Delicious Butter Chicken Recipes You Can Easily Make at Home

Butter Chicken, also known as “Murgh Makhani,” is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine. Its creamy, rich, and mildly spiced gravy makes it a comfort food favorite for many. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner, preparing Butter Chicken at home is easier than you think. In this blog, we will share some simple and delicious Butter Chicken recipes that will surely impress your family and friends. inspired from Swasthi Recipes

What Makes Butter Chicken So Special?

Butter Chicken has earned its place as a star dish in Indian restaurants and home kitchens alike. The secret to its popularity lies in the perfect balance of flavors — the richness of butter and cream combined with the subtle heat of Indian spices creates a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting.

While Butter Chicken is usually served with naan or steamed rice, its versatility allows it to be enjoyed with a variety of sides, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special event, or just a cozy night in, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Classic Butter Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, minced
• 1 can (400g) tomato puree
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with half of the garlic, ginger, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of yogurt (optional). Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for more flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides (about 7-10 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining garlic and ginger and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Add the tomato puree, garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and turmeric. Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Finish the Dish:
   • Return the cooked chicken to the pan, along with any juices. Stir to combine. Add the heavy cream and simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
5. Serve:
   • Serve your homemade Butter Chicken with naan or steamed rice for the perfect meal.

Tips for the Best Butter Chicken:

• For extra flavor, you can add a little bit of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to the sauce.
• Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less chili powder to suit your taste.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the tomato mixture after cooking it.

Easy Butter Chicken Variations

If you’re looking to try something different or don’t have all the ingredients for the classic recipe, here are some variations of Butter Chicken you can experiment with:

1. Low-Fat Butter Chicken

If you’re watching your calorie intake but still want to enjoy Butter Chicken, you can lighten the recipe by replacing heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk. You can also use skinless chicken breasts to cut down on fat.

2. Butter Chicken with Tofu

For a vegetarian twist, swap out the chicken for tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water, cut it into cubes, and sauté it just like you would the chicken. This is a great option for those looking for a plant-based version of Butter Chicken.

3. Butter Chicken with Spinach

If you want to add some extra veggies, you can stir in some fresh spinach or kale to your Butter Chicken. The greens will blend well with the rich gravy and add a nutritious boost to the dish.

Conclusion

Making Butter Chicken at home is a rewarding experience that lets you enjoy the rich flavors of this classic dish without having to visit a restaurant. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try out one of the variations, Butter Chicken is a dish that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start cooking today — your taste buds will thank you!

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