Butter Chicken, or “Murgh Makhani,” is a classic Indian dish known for its creamy, rich tomato-based sauce and tender, marinated chicken. This iconic dish has gained global popularity for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide to creating Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe at home, using a recipe inspired by our kitchen in West Hollywood. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned home chef, you’ll find this recipe approachable and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You will need the following items to prepare butter chicken:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• One and a half pounds of skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts, chopped into small pieces
• 1 cup of plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of garam masala
• Salt to taste

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of oil (vegetable or ghee)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste
• 1 cup of tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon of garam masala
• 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons of dried fenugreek leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide for Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

1. Marinate the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken. Combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, ground cumin, garam masala, and salt in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken.

2. Cook the Chicken

Over medium-high heat, preheat a skillet or grill pan. Add a little oil to prevent sticking. Cook the marinated chicken pieces until they are charred and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes on each side. This step adds a smoky flavor to the chicken that is characteristic of Butter Chicken. Set the cooked chicken aside.

If you’re ever in West Hollywood, don’t miss the chance to taste the authentic Butter Chicken at Flavor Of India, where we prepare it with the finest ingredients and traditional techniques.

3. Prepare the Sauce

Heat the oil and butter in a big skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden brown. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.

4. Add the Spices and Tomatoes

 

Add the chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and garam masala to the pan. Stir well to coat the onions with the spices, and cook for 2 minutes to release their flavors. Pour in the tomato puree and cook the mixture for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the oil begins to separate from the tomatoes.

5. Blend the Sauce

To achieve a smooth, creamy texture, blend the sauce using an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender. Blend until the sauce is smooth and no chunks of onions or tomatoes remain. After adding it back to the pan, boil the sauce.

6. Finish the Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk, and simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce is rich and creamy. Add the dried fenugreek leaves by crushing them between your palms and sprinkling them into the sauce. To taste, add salt and pepper for seasoning.

7. Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water or cream to achieve the desired consistency.

8. Garnish and Serve

Your Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is ready now. Garnish your Butter Chicken with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, naan, or roti. This dish is perfect for a comforting dinner that brings the rich flavors of Indian cuisine to your home.

Tips While Making this Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

1. Marinate Longer for Better Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will be. Overnight marination is ideal.
2. Use Thighs for Juicier Meat: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicier compared to breasts, making them a better choice for Butter Chicken.
3. Grill for Authentic Taste: Cooking the chicken on a grill or in a grill pan gives it a charred, smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
4. Don’t Skip the Fenugreek: Dried fenugreek leaves add a distinctive flavor that is key to authentic Butter Chicken. If you can’t find them, fenugreek powder can be a substitute.
5. Balance the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of cream to your taste. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use less cream or substitute with coconut milk.

Conclusion

Making Butter Chicken at home can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to enjoy the rich flavors of Indian cuisine in the comfort of your kitchen. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate the authentic taste of Butter Chicken that rivals any restaurant version.

For a taste of traditional Butter Chicken and for a West Hollywood Breakfast Destinations with a modern twist, visit our restaurant in West Hollywood, where we bring together Indian cuisine and the finest ingredients and culinary expertise to create an unforgettable dining experience.

Try our Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe, and bring a touch of gourmet elegance to your everyday meals. Enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of Butter Chicken, a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.