Butter Chicken Recipe (Chicken Makhani)

 

Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish made with marinated chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. The dish is believed to have originated in Delhi, India, in the 1950s.

The cooked chicken is then added to the sauce and simmered together for a few minutes until the flavors meld together. Butter chicken is typically served with rice or naan bread.

Butter chicken is a delicious dish that is enjoyed by many around the world. It is a great example of the diverse and flavorful cuisine of India.

Ingredients:

500g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut  bite-sized pieces

1 cup plain yogurt

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

3 tablespoons butter

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

1 can (400g) tomato puree

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, salt, cinnamon, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter and swirl to coat the pan. Add the chicken, discarding the marinade, and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan, then add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the tomato puree to the pan and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

Stir in the heavy cream and return the chicken to the pan. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Transfer the chicken and sauce to an oven-safe dish and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and slightly browned on top.

Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving. Serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Enjoy your delicious Butter Chicken (Chicken Makhani)!