Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular Indian dish that originated in the city of Delhi. It is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish made with marinated chicken cooked in a spicy tomato sauce and served with a generous amount of butter. In this article, we will explore the history of butter chicken, its cultural significance, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook butter chicken Indian style.
History and Cultural Significance of Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a relatively modern dish that was created in the 1950s by Kundan Lal Gujral, a restaurateur in Delhi. Gujral owned a restaurant called Moti Mahal, which was famous for its tandoori chicken. One day, Gujral decided to create a dish that would use up leftover tandoori chicken. He marinated the chicken in spices and yogurt, grilled it, and then simmered it in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. The dish was an instant hit, and soon it became a staple of Indian cuisine.
Butter chicken is not only a popular dish in India, but it is also a cultural icon. It is often served at special occasions such as weddings and festivals, and it is a favorite among tourists visiting India. The dish is also a symbol of Indian hospitality, as it is often served to guests as a sign of respect and generosity.
Ingredients and Spices Used in Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a complex dish that requires a variety of ingredients and spices. Here are some of the key ingredients and spices used in the dish:
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Garam masala
- Cumin powder
- Coriander powder
- Red chili powder
- Turmeric powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Tomato puree
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Fresh cilantro
Spice Blends Used in Butter Chicken
Butter chicken uses a variety of spice blends, including garam masala, cumin powder, and coriander powder. These spice blends are essential to the flavor and aroma of the dish. Here is a brief overview of each spice blend:
- Garam masala: A blend of ground spices, including cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper. Garam masala is used to add warmth and depth to the dish.
- Cumin powder: Ground cumin seeds are used to add a nutty flavor to the dish.
- Coriander powder: Ground coriander seeds are used to add a sweet and citrusy flavor to the dish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Butter Chicken
Cooking butter chicken is a multi-step process that requires some planning and preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking butter chicken Indian style:
Marinating the Chicken
The first step in cooking butter chicken is to marinate the chicken. Here is a recipe for the marinade:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and add the chicken. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Grilling the Chicken
Once the chicken is marinated, it is time to grill it. Here is a recipe for grilling the chicken:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and thread it onto skewers.
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and set it aside.
Making the Sauce
The sauce is the most important part of butter chicken. Here is a recipe for the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Fresh cilantro
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the oil, onion, and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the tomato puree, heavy cream, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens.
Assembling the Dish
Once the sauce is ready, it is time to assemble the dish. Here is a recipe for assembling the dish:
- Add the grilled chicken to the sauce and stir well.
- Add the kasoori methi and fresh cilantro to the sauce and stir well.
- Simmer the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is fully coated.
- Serve the butter chicken hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of butter.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations for cooking butter chicken:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients used in butter chicken is essential to the flavor and aroma of the dish. Use fresh and high-quality spices, herbs, and dairy products.
- Adjust the spice level: Butter chicken is a spicy dish, but the spice level can be adjusted to suit your taste. Use more or less red chili powder to adjust the spice level.
- Add other ingredients: Butter chicken can be made with other ingredients, such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Add these ingredients to the sauce for added flavor and texture.
- Use different types of chicken: Butter chicken can be made with different types of chicken, such as chicken breast or thighs. Use boneless and skinless chicken for a leaner version of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Butter chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve with basmati rice: Basmati rice is a classic pairing for butter chicken. Serve the dish with a side of basmati rice for a filling and flavorful meal.
- Serve with naan bread: Naan bread is a type of Indian flatbread that is perfect for sopping up the sauce of butter chicken. Serve the dish with a side of naan bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Serve with vegetables: Butter chicken can be served with a variety of vegetables, such as sautéed spinach or roasted bell peppers. Add these vegetables to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
Butter chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender chicken, and blend of spices, butter chicken is a dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and authentic version of butter chicken that is sure to impress your family and friends.
What is Butter Chicken and where did it originate?
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish that originated in the city of Delhi in the 1950s. It is a rich and creamy tomato-based curry made with marinated chicken cooked in a tandoor or oven, and then simmered in a flavorful sauce with a generous amount of butter.
The dish is believed to have been created by Kundan Lal Gujral, a restaurateur who owned a restaurant called Moti Mahal in Delhi. Gujral experimented with different recipes and eventually came up with the idea of serving chicken in a creamy tomato sauce with a dollop of butter on top. The dish quickly became a hit with locals and visitors alike, and soon spread to other parts of India and the world.
What are the essential ingredients required to make Butter Chicken?
The essential ingredients required to make Butter Chicken include boneless chicken breast or thighs, plain yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Other key ingredients include butter, tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and heavy cream or half-and-half.
In addition to these ingredients, you will also need some spices and herbs like cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and fresh cilantro. You can adjust the amount of spices and herbs according to your personal taste preferences. It’s also a good idea to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh tomatoes and real butter, to get the best flavor out of the dish.
How do I marinate the chicken for Butter Chicken?
To marinate the chicken for Butter Chicken, you will need to mix together plain yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken to the marinade and mix well to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
It’s essential to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. You can also marinate the chicken for longer if you prefer a stronger flavor. Just make sure to adjust the amount of spices and herbs according to your personal taste preferences.
Can I make Butter Chicken without a tandoor or oven?
Yes, you can make Butter Chicken without a tandoor or oven. While traditional Butter Chicken is cooked in a tandoor or oven, you can also cook the chicken on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. To cook the chicken on the stovetop, heat some oil in a pan and cook the chicken until it’s browned and cooked through.
Alternatively, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker. Simply add the marinated chicken to the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until the chicken is cooked through. Then, add the sauce ingredients to the slow cooker and cook for another 30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
How do I make the sauce for Butter Chicken?
To make the sauce for Butter Chicken, you will need to heat some butter in a pan and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until they’re softened. Then, add some tomato puree, heavy cream or half-and-half, and spices to the pan and simmer the sauce until it’s thickened.
You can adjust the amount of spices and herbs according to your personal taste preferences. It’s also a good idea to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh tomatoes and real butter, to get the best flavor out of the dish. You can also add some kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to the sauce for a more authentic flavor.
Can I make Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Butter Chicken ahead of time. In fact, the dish tastes even better when it’s made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen. To make the dish ahead of time, cook the chicken and sauce separately and then refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to serve.
When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce together and serve over basmati rice or with some naan bread. You can also make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
How do I serve Butter Chicken?
Butter Chicken is typically served over basmati rice or with some naan bread. You can also serve the dish with some roti or paratha. To serve, simply place some basmati rice on a plate and spoon the Butter Chicken over the top. Garnish with some fresh cilantro and serve with some naan bread or roti on the side.
You can also serve the dish with some raita (a yogurt and cucumber side dish) or some salad. The key is to balance the richness of the dish with some cool and creamy elements. You can also serve the dish with some papadum or pickles for added flavor and texture.