Butter Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• Cooked basmati rice, for serving
• Naan bread, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, ground cumin, chili powder, turmeric, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are coated evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
3. In a large skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and lightly browned.
4. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Transfer the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet, discarding any excess marinade. Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides and cooked through.
6. Pour in the tomato puree or crushed tomatoes, and stir to combine with the chicken and spices. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Stir in the heavy cream, and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Remove the Butter Chicken from heat, and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro leaves.
9. Serve the Butter Chicken over cooked basmati rice, with naan bread on the side for a complete and satisfying meal.
10. Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of this classic Indian dish!

History:

Butter Chicken, also known as "Murgh Makhani," is a popular Indian dish with origins in the 1950s in Delhi, India.

It is believed to have been created by a restaurant called "Moti Mahal" as a way to use leftover tandoori chicken by simmering it in a rich tomato and butter-based sauce.

Today, Butter Chicken is enjoyed in Indian restaurants worldwide and is well-loved for its creamy and flavorful taste.

Interesting Facts:

- Garam masala is a crucial spice blend used in Butter Chicken, contributing to its distinct and aromatic flavor.

- The addition of heavy cream gives the sauce its creamy and velvety texture.

- Butter Chicken pairs perfectly with fragrant basmati rice and naan bread, making it a delightful combination for a comforting meal.

- This dish is a favorite among Indian cuisine enthusiasts and is often a top choice at Indian restaurants.

Note: Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili powder to suit your taste preferences.