Indulge in the aromatic flavors of a classic Pakistani dish with this delicious Butter Chicken recipe. Creamy, rich, and full of warm spices, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for cozy nights in or for impressing guests with your culinary skills, Butter Chicken is a dish that never fails to please. Let’s dive into how to create this delectable meal that will transport you to the bustling streets of Pakistan.
**Butter Chicken Pakistani**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 3 tablespoons ghee or unsalted butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 ½ cups tomato puree
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
– Steamed rice or naan, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the ghee or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet, reserving any excess marinade. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Stir in the tomato puree and any remaining marinade. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
6. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to incorporate. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more chili powder or garam masala at this point.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Serve the Butter Chicken Pakistani hot over steamed rice or alongside warm naan bread. The creamy, luscious sauce combined with the tender chicken pieces creates a harmony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining friends and family with a taste of authentic Pakistani cuisine.
Enjoy the enchanting flavors of Butter Chicken Pakistani and savor every bite of this comforting and fragrant dish!
