Indian cuisine has gained popularity all over the world, and South Africa is no exception. One of the most beloved Indian dishes in South Africa is butter chicken. This delicious and flavorful dish has become a staple in many South African households, and it's no wonder why. A rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, combined with tender chunks of chicken, makes for a mouth-watering meal. In this article, we will share with you a traditional butter chicken recipe with a South African twist.
Spice up your beer can chicken game with this delicious Indian Butter Chicken recipe. Marinated in a blend of traditional Indian spices and cooked to perfection on a beer can, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds.
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Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, Vegetable Oil
This classic butter chicken recipe is a staple in Indian cuisine, and for good reason. The creamy tomato-based sauce pairs perfectly with a juicy beer can chicken, creating a mouth-watering combination of flavors.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Bone In, Skin On Chicken Thighs, Garlic, Butter, Olive
For those who prefer dark meat, these garlic butter chicken thighs are a must-try. The garlic butter marinade adds a delicious richness to the already flavorful beer can chicken, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Medium Onion, Large Garlic Cloves, Fresh
Short on time? No problem. This Instant Pot butter chicken recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy the delicious flavors of traditional butter chicken with the convenience of a pressure cooker.
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Garlic Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast Boneless, Salt, Pepper, Butter, Garlic
If you can't get enough garlic, this recipe is for you. The garlic butter marinade on this beer can chicken packs a flavorful punch and creates a crispy skin that is downright addictive.
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Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Oil, Butter, Medium Onion, Fresh Ginger, Garlic
With only 20 minutes of prep time, this easy butter chicken recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights. The combination of spices and creamy sauce make for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Butter, Chicken Tenderloins, Paprika, Salt
For a twist on traditional beer can chicken, try using chicken tenders instead. The garlic butter marinade infuses the chicken with a burst of flavor and the tenders cook quickly, making them a great option for a weeknight dinner.
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Lemon Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Paprika, Butter
If you're looking for a lighter, citrusy version of butter chicken, this lemon butter chicken recipe is the way to go. The tangy lemon pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the beer can chicken, creating a well-balanced and refreshing dish.
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Murgh Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Sweet Onion, Ginger Root, Garlic
This traditional Indian dish is a must-try for any beer can chicken enthusiast. The combination of spices, tomatoes, and cream creates a rich and flavorful sauce that is perfect for soaking into the tender beer can chicken.
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Lemon Butter Chicken Breasts
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Halves, All Purpose
For a leaner option, try this lemon butter chicken breast recipe. The lemon adds a refreshing twist to the classic butter chicken flavors, and the chicken breasts cook quickly on a beer can, making them a great choice for a weeknight meal.
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Keto Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Heavy Whipping Cream, Butter, Tomato
Keto-friendly and delicious? Yes, it's possible with this butter chicken recipe. The creamy sauce and flavorful spices make this dish a go-to for those following a low-carb diet.
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Simple & Healthy Crockpot Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast, Yellow Onion, Garlic
For an effortless and healthy version of butter chicken, look no further than this crockpot recipe. Simply throw the ingredients in and let the slow cooker do the work, resulting in a flavorful and nutritious meal.
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Lemon Butter Chicken Thigh
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thigh Fillets, Olive Oil, Low Sodium Chicken
This lemon butter chicken thigh recipe is a great option for those who prefer dark meat but still want a lighter twist on traditional butter chicken. The tangy lemon marinade adds a burst of flavor to the tender beer can chicken thighs.
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Baked Garlic Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Salt, Ground
If you don't have a beer can handy, don't worry. This baked garlic butter chicken recipe still packs a flavorful punch, and the oven creates a crispy skin that is hard to resist.
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One Pot Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs and Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Butter, Salt, Chicken Thighs, Garlic, Cremini
For a one-pot meal that is both delicious and easy to clean up, try this garlic butter chicken and mushroom recipe. The mushrooms add an earthy flavor to the beer can chicken, and the garlic butter sauce ties everything together perfectly.
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Roast Chicken, South African-Style
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Salt, Ground Ginger, Black Pepper, Gingerroot
For a taste of South Africa, try this beer can chicken recipe that is inspired by traditional South African flavors. The combination of spices and beer creates a unique and delicious twist on butter chicken.
If you're a fan of spicy food, this South African piri-piri chicken recipe is a must-try. The piri-piri sauce adds a fiery kick to the beer can chicken, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish.
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Baked Crack Chicken Casserole
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Ranch Dressing Mix, Bacon, Cheddar Cheese
This baked crack chicken casserole is a tasty way to use up leftover beer can chicken. The cheesy and creamy casserole is a crowd-pleaser, and the beer can chicken adds a flavorful twist.
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Butter Poached Lobster Tails
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onion, Celery, Small Carrot, Shallot, Garlic
For a luxurious and decadent meal, try this butter poached lobster tail recipe. The rich and creamy butter sauce perfectly complements the tender and juicy beer can chicken, creating a gourmet meal at home.
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Easy Butter Chicken Curry
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Onions, Garlic, Vegetable Oil, Butter, Lemon
If you're a fan of both butter chicken and curry, this recipe is for you. The traditional Indian spices and creamy tomato-based sauce make for a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion.
The Origins of Butter Chicken
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a classic Indian dish that originated in the 1950s in Delhi. It was created by the famous chef Kundan Lal Gujral, who owned a restaurant called Moti Mahal. Legend has it that he came up with the recipe by mixing leftover tandoori chicken with a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, and thus, butter chicken was born. The dish quickly gained popularity and spread throughout India and eventually to other parts of the world, including South Africa.
The South African Twist
While the traditional butter chicken recipe is still widely loved in South Africa, there have been some adaptations made to suit the local palate. South African butter chicken is often spicier, with the addition of more chili powder or fresh chilies. Some also add a touch of peri-peri sauce for an extra kick. Another common variation is the addition of apricot jam, which adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.
The Key Ingredients
To make a delicious South African style butter chicken, you will need:
Chicken: You can use any cut of chicken, but boneless chicken thighs work best for this dish.
Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are the base of the sauce. You can also use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available.
Spices: The key spices in this dish are garam masala, chili powder, and turmeric. For a South African twist, you can also add some peri-peri seasoning.
Butter and Cream: As the name suggests, this dish has a lot of butter and cream, which gives it its rich and creamy texture.
Apricot Jam: This is an optional ingredient, but it adds a unique sweetness to the dish.
The Cooking Process
To make this mouth-watering dish, start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and spices for at least an hour. Then, cook the chicken in a pan until it is browned on all sides. In a separate pan, sauté onions, tomatoes, and spices until they are soft and fragrant. Add the cooked chicken to the mixture, along with some butter and cream. Let it simmer for a few minutes, and then add a tablespoon of apricot jam for a touch of sweetness. Serve the butter chicken over a bed of rice or with naan bread.
In Conclusion
Butter chicken is a beloved Indian dish that has made its way into the hearts and stomachs of South Africans. With its rich and creamy texture and flavorful spices, it's no wonder why this dish has become a favorite in many households. By adding a South African twist to the traditional recipe, you can create a unique and delicious version of this classic dish. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why butter chicken is such a beloved dish in South Africa.