Classic Indian Butter Chicken Recipe: An Irresistible and Delicious Delight

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian dish that is truly one of India’s most beloved dishes. It’s creamy, spicy and irresistibly delicious, and a favourite of many who live in New Zealand.

An incredibly easy dish to make, this Butter Chicken is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Combining the savoury taste of Indian spices, the sweetness of tomato and the richness of butter, this is a delicious meal to try at home.

Ingredients that you’ll need

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped coriander, for garnish

Steps to make Butter Chicken

To make this classic Butter Chicken recipe, simply follow the instructions below:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the garlic, ginger, garam masala, paprika, ground coriander, cumin, cayenne pepper and tomato paste until well-combined.
2. Add the chicken to the bowl and mix well to coat with the spiced mixture.
3. In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat until melted. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
5. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
6. Garnish the Butter Chicken with chopped cilantro and serve with fresh bread or rice.

Tips to make the Best Butter Chicken

Making this classic Butter Chicken is quite straightforward, but if you want to make the best Butter Chicken, then here are a few tips:

• Add a tablespoon of honey or sugar to the sauce if you want a sweeter taste.
• Make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding the cream and tomatoes; otherwise, the sauce will not thicken properly.
• For a spicier Butter chicken, add more cayenne pepper or garam masala to the chicken marinade.
• Use full-fat cream for a richer sauce; low-fat cream will not give the same results.
• Butter Chicken can be made with other proteins, such as paneer, tofu or vegetables.

Do give this delicious and classic Indian Butter Chicken recipe a try.