Butter Chicken Bliss: A Creamy, Dreamy Indian Delight!

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul. Our Butter Chicken recipe is the epitome of comfort food, featuring tender chunks of chicken swimming in a velvety, tomato-based sauce that’s bursting with aromatic spices. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Delhi.

As you cook, your kitchen will be filled with the intoxicating aroma of garam masala, ginger, and garlic. The rich, creamy sauce, with its perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness, will have you reaching for seconds before you’ve even finished your first serving. And the best part? This restaurant-quality dish can be easily recreated in your own home, impressing family and friends alike.

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, has its roots in 1950s Delhi, where it was accidentally created by mixing leftover tandoori chicken with a rich, buttery tomato gravy. Since then, it has become a beloved dish worldwide, celebrated for its luxurious texture and complex flavors. Pair it with fluffy naan bread or fragrant basmati rice for a truly authentic Indian dining experience.

Butter Chicken Bliss
Butter Chicken Bliss

Butter Chicken Bliss Recipe

Ingredients:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons turmeric powder

2 teaspoons garam masala

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons red chili powder

Salt to taste

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 large onion finely chopped

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 tablespoon minced ginger

1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and salt. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Once melted, sauté onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.

4. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, remaining garam masala, cumin, and chili powder. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes:

  • For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder.
  • To make it dairy-free, substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and use ghee or oil instead of butter.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: (Per serving, assuming 6 servings)

Calories: 480

Fat: 32g

Protein: 38g

Carbohydrates: 12g

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 6g

Sodium: 380mg

Other Information

Prep time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)

Cook time: 40 minutes

Equipment used: Large skillet, mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons

Estimated cost per serving: $3.50

Total cost: $21.00

In Conclusion, Butter Chicken Bliss

Butter Chicken is a beloved dish that has stood the test of time, delighting palates across the globe. With this recipe, you can now bring the flavors of India to your own kitchen, creating a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this Butter Chicken recipe promises a delicious adventure in every bite.

Check out these recipes for your favorite ethnic dishes from around the world here!

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