Butter chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a beloved dish in Indian cuisine known for its creamy tomato sauce and tender marinated chicken. It’s a perfect choice for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. In this guide, we’ll explore three diverse examples of how to make authentic butter chicken, ensuring that you have the tools to create this flavorful dish no matter your skill level!
This classic butter chicken recipe is perfect for those who want to impress their guests with traditional flavors. The combination of spices and the cooking method will give you an authentic taste of India.
To make this dish, start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander for at least an hour (or overnight for better flavor). After marinating, grill or pan-sear the chicken until it’s cooked through. Then, for the sauce, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in butter, add tomato puree, and simmer with cream, and spices. Finally, combine the chicken with the sauce, and let it simmer together before serving it with naan or rice.
You can make this recipe vegetarian by using paneer or tofu instead of chicken. Also, feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chili powders according to your taste.
For those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious butter chicken, this quick recipe is a lifesaver. It uses pre-cooked chicken and simplifies the cooking process without sacrificing flavor.
Begin by heating butter in a pan and sautéing chopped onions until golden. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant. Then, add a jar of store-bought tomato sauce and a splash of cream. To this sauce, stir in pre-cooked chicken pieces and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Finish off with some kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for added aroma and flavor. Serve it hot with basmati rice or chapatis.
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for a pop of color and nutrition. This method also works well with leftover chicken from a previous meal.
This vegan version of butter chicken is perfect for those who follow a plant-based diet but still want to enjoy the rich flavors of this iconic dish. By using cauliflower and chickpeas, you can create a hearty meal that’s healthy and satisfying.
Start by roasting cauliflower florets in the oven until golden brown. In a separate pan, cook diced onions, garlic, and ginger in coconut oil until soft. Add spices like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala, followed by a can of crushed tomatoes and coconut milk. Once this mixture has simmered for a few minutes, add the roasted cauliflower and canned chickpeas. Allow everything to cook for another 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. Serve it with rice or quinoa.
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, to add more nutrients and color to your dish. You can also adjust the spice level to suit your preference.
Now that you have these examples of how to make authentic butter chicken, you can choose the one that best fits your needs and taste preferences. Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful dish!