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| Butter Chicken Recipe |
If you're a fan of Indian cuisine, then you've probably heard of butter chicken, also known as chicken makhani. This creamy and flavorful dish has been a favorite of foodies worldwide for many years. It's a classic Indian dish that is full of rich, spicy flavors that will leave you craving more. So, let's dive in and learn how to make a delicious English Butter Chicken Recipe (Chicken Makhani).
About Butter Chicken Recipe (Chicken Makhani)
If you're a fan of Indian cuisine, then you're probably familiar with Butter Chicken, also known as Chicken Makhani. This dish is a popular North Indian recipe that has gained worldwide fame for its rich and creamy tomato-based sauce and tender, succulent chicken pieces. In this article, we'll explore the history of Butter Chicken, compare it to Chicken Tikka Masala, and provide you with a step-by-step recipe to make this delicious dish at home.
Butter Chicken vs Chicken Tikka Masala
Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala are two of the most popular Pakistani dishes that are often confused with each other. While they share some similarities, they are distinct in their ingredients and preparation. Chicken Tikka Masala is a spicier dish that uses marinated chicken pieces cooked in a tandoor oven and then simmered in a spicy tomato-based sauce.
On the other hand, Butter Chicken is a milder dish that uses boneless chicken pieces cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. Butter Chicken also uses a significant amount of butter or ghee, giving it a rich, decadent flavor.
How is Butter Chicken Made?
Butter Chicken is made using boneless chicken pieces that are marinated in yogurt, spices, and lemon juice for several hours or overnight. The marinated chicken is then grilled or cooked in a tandoor oven to give it a slightly smoky flavor.
The tomato-based sauce is made by cooking onions, ginger, and garlic in butter or ghee until they are golden brown. Tomatoes, cream, and spices are then added to the onion mixture, and the sauce is simmered until it thickens.
Once the sauce is ready, the cooked chicken pieces are added to the sauce and simmered for a few minutes until they are fully coated in the creamy, tomato-based sauce. The dish is garnished with fresh coriander leaves and served hot with naan bread or rice.
Butter Chicken Recipe
Now that you know a little bit about the history of Butter Chicken and how it's made, let's get to the recipe. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, mix well, and let it marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the marinated chicken pieces on the sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter or ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are golden brown.
- Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
- Add the heavy cream and stir well. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes or until it thickens.
- Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce and stir well. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan bread or rice.
Cooking Time:
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Serves: 4 people
Recipe Benefits:
English Butter Chicken is a flavorful and healthy dish that has many benefits. It's high in nutrient content due to the use of spices like turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties. The dish is also low in calorie intake and improved digestion.
Additionally, the dish includes increased hydration, thanks to the use of yogurt and tomato puree. Lastly, the dish has a boosted metabolism due to the use of chili powder and other spices.
Important Tips:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour to maximize the flavor.
- To make the dish more spicy, increase the amount of chili powder.
- For a creamier consistency, add more heavy cream.
- Serve with steamed basmati rice and naan bread.
- Store leftover English Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Hidden Info:
The key to making a good English Butter Chicken Recipe (Chicken Makhani) is to cook the chicken properly. Make sure to cook the chicken until it is no longer pink, and then add the tomato puree and heavy cream. Be sure to stir the mixture well to ensure that the flavors are well combined.
Controversial Topic:
Some people argue that English Butter Chicken is not an authentic Indian dish. However, it has become a popular dish in many Indian restaurants worldwide and has been adapted to suit the taste buds of people from all cultures.
FAQs:
Is Butter Chicken a spicy dish?
No, Butter Chicken is not a spicy dish. It has a mild flavor with a creamy tomato-based sauce.
Can I use chicken breast instead of boneless chicken in the recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of boneless chicken in the recipe. However, boneless chicken is recommended as it cooks faster and is easier to cut into bite-sized pieces.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat the sauce and add the cooked chicken pieces before serving.
Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes in the recipe. However, diced tomatoes give the sauce a chunky texture, so it's recommended to use them if possible.
Can I substitute heavy cream with coconut cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version of the recipe. However, the flavor and texture of the sauce will be different.
Conclusion:
English Butter Chicken Recipe (Chicken Makhani) is a delicious and flavorful dish that is easy to make and packed with nutrients. With the right combination of spices, chicken, and cream, you can create a dish that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. Follow these simple steps, and you'll be on your way to enjoying a homemade English Butter Chicken that rivals that of any Indian restaurant.
