If you’re looking to bring the flavors of India into your kitchen, look no further than this delightful recipe for The Best Butter Chicken – Murgh Makhani. With its rich, creamy tomato sauce and tender marinated chicken, this classic dish is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Perfect for cozy nights in or when you’re craving comforting flavors, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and will impress your family and friends with its vibrant taste.
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The Best Butter Chicken Recipe – Murgh Makhani
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 3 tbsp lemon juice
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp ground coriander
– 1 tsp garam masala
– 1/2 tsp turmeric
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 tomatoes, chopped
– 1/2 cup tomato puree
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp butter
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
– Cooked basmati rice, for serving
– Naan bread, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
2. In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in batches, cooking until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and release their juices.
4. Add the tomato puree to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Return the chicken pieces to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and butter, stirring well to incorporate. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove from heat. Serve the butter chicken hot over fluffy basmati rice, garnished with fresh cilantro. Don’t forget to serve with warm naan bread on the side to soak up the rich sauce and complete the meal.
Enjoy the wonderful aroma and flavors of this homemade butter chicken that will surely transport you to the bustling streets of India. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or trying your hand at Indian cuisine for the first time, this recipe promises a delicious and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece right in your own kitchen with this Best Murgh Makhani recipe!
