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of butter (makhan) in a pan over medium heat.

• Add the marinated chicken and cook until the chicken pieces are golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Prepare the Gravy:

• In the same pan, add another tablespoon of butter (makhan).

• Add cumin seeds (jeera) and let them splutter.

• Add the chopped onions (pyaaz) and sauté until they turn golden brown.

4. Add Spices and Tomatoes:

• Add garam masala, red chili powder (lal mirch), and turmeric powder (haldi) to the onions and sauté for a minute to release the spices' aroma.

• Add the pureed tomatoes (tamatar) and cook the mixture until the oil separates from the masala.

5. Make the Gravy Creamy:

• Add the cooked chicken (murgh) back into the pan.

• Pour in water (pani) and cook for 5-7 minutes.

• Add heavy cream (malai) to the pan and stir well to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the gravy thickens and the chicken is fully coated in the creamy sauce.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Add crushed kasuri methi (optional) and freshly chopped coriander leaves (dhaniya) for extra flavor.

• Serve the butter chicken hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

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Conclusion:
Butter Chicken is a classic and irresistible dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, buttery, and creamy gravy. The balance of spices and the smooth texture of the sauce make it an indulgent treat for any occasion. Whether it's a family dinner or a special gathering, butter chicken will always be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this delicious, comforting dish with your favorite side for a memorable meal!