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Butter Chicken

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Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a creamy and mildly spiced Indian dish featuring tender marinated chicken simmered in a rich tomato-butter sauce. It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect with naan or rice.

Ingredients

  1. 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  2. 1 cup plain yogurt
  3. 2 tbsp lemon juice
  4. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  6. 2 tsp garam masala
  7. 1 tsp ground cumin
  8. 1 tsp ground coriander
  9. 1 tsp chili powder or paprika
  10. 1 tsp salt
  11. 4 tbsp butter
  12. 1 onion, finely chopped
  13. 3 cloves garlic, minced
  14. 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  15. 2 cups tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
  16. 1 cup heavy cream
  17. 1 tsp garam masala
  18. 1 tsp ground cumin
  19. 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  20. 1 tsp chili powder or paprika
  21. 1–2 tsp sugar (optional)
  22. Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little butter or oil and brown marinated chicken on all sides (do not fully cook). Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onion and cook until golden and soft. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
  3. Add garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder; cook for 30 seconds to toast spices.
  4. Stir in tomato puree and simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Add heavy cream and return chicken to skillet. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is creamy.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding sugar if needed.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

Notes

  1. For a dairy-free version, replace cream with coconut milk.
  2. Grilling the marinated chicken before adding it to the sauce adds a smoky flavor.
  3. Adjust chili powder to control spice level.
  4. Marinating overnight gives the best flavor and tenderness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/butter-chicken/