16 Indian Butter Chicken Recipe Tasty Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 29, 2024
Indian butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular and delicious dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent. This creamy and flavorful chicken dish has gained worldwide recognition and is a favorite among both Indians and non-Indians alike. The dish is a perfect combination of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and a rich buttery sauce that will leave your taste buds craving for more. If you want to experience the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine, then this butter chicken recipe is a must-try!
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular Indian dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy and flavorful tomato-based sauce. This dish originated in Delhi, India in the 1950s and has since become a staple in Indian cuisine. With its rich and spicy flavors, it's no wonder that butter chicken is a favorite among many. Here are 11 variations of this classic dish that you can try at home.
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Murgh Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Sweet Onion, Ginger Root, Garlic
This classic recipe for murgh makhani is a must-try for any butter chicken lover. In this dish, chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices before being cooked in a tomato-based sauce. The addition of cream gives the dish its creamy texture and balances out the spiciness of the sauce. Serve this dish with basmati rice and naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
If you're looking for a quick and simple recipe for butter chicken, this is the one for you. This easy version of the dish uses a pre-made butter chicken sauce, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Simply cook the chicken in the sauce and serve with rice or roti for a delicious and hassle-free meal.
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Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Jalapeno, Garam
This recipe takes the classic butter chicken dish and pairs it with fragrant and fluffy basmati rice. The chicken is marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture and then cooked in a tomato-based sauce. The basmati rice is cooked separately and then mixed with raisins, almonds, and ghee for added flavor and texture. This dish is a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and nutty flavors.
This variation of butter chicken stays true to its traditional roots. The chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices and then cooked in a rich and creamy tomato sauce. The addition of garam masala and kasuri methi gives this dish its distinct Indian flavors. Serve this dish with jeera rice and a side of raita for a complete meal.
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Pressure Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless, Chicken Thighs, Diced Tomatoes
If you have a pressure cooker, this is a great recipe to try. The chicken is marinated and cooked in a tomato-based sauce, and the pressure cooker helps to infuse the flavors into the chicken quickly. This dish is perfect for when you want a flavorful and satisfying meal in a short amount of time. Serve it with basmati rice or paratha for a hearty meal.
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Instant Pot Indian Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Onions, Garlic, Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
The Instant Pot has become a popular kitchen gadget for its convenience and speed. This recipe utilizes the Instant Pot to make a delicious and creamy butter chicken. The chicken is marinated and then cooked in a tomato-based sauce, and the Instant Pot helps to infuse the flavors into the chicken quickly. Serve this dish with naan bread or basmati rice for a satisfying meal.
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Indian Butter Chicken (Chicken Makhani)
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Butter, Vegetable
This variation of butter chicken uses a combination of chicken thighs and breasts for added flavor and texture. The chicken is marinated and then cooked in a creamy and tomato-based sauce. The addition of honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the spiciness of the dish. Serve this dish with steamed vegetables and roti for a complete and nutritious meal.
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Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Chicken, Rice, Salt
If you prefer a hands-off approach to cooking, this slow cooker recipe is perfect for you. The chicken is marinated and then cooked in a slow cooker with a blend of spices and a tomato-based sauce. The slow cooking process helps to infuse the flavors into the chicken, making it tender and flavorful. Serve this dish with rice or naan bread for a hearty meal.
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Crock-pot Indian Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Diced Tomatoes, Garlic Cloves, Onion, Butter
Similar to the slow cooker recipe, this crock-pot version of butter chicken is a perfect option for busy days. The chicken is marinated and then cooked in a crock-pot with a blend of spices and a tomato-based sauce. The result is a tender and flavorful dish that requires minimal effort. Serve it with steamed vegetables and paratha for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Creamy Indian Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Plain Greek Yogurt
If you love creamy and indulgent dishes, this recipe is for you. The chicken is marinated and then cooked in a creamy tomato sauce that is rich and flavorful. The addition of cashew cream gives the dish its creamy texture and adds a touch of nuttiness. Serve this dish with basmati rice and garlic naan for a decadent and satisfying meal.
The Origins of Indian Butter Chicken
The Legend Behind the Dish
There are many stories surrounding the origins of Indian butter chicken, but the most famous one is about a restaurant in Delhi called Moti Mahal. According to the legend, the owner of the restaurant, Kundan Lal Gujral, came up with the recipe by accident. He had a lot of leftover tandoori chicken, and in order to prevent it from going to waste, he added it to a tomato and butter-based gravy. This resulted in the iconic butter chicken dish that we know and love today.
Indian butter chicken has come a long way since its humble beginnings and has become a staple in Indian cuisine. It has also been adapted and modified in different parts of the world, but the essential ingredients and flavors remain the same.
The Key Ingredients
The Aromatic Spices
Indian cuisine is known for its use of an array of spices, and butter chicken is no exception. The key spices used in this dish include garam masala, coriander, cumin, and turmeric. These spices not only add flavor but also give the dish its vibrant color.
The Creamy Tomato Sauce
The base of the dish is a rich tomato sauce that is made with fresh tomatoes, onions, and garlic. The sauce is then cooked with the spices and blended until it becomes smooth and creamy. The addition of butter and cream gives the sauce its signature richness and velvety texture.
The Tender Chicken
The chicken used in this dish is usually marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then cooked in a tandoor (clay oven). This gives the chicken a smoky and charred flavor, which adds depth to the dish. However, if you don't have a tandoor, you can also use a regular oven or a pan to cook the chicken.
The Final Touch of Butter
As the name suggests, butter is a crucial ingredient in this dish. It not only adds richness but also helps to balance out the spices. The butter is added at the end and left to melt into the sauce, giving it a glossy and mouth-watering finish.
Indian butter chicken is a perfect blend of these ingredients, resulting in a dish that is bursting with flavors and textures.
The Perfect Accompaniments
Serve it with Naan or Rice
For a complete Indian dining experience, Indian butter chicken is typically served with naan, a type of flatbread, or rice. The naan is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce, while the rice is a great option for those looking for a lighter option.
Add a Side of Vegetables
To balance out the richness of the dish, you can also serve it with a side of vegetables, such as saag (spinach) or aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower). These dishes are also commonly found in Indian restaurants and complement the butter chicken perfectly.
A Refreshing Drink
To wash down the bold flavors of the dish, a refreshing drink like lassi (a yogurt-based drink) or mango lassi (lassi with mango puree) is a great option. These drinks not only help to cool down the spiciness but also add a touch of sweetness to the meal.
In conclusion, Indian butter chicken is a dish that has stood the test of time and continues to be loved by people all over the world. Its unique blend of spices, creamy tomato sauce, and tender chicken make it a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of India. So why not give this tasty and professional recipe a try and taste the magic of Indian cuisine in the comfort of your own home.