Unlock the Secret to Sizzling Butter Chicken That Will Transform Your Home Cooking!

 ## Unlock the Secret to Sizzling Butter Chicken That Will Transform Your Home Cooking!

### Introduction

Butter chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is one of the truly rich and tasty specialties of Indian kitchen originated in the center of this country. Ever thought of chicken cooked gently in a tasty, creamy, and spicy tomato based gravy that does miracles with every bite you take. This food is so famous that you can easily elevate your home-cooking standard to match that of a restaurant with every plate you prepare. Today we are going to demystify how to make this tasty butter chicken at home. So tie your apron and let’s get into the kitchen of amazing aromas, spices and butter.

### Why Butter Chicken?

That is why butter chicken is not just any kind of dish because it is a combination of spicy, sweet and even savory all in one. Inexperienced cooks and the experienced professional will find this recipe simple to follow and a delight to make. Also, it is convenient to be able to present your family and friends with a specially cooked meal that seems professionally prepared.

### The Origin Story

Butter chicken, also known as Makkhani Murghi, is a fusion of royal Mughlai cuisine and the Punjabi chholey. Brought to Life in the streets of Delhi, India, in the mid 1950s. Although the Moti Mahal restaurant was founded by Kundan Lal Gujral, this dish was actually named Kadhai by him in an attempt to recycle tandoori chicken. He spanned the chicken in a tomato sauce with butter and cream and done! Butter chicken was born.

### Ingredients You'll Need

To prepare butter chicken, you will require fresh products and of course, a number of spices for the nice aroma. Here's what you'll need:

#### For the Marinade:

- For the chicken you will need; 500g of chicken breast or chicken thighs cut into small pieces.

- plain yogurt with 1 cup of it.

- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

- 1 tablespoon, ginger garlic paste

- Mixed spices commonly used in Indian cooking that include cinnamon, mace, cardamom, and nutmeg, should be added in an amount of 1 teaspoon.

- 1 teaspoon turmeric

- 1 tsp chili powder

- Salt to taste

#### For the Sauce:

- 2 tablespoons butter

- 1 large onion – julienned

- 2 tomatoes, pureed

- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

- 1 teaspoon cumin

- 1 teaspoon of the Coriander powder

- 1 teaspoon garam masala 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro.

- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

- 1 cup nonfat dried milk

- Salt to taste

- As for garnishing, fresh cilantro is commonly used.

### The Cooking Process

#### Step 1: Marinating the Chicken

The marination process is important to apply and lock in flavor on the chicken as well as make it tender while being cooked. In a large bowl add the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder and salt. Follow this by adding the pieces of chicken and experience the joy that comes with feeling that your cooking is done well. Stir and mount the covers and refrigerate the dish for at least 2 hrs or preferably overnight.

#### Step 2: Preparing the Sauce

On medium heat, in a larger saucepan, melt the butter. Fry the chopped onions evenly until the onions reaches the golden brown color. This step is important as it should put down the base flavor of the sauce sufficiently. Next, add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute or so until you get the aroma of the paste.

#### Step 3: Adding the Spices

Then to the same pan add the cumin, coriander powder, garam masala, and chili powder. Stir well to enable the spices to stick to the onions by the rim of the spoons belly. This step eliminates any compound that could lock the spices within the sauce but it makes the sauce rather aromatic due to the release of essential oils present in spices.

#### Step 4: Cooking the Tomatoes

Add the tomato puree to it and stir until the oil floats on top of the tomato sauce. This helps in concentration of the flavors and gives the sauce its dark color as is the case with this recipe. Add salt to taste.

#### Step 5: Simmering the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces marinated into the pan, cook the chicken until it is not pink anymore. The yogurt used in the marinade will effectively soften the chicken while at the same time give the dish a rich taste.

#### Step 6: Finishing with Cream

Lower the heat to low and add the heavy cream to your soup and stir it once more. Just let the sauce to cook slowly for an additional 10-15 minutes, by which time the essence of all the ingredients should blend well. This is best served garnished with chopped cilantro before the meal is finally consumed.

### Tips and Tricks

- **Use Fresh Spices**: The use of fresh spices contributes a lot to the Indian cuisine that is why it is also called spice –rich country. When cooking you should use good quality spices to make a difference in the taste of food.

- **Don't Rush the Sauce**: This is important because it is crucial that the sauce is reduced, which will only be possible if it is cooked for an extended period. Just wait and let the miracle happen.

- **Adjust the Heat**: If you do not like your food hot, spicy, you can bring down the quantity of chili powder added into the dish. On the other hand, if it tastes great with a lot of spice to you, then by all means, add more.

### Serving Suggestions

The butter chicken goes well served with boiled basmati rice or with fresh warm naan bread. To enhance its action, other side orders you can accompany it with include raita, which is a yogurt side dish and pickles.

### Conclusion

   

And that is the secret I am sharing today to make that mouthwatering butter chicken that would take your home cooking to a new level. To engage in the preparation of this dish is not just about reading a recipe book but it is a way of eliciting enjoyment among the consumers. Therefore the next time that you feel like having something delicious and tasty, try this butter chicken recipe. Trust me, your tongue will be more pleased to follow your heart.

Have you used the following recipe? Leave your comments in the section below! In case you enjoyed this blog post, do not hesitate to click the like button, as well as the share button to spread the word and subscribe so that you don't miss out on the next culinary masterpieces that will hit your kitchen.

### FAQs About Butter Chicken

**Q: If so, can I use chicken thighs instead of the chicken breasts that you have called for in a recipe? **

A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are preferred as it does contain fat in it and does not dry out even if it is overcooked a little bit.

**Q: Is butter chicken very hot? **

A: In terms of spiciness, it is usually on the mild to medium range on the spiciness scale, As most Indians know it. A heat level can be managed by changing the quantity of chili powder added into the soup.

**Q: What about prepare butter chicken in advance? **

A: Indeed, butter chicken is best eaten the next day, as it experiences what is called a flavor explosion after the spices and ingredients have had a longer time to marinate. Just warm the stew on the stovetop over low flame.

**Q: Yes, butter chicken can be frozen. **

A: Yes, butter chicken is also freezer friendly. For the refrigerator, it can stay for up to 2 weeks and in the freezer, it can last for up to 3 months provided it has been stored in an airtight container.

**Q: What are the substitutions for heavy cream? **

A: You can also replace half cup milk with half-and-half or coconut milk for a variation to the flavor.