Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe – A Flavorful Culinary Delight

Title: Authentic Butter Chicken Recipe – A Flavorful Culinary Delight

Introduction: Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a timeless classic in Indian cuisine that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide. This rich and creamy dish features tender pieces of chicken marinated in a tantalizing blend of spices, cooked to perfection, and bathed in a luscious tomato-based gravy. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating this culinary masterpiece, ensuring that your Butter Chicken turns out irresistibly flavorful and authentic.

Ingredients:

For Marination:

• 500g boneless chicken pieces, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons ginger paste
• 2 tablespoons garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 ripe tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Marination:

1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt to create the marinade.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the marinated chicken pieces on a baking tray and cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred around the edges. Set aside.

Preparing the Gravy:

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter with the oil over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Stir in the ginger and garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Add the red chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, and cardamom powder. Cook for a minute until the spices release their aroma.
5. Pour in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil starts to separate from the gravy. This may take around 8-10 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream and milk. Mix well to create a creamy consistency.
7. Gently add the cooked chicken pieces to the gravy. Allow them to simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the salt as needed.

Serve and Garnish:

1. Transfer the Butter Chicken to a serving dish.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

Conclusion: Congratulations! You’ve successfully crafted a sumptuous dish of Butter Chicken that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates. The marriage of tender chicken pieces with a velvety tomato gravy is a match made in culinary heaven. Serve your Butter Chicken with warm naan bread or fragrant basmati rice for a complete Indian dining experience that will transport you to the vibrant streets of India. Enjoy the delightfully rich and complex flavors of this beloved classic!