Exquisite Butter Chicken

Indulge in the rich and tantalizing flavors of the beloved Punjabi delicacy, Butter Chicken. This iconic dish seamlessly blends the warmth of traditional Indian spices with a creamy, velvety tomato-based gravy. Tender pieces of succulent chicken are marinated to perfection, infusing them with a medley of spices before being tandoor-cooked to achieve a charred, smoky essence. The magic lies in the luscious tomato gravy, generously infused with butter and cream, creating a harmonious balance between tanginess and silkiness. Every bite is a delightful symphony of flavors, as the chicken absorbs the aromatic sauce, leaving a lasting impression on your taste buds. The dish is often adorned with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or fenugreek leaves, enhancing its visual and aromatic appeal.

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a timeless embodiment of Punjabi culinary heritage that has won hearts around the world. Whether savored with buttery naan, aromatic basmati rice, or flaky parathas, this dish promises an unforgettable dining experience, where tradition meets modern indulgence. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the art of blending spices, textures, and tastes into a dish that’s nothing short of extraordinary.

• Origin: Punjab, India
• Category: Butter Chicken is a Punjabi Non-veg Curry/Main Dish which is considered Main Course
• Ingredient: Chicken, Tomato, Butter, Cream, Spices are treated as main ingredients for this recipe. Other ingredients used are Onions, Garlic, Ginger, Fenugreek Leaves
• Time and Flavour: This recipe takes approx 1-2 hours and the flavour is Creamy and Spicy
• Nutritional Information: Butter Chicken contains 295 kcal calories per 100 g serving. This serving contains 22 g of fat, 20 g of protein and 6 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 4 g sugar and 1 g of dietary fiber, the rest is other nutritional component. [ These values may vary based on ingredients used and its quantity ]

Photo Credit: AboutUttarakhand.com

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular Punjabi dish that has gained worldwide acclaim. It embodies a rich and savory flavor profile that is both indulgent and comforting.

This dish typically consists of tender pieces of boneless chicken, marinated in a mixture of yogurt and aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander. The marinated chicken is then cooked in a tandoor or oven until it's slightly charred and cooked through.

The creamy and velvety tomato-based gravy is the highlight of this dish. It's prepared by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in butter until they're golden and fragrant. Crushed tomatoes are then added and simmered until they break down and release their sweetness. Cream, fenugreek leaves, and more spices are incorporated to create a luscious, flavorful sauce.

The grilled chicken pieces are added to the buttery tomato gravy, allowing them to soak up the flavors and become exceptionally tender. The result is a harmonious blend of smoky chicken and a rich, buttery tomato sauce with a subtle hint of spices.

Butter Chicken is commonly served with naan bread, roti, or steamed rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Its distinctive taste, combining the richness of cream and butter with the warmth of Indian spices, makes it a beloved dish for both Punjabi cuisine enthusiasts and those new to Indian flavors.

• Chicken [ मुर्गा ], 500 Grams
  → Boneless, Cut Into Pieces.
• Yoghurt [ दही ], 1/2 Cup
  → Whisked.
• Ginger-Garlic Paste [ अदरक लहसुन का पेस्ट ], 2 Tablespoons
  
• Red Chili Powder [ लाल मिर्च चूर्ण ], 1 Teaspoon
  → Adjust To Taste.
• Turmeric Powder [ हल्दी चूर्ण ], 1/2 Teaspoon
  
• Hot Spice [ गरम मसाला ], 1/2 Teaspoon
  
• Dried Fenugreek Leaves [ सूखी कसूरी मेथी ], 1 Teaspoon
  → Crushed.
• Salt [ नमक ], As desired
  → Adjust To Taste.
• Cream [ मलाई ], 1/4 Cup
  → To Be Used For Garnishing.
• Tomato Puree [ टमाटर प्यूरी ], 2 Tablespoons
  
• Cashew [ काजू ], 10-12
  → Soaked.
• Butter [ मक्खन ], 2 Tablespoons
  
• Mustard Oil [ सरसों का तेल ], 2 Tablespoons
  → Use Any Oil Of Your Choice.
• Onion [ प्याज़ ], 1 Medium
  → Finely Chopped.
• Green Chili [ हरी मिर्च ], 2-3
  → Finely Chopped. Adjust To Taste.
• Water [ पानी ], As desired
  → To Be Used For Cooking.
• Coriander Leaves [ धनिया पत्ता ], A few Grams
  → Chopped.

.

• Mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, kasuri methi, and a little salt with the chicken pieces. Set it away for a little over an hour.
• Make the tomato-cashew paste while the chicken is soaking. Blend together cashews that have been soaking and tomato paste until smooth.
• In a pan, melt the butter and oil. Add chopped onions and cook them until they turn golden brown.
• Add the chicken that has been marinating and cook it until it is browned on all sides and almost done. Take the chicken out of the pan and put it somewhere else.
• If you need to, add a little more butter to the same pan. Add green peppers that have been finely chopped and cook for a minute.
• Add the tomato-cashew paste and cook until the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
• Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and stir it up well.
• Add water until the gravy is the way you want it. Let it cook for a few minutes so the tastes can mix.
• Mix the cream in well. Give it a few more minutes to cook.
• Add fresh coriander leaves that have been chopped.
• Your tasty Butter Chicken is now ready to eat.
• Serve hot with rice, bread, or roti.

• Fibre and Protein – Because butter chicken is produced from chicken, it is a wonderful source of protein, which is necessary for muscle repair and development.
• Lycopene Concentration – Lycopene, an antioxidant related to a variety of health advantages, including heart health, is included in the tomato-based gravy.
• Vitamin C – Tomatoes and spices include vitamin C, which aids in immunological function and collagen creation.
• Moderate Indulgence – Indulging in butter chicken in moderation may be a delightful treat while maintaining overall nutrition balance.
• Comfort Food – In moderation, the creamy and savory sauce of butter chicken brings comfort and satisfaction.

Although these components may offer some health benefits, it's crucial to keep in mind that everyone's experience may vary, and they must be consumed in moderation as a part of a balanced diet. If you have any specific health issues or concerns, it's recommended to speak with a healthcare provider.

Popular Punjabi food Butter Chicken is representative of Northern India's diverse and flavorful cuisine. Cooked in a silky tomato-based sauce, delicate chicken pieces are marinated in a symphony of yogurt and spices. The dish's signature taste is its harmonious harmony between the richness of the butter and the tartness of the tomatoes. Butter Chicken, a curry dish often paired with naan or rice, has become a global phenomenon. It takes careful planning and long cooking to absorb the flavors and attain the right texture. In addition to being a delicious treat, this meal serves as a window into the colorful history of Punjab. Butter Chicken is a dish that never fails to wow, whether it's served in a simple dhaba or a five-star restaurant. It's a perfect example of Indian cuisine's depth and its capacity to evoke lasting memories via the senses.