The Ultimate Guide to Making Perfect Butter Chicken

Butter chicken, also known as ''murgh makhani'', is a popular Indian dish that is loved all over the world for its rich and creamy flavour that blows your mind. The dish is made by marinating chicken in a mixture of spices, then cooking it in a tomato and cream-based sauce or curry. The result is a tender, juicy chicken with a savoury and slightly sweet sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.

If you're a fan of Indian cuisine, you've probably tried butter chicken at a restaurant. But have you ever tried making it at home? It may seem like a daunting task, but with a few tips and tricks, you can easily make a restaurant-quality butter chicken right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into small pieces

1.  ginger paste 2 tablespoons

2. garlic paste 2 tablespoons 

 3. turmeric powder 2 teaspoons

4.  coriander powder 2 teaspoons

5.  garam masala 2 teaspoons

6. red chili powder 1 teaspoon 

7.  cumin powder 1 teaspoon

8. 1 teaspoon salt

9. 1 cup plain yogurt

10. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

11. 1 large onion, chopped

12. 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

13. 1 cup heavy cream

14. 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Marinating the Chicken

The first and most important  step to making perfect butter chicken is to marinate the chicken. In a large bowl, mix together the ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, red chili powder, cumin powder, salt, and yogurt. Add the chicken pieces and mix until they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the oil on medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are  golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.

 Now, Add the diced tomatoes and heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes.

Serve

Garnish the butter chicken with chopped cilantro or green coriander  and serve with steamed rice or warm naan bread.

Tips for the delicious  Butter Chicken

Marinate the chicken for as long as possible for maximum flavour. overnight is perfect 

Use a high-quality garam masala for the best flavour.

Use heavy cream for a rich and creamy sauce.

Don't overcook the chicken or it will become tough and dry.

Conclusion

Butter chicken is a classic Indian dish that is easy to make at home with the right ingredients and techniques. By following this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and authentic butter chicken that will rival any restaurant. So why not give it a try tonight and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills?