How to Make Authentic Butter Chicken: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Butter chicken, also known as murg makhani, is a beloved North Indian dish famous for its creamy texture and rich, aromatic flavors. In this tutorial, we'll take you through the process of creating this classic dish step by step, ensuring that you capture the authentic essence of Indian cuisine in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

- Chicken thighs or breasts

- For the garam masala: bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, peppercorns, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, nutmeg

- For the ginger garlic paste: ginger root, garlic cloves, oil, salt

- Other ingredients: tomatoes, butter, cream, yogurt, onions, and various spices

Step 1: Prepare the Garam Masala

- Toast the whole spices in a pan until fragrant but not burnt.

- Let the spices cool and then grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or a dedicated coffee grinder.

Step 2: Make the Ginger Garlic Paste

- Blend ginger root, garlic cloves, oil, and salt in a food processor until a smooth paste is formed.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

- Cut the chicken into strips and marinate it with yogurt, garam masala, ginger garlic paste, and other spices for at least 1 hour.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Gravy

- Cook onions and tomatoes until soft, then blend them into a smooth puree.

- In a separate pan, heat butter and add the tomato puree, along with cream and additional spices.

Step 5: Cook the Marinated Chicken

- Cook the marinated chicken in a separate pan until it's almost done.

- Add the cooked chicken to the tomato gravy and let it simmer until fully cooked and infused with the flavors of the sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

- Garnish the butter chicken with fresh cream and coriander leaves before serving.

- Enjoy this flavorful dish with naan bread or steamed basmati rice.

Conclusion:

By following these steps, you can create an authentic and flavorful butter chicken dish right in your own kitchen. Experiment with the spice levels and adjust the recipe to your taste preferences. Embrace the rich aromas and creamy textures of this classic North Indian dish as you embark on your culinary journey through traditional Indian cuisine.