Indian Butter Chicken (30 Minutes)

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Get ready to embark on a flavorful culinary journey with this mouthwatering recipe for Indian Butter Chicken. Also known as Murgh Makhani, this classic dish is a beloved staple of Indian cuisine. Tender chicken pieces are cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Let’s get started!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1lb boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
  2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  3. Add the garam masala, turmeric powder, paprika, cumin powder, and coriander powder to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
  4. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides.
  5. Pour in the tomato puree, heavy cream, and honey. Season with salt to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the Indian Butter Chicken hot with steamed rice or naan bread.

Notes

If you have time, marinating the chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, and spices for a few hours before cooking can enhance its tenderness and flavor. For a creamier texture, feel free to blend the sauce before adding the chicken back to the skillet. Serve this mouthwatering dish with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 385
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg

Pair this with...

Garlic Naan

Start off by activating your yeast: combine warm water, a sprinkle of sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl and let it sit until it's frothy. In a larger bowl, mix all-purpose flour and salt. Add in some yogurt and your frothy yeast mixture, mixing until you form a dough. Knead this dough on a floured surface until it's smooth and elastic. Let it rest in a greased bowl, covered, until it's doubled in size. In the meantime, finely mince some fresh garlic. Divide your risen dough into balls, rolling each into an oval shape. Sprinkle the garlic on top, pressing lightly so it sticks. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each naan until it's puffy and has golden spots, roughly 2 minutes per side. Optional: brush with melted butter or ghee for added richness.

Mango Lassi

This traditional Indian drink marries the sweetness of mangoes with the tang of yogurt. To whip one up, you'll need a ripe mango. Peel, pit, and chop it, tossing the juicy chunks into a blender. Add about a cup of plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works well for extra creaminess). For that hint of sweetness and depth, pour in a tablespoon or two of honey or sugar. Some folks like adding a pinch of ground cardamom for that extra aromatic kick. Blend everything until smooth. If the mixture feels too thick, you can thin it with a splash of milk or water. Pour your lassi into a glass, and if you're feeling fancy, garnish with a little sprinkle of ground pistachios or a mint leaf.

Watermelon and Feta Salad

First, cube up some chilled watermelon, getting rid of any seeds. Scatter a good handful of fresh blueberries over it. Now, for the contrast: crumble or cube some tangy feta cheese over the sweet fruits. The creamy, salty bite of the cheese complements the sweetness perfectly. If you're in the mood for a dash of zest, drizzle a light lemon or lime dressing over the top. Maybe even sprinkle on some chopped fresh mint or basil. Mix it gently, and voila!

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