Get ready to dive into the world of authentic Indian butter chicken. This dish has won the hearts of food lovers everywhere. It’s creamy, aromatic, and full of flavor. Now, you can make it in your kitchen with the same quality as a restaurant.
Butter chicken started on the streets of India and has become a global favorite. It’s different from chicken tikka masala, with its own unique taste. This makes it a top choice for anyone who loves Indian food.
Key Takeaways
- Authentic Indian restaurant style butter chicken is a classic and hugely popular dish worldwide
- The recipe calls for marinated boneless chicken, preferably thighs or breasts
- The marinade includes ingredients like lemon juice, spices, and Greek yogurt
- The creamy, flavorful sauce is made with butter, tomatoes, cashews, and aromatic spices
- The chicken and sauce are simmered together to create the perfect balance of flavors
What is Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken, also known as “Murgh Makhani”, is a beloved and iconic Indian dish. It started in Northern India in 1948. This creamy, indulgent curry has become a staple in Indian cuisine. It’s loved in Indian restaurants worldwide.
The dish features boneless, skinless chicken marinated and then grilled or roasted. Then, it’s simmered in a rich, velvety tomato-based gravy. This gravy is full of aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, coriander, and red chili powder. What makes it special is the creamy elements, like heavy cream or yogurt. These add a luxurious, buttery texture to the sauce.
Differences Between Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala
Both butter chicken and chicken tikka masala are popular Indian dishes. But, they have some key differences. Chicken tikka masala is spicier with a tomato-onion based sauce that includes onions. On the other hand, butter chicken is milder. It has a creamy, buttery sauce that’s less spicy and more aromatic.
| Butter Chicken | Chicken Tikka Masala |
|---|---|
| Mild, creamy, and buttery sauce | Spicier, tomato-onion based sauce |
| Considered a more authentic Indian dish | Has a stronger, more pronounced flavor profile |
| Features grilled or roasted chicken in a tomato-based gravy | Chicken is cooked in a spicy tomato-onion sauce |
“Butter chicken is a classic Indian dish that is loved for its rich, creamy, and indulgent flavor profile. It’s a must-try for anyone exploring the depths of authentic Indian cuisine.”
Ingredients for Authentic Butter Chicken
To make the perfect butter-chicken, you need top-quality ingredients. The main ingredient is the chicken. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs and chicken breasts for the best taste. The thighs add a juicy texture, while the breasts offer a lean, tender bite.
The marinade brings out the flavor in this Indian recipe. Mix plain yogurt, fresh lemon or lime juice, grated garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, fenugreek leaves (optional), turmeric, and salt together. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for the best flavor.
For the butter chicken sauce, gather unsalted butter, vegetable oil, Kashmiri chili powder, ground cumin, grated garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, green chili, tomato paste, heavy cream, lemon or lime juice, salt, chopped cilantro, and an optional tablespoon of salted butter for garnish.
Choosing the right ingredients is key to making Indian recipe taste authentic. With some prep and the right spices, you can make a dish that rivals a restaurant’s in your kitchen.
butter chicken recipe indian restaurant style
Marinating the Chicken
Getting started with butter chicken means marinating the chicken to fill it with true Indian tastes. You should marinate the chicken for at least 12 hours, up to 48 hours. This makes the meat tender and full of flavor.
First, mix plain yogurt, tandoori spice mix, lemon juice, and salt in a big bowl. Then, add the boneless, skinless chicken pieces and mix well. Put the bowl in the fridge for 12-48 hours. This lets the chicken soak up the spices.
- 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp tandoori spice mix
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp kosher salt
When you’re ready, heat 2 tbsp of butter or ghee in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Put in the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 6-10 minutes. They should be browned on all sides. This step locks in the flavor and gives that char you love from Indian restaurants.
Now that the chicken is cooked, it’s time to add it to the butter chicken sauce. This is where the dish comes alive. You’ll get that authentic Indian restaurant taste in your kitchen.
Preparing the Butter Chicken Gravy
The secret to a true butter-chicken dish is its creamy, fragrant gravy. Start by sautéing a big diced onion in butter and oil until it’s golden. Then, add minced garlic and ginger to let their flavors pop.
After that, throw in whole spices like bay leaves, cumin, and garam masala. Let them sizzle for a bit to release their scent. Next, blend tomatoes and cashews into a smooth purée. This purée is the heart of the butter chicken gravy.
- Put the tomato-cashew purée in the pan and simmer it, letting the flavors combine.
- Stir in ketchup, fenugreek leaves, and more spices for the best taste.
- Let the gravy thicken and the flavors deepen as it cooks on low heat.
- Finally, add the cooked chicken pieces and a bit of cream for a creamy finish.
The butter chicken gravy is now ready. Serve it with fluffy naan or fragrant basmati rice. This completes the true Indian restaurant-style butter chicken meal.
Conclusion
The butter-chicken recipe is a true gem of Indian cooking. It’s a creamy, aromatic dish that shows the genius of Kundan Lal Gujral. He made it famous at his Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi. With the right techniques and ingredients, you can make this restaurant-style butter chicken at home.
For the best butter chicken, marinate the chicken well and prepare the gravy carefully. Marinating tenderizes the chicken and fills it with tandoori spices. The sauce gets its richness by simmering tomatoes with spices, then adding butter and cream at the end. Serve it with basmati rice or naan bread for a delicious meal.
If you love butter chicken or want to try Indian cuisine, this perfect butter chicken recipe is a must. Its vibrant look, inviting smell, and incredible flavors will make your taste buds happy. This best butter chicken recipe will take you straight to the heart of India’s food culture.
FAQ
What is the difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala?
Butter-chicken, or murgh makhani, is a classic Indian dish. It’s made with marinated and grilled chicken cooked in a creamy, tomato-based gravy. The sauce is rich, buttery, and aromatic, with a mild spice level.
Chicken tikka masala is spicier with a tomato-onion sauce that might include onions. Butter chicken is milder and more authentic. Tikka masala has a stronger flavor.
What are the key ingredients needed to make authentic butter chicken at home?
For authentic butter chicken, you need boneless, skinless chicken, a yogurt-based marinade, and spices like garam masala and Kashmiri red chili powder. Don’t forget tomatoes, cashews, butter, and cream.
Using fresh ingredients and marinating the chicken well is key for the best flavor and texture.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the butter chicken recipe?
Marinate the chicken for at least 12 hours, or up to 48 hours. This makes the meat tender and flavorful. The marinade includes yogurt, spices, ginger-garlic paste, and lemon juice.
What are the key steps for preparing the butter chicken gravy?
Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and spices in butter and oil. Then, blend tomatoes and cashews for a smooth gravy base. Add spices, ketchup, and fenugreek leaves for flavor.
Simmer the gravy to thicken it, then add the cooked chicken and finish with cream.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this butter chicken recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs are more flavorful and tender, but breasts work too if marinated and cooked right. Make sure the chicken is tender and juicy, no matter the cut.