Classic Indian Comfort Food !!!
Butter chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine. Its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce and tender chicken make it a perfect comfort food for any occasion. If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate the restaurant-style butter chicken at home, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll share essential tips for making a restaurant-quality butter chicken in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for Butter Chicken
To achieve that classic restaurant taste, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Marinade:
- 500 grams chicken, boneless and skinless, cut into pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground fenugreek (optional but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Tips for Making Restaurant-Style Butter Chicken
1. Marinate the Chicken Well
For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with the spices. Use a mix of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices to achieve that authentic taste.
2. Use Fresh Spices
Freshly ground spices can make a significant difference in the flavor of your butter chicken. Opt for freshly ground cumin, garam masala, and other spices if possible. Store-bought spice blends are convenient but may not provide the same depth of flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken Properly
Before adding the chicken to the sauce, sear it in a hot pan with a bit of oil. This step helps to lock in the juices and gives the chicken a deliciously smoky flavor. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
4. Cook the Sauce Slowly
To develop the rich flavor of the sauce, cook the onions, garlic, and ginger slowly. Sauté them until they are golden brown and fragrant. This step builds the base of your sauce and enhances its depth of flavor.
5. Simmer with Tomatoes
Use crushed tomatoes for the sauce base, and cook it down to reduce the acidity. Adding tomato paste helps thicken the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor. Simmer the sauce gently to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Incorporate Heavy Cream
Heavy cream is essential for achieving that luxurious, creamy texture. Add it at the end of cooking and let it simmer gently to combine with the spices. If you prefer a slightly tangy flavor, you can add a touch of yogurt instead.
7. Balance the Flavors
Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. A touch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes if desired. Adding ground fenugreek enhances the authentic restaurant-style flavor.
8. Garnish and Serve
Garnish your butter chicken with fresh cilantro and serve it hot with naan or basmati rice. For an extra touch of richness, drizzle a bit of cream over the top before serving.
With these tips, you’ll be able to create restaurant-style butter chicken right in your own kitchen. The key lies in marinating the chicken well, using fresh spices, and cooking the sauce slowly to develop deep, complex flavors. Enjoy this classic Indian comfort food with your favorite sides, and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
Happy cooking and enjoy your homemade butter chicken!
-NE CRAFTERS
