Origin & Significance
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a world-famous North Indian dish that originated in Delhi in the 1950s. It was created by chefs at the legendary Moti Mahal restaurant as a way to repurpose leftover tandoori chicken by simmering it in a rich, creamy tomato-based gravy. The dish perfectly balances smoky, tangy, and buttery flavors, making it a favorite in Indian households and restaurants worldwide. Traditionally served with naan, roti, or basmati rice, Butter Chicken is a must-try for lovers of rich and flavorful Indian cuisine.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Marinated Chicken
- 500 grams boneless chicken (cut into cubes)
- 1/2 cup thick yogurt
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon mustard oil
- Salt to taste
For the Butter Chicken Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 large tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 10-12 cashew nuts (soaked and blended into a paste)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
- 1/4 cup fresh cream
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Preparation
📌 Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin powder, lemon juice, mustard oil, and salt.
- Add the chicken cubes and coat them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight for enhanced flavors).
📌 Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
- Heat a pan or grill on medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken until slightly charred and cooked through. Alternatively, bake at 200°C (390°F) for 15-20 minutes or air-fry at 180°C (356°F) for 12-15 minutes. Set aside.
📌 Step 3: Preparing the Butter Chicken Gravy
- Heat butter and oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and bay leaf; let them splutter.
- Sauté onions until golden brown, then add ginger and garlic paste. Cook until the raw aroma disappears.
- Pour in the tomato puree and mix in turmeric, chili powder, and coriander powder.
- Cook until the oil separates from the masala.
📌 Step 4: Adding Creaminess
- Stir in the cashew paste and cook for 3-4 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Add 1 cup of water and salt, then simmer for 5 minutes.
📌 Step 5: Cooking the Chicken in Gravy
- Add the cooked chicken pieces to the prepared gravy and mix well.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
📌 Step 6: Final Touches
- Sprinkle garam masala and crushed kasuri methi.
- Stir in fresh cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
📌 Step 7: Serving
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with naan, roti, or fragrant basmati rice.
Enjoy this creamy, indulgent Butter Chicken at home! 🍽️✨
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
🍗 Chicken
- High in protein, aiding muscle growth and repair.
- Rich in essential vitamins like B6 and B12, supporting immunity and brain function.
🍅 Tomatoes
- Loaded with vitamin C for immunity and glowing skin.
- Contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health.
🧄 Garlic & Ginger
- Known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Improve digestion and enhance gut health.
🌰 Cashew Nuts
- Provide healthy fats that promote heart health.
- Rich in magnesium, essential for strong bones and nerves.
🌿 Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves)
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels.
- Aids digestion and reduces bloating.
🧈 Butter & Fresh Cream (in moderation)
- Good sources of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
- Enhance brain function and satiety.
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of Butter Chicken, a dish that perfectly balances spice, sweetness, and tanginess! Whether paired with naan, roti, or steamed rice, this North Indian delicacy is sure to impress your taste buds.
Try making this restaurant-style Butter Chicken at home using authentic, high-quality spices from SwadesCart.com
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