Murgh Makhani This accessible home-cooked version of butter chicken, also known as murgh or chicken makhani, is a beloved dish often found in Indian restaurants. It’s traditionally enjoyed with naan, a type of Indian bread, or fragrant basmati rice for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Murgh Makhani Recipe
Butter Chicken is destined to become your family’s favorite weeknight dinner! I assure you that once your kids taste this homemade version, they’ll ask for it instead of heading to the nearest Indian restaurant. Here’s what makes my tried-and-true recipe stand out:
Table of Contents
- Flexible Options: You don’t need to buy every whole spice if you prefer not to; this dish will still be delicious. However, I highly recommend including green cardamom for its unique flavor. If you’d rather not make your own quick DIY tandoori masala, I provide tips on modifying store-bought butter chicken masala to suit your taste.
- Step-by-Step Guidance: I’ll walk you through each step of the cooking process—marinating the chicken, preparing the makhani sauce, blending the ingredients, searing the chicken, and finalizing the curry. You’ll have access to process photos at each stage and explain why each step is essential.
- Flavor-Enhancing Technique: We employ a traditional Indian cooking method known as bhuna, which intensifies and deepens the flavors of the curry. Combined with the mild Kashmiri Chili Powder, this technique gives the dish its signature orangey-red hue without artificial coloring.
What is Butter Chicken?
Butter Chicken, also known as chicken makhani or murgh makhani in Hindi, is an Indian curry featuring a base of spiced tomato gravy enriched with butter (Makhanan) and yogurt-marinated chickens traditionally cooked in a tandoor. This dish is renowned for its striking red-orange color, creamy texture, and rich flavors.
Interestingly, while it may seem like an age-old recipe, Butter Chicken was created in the mid-1900s. In the 1950s, Kundan Lal Gujral, the founder of Moti Mahal restaurant in New Delhi, accidentally invented this world-famous dish by combining leftover tandoori chicken with a tomato-based gravy enriched with butter (Source: Moti Mahal Cookbook). Today, the restaurant continues to serve this iconic creation.
Butter Chicken has transcended traditional servings and is now found in various forms, including burritos, pizzas, and wraps. Its widespread popularity has even led to some playful disputes over its origins, highlighting its cultural significance.
While Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala share similarities, they are distinct dishes. Butter Chicken originates from India and contains more butter, while Chicken Tikka Masala is a British adaptation with a more concentrated tomato flavor.
Ingredients for Murgh Makhani
- ⅓ cup plain nonfat yogurt: Provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the marinade.
- One tablespoon tandoori masala powder: This spice blend adds warmth and depth to the chicken.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces: Chicken thighs are ideal for their moisture and tenderness.
- ½ onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and flavor to the dish.
- 1 (1-inch) piece of fresh ginger: Provides a fragrant and spicy kicking
- One clove garlic: Enhances the overall aroma and flavor profile to
- Two tablespoons water: Used to help blend the onion, ginger, and garlic into a smooth paste.
- Three tablespoons cooking oil, divided: For frying and cooking the chicken and spices.
- Two teaspoons garam masala: A staple Indian spice mix that adds complexity.
- ¼ teaspoon Indian chili powder: For a bit of Heaton
- 1 cup tomato sauce: Forms the base of the creamy sauce
- 1 cup half-and-half: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauceTwo
- Two tablespoons butter: Provides a rich flavor and smooth finishing
- One teaspoon of dried fenugreek leaves Contributes a unique earthy flavoring
- One teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Directions to make Murgh Makhani:
Step 1:
Combine the yogurt and tandoori masala powder in a large mixing bowl, stirring untithoroughlyly blended. Add the chicken. Add the pieces to the mixture, making sure they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour to marinate. Once marinated, drain and discard any excess marinade.
Step 2:
In a blender, puree the chopped onion, ginger, and garlic with the water until you achieve a smooth paste. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 3:
In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for approximately 5 minutes or until it is evenly browned on all sides. Once the chicken is browned, please remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4:
In the same skillet, add the remaining two tablespoons of oil. Sauté the onion paste over medium heat until most of the moisture has evaporated, which should take around 3 minutes. Sprinkle the garam masala and chili powder over the mixture and cook for another minute. Next, pour in the tomato sauce, reduce the heat to medium-low, and allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 5:
Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the butter, dried fenugreek leaves, and salt. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked and no longer pink in the center.
This delightful Butter Chicken is the creamiest, most flavorful Indian curry you can whip up in the comfort of your kitchen. It boasts that iconic bold orange-red hue that makes it visually appealing and will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is beginner-friendly and rivals the Chicken Makhani from your favorite restaurant, making it a fantastic option for any home cook.
For the best experience, pair this mouthwatering dish with fragrant basmati rice or warm, homemade garlic naan. The combination creates a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
To explore Butter Chicken and its variations, you can find additional recipes and cooking tips on platforms like BBC Good Food and Serious Eats. These resources offer insights into creating genuinely authentic Butter Chicken That Will impress your guests.
conclusion for Murgh Makhani recipe
In conclusion, Murgh Makhani is the ultimate dish for those seeking a flavorful and satisfying meal. This classic Indian butter chicken is known for its tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices. Whether served with naan or rice, Murgh Makhani offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it a standout dish for any occasion and a must-try for lovers of Indian cuisine.