19 Real Indian Butter Chicken Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 28, 2024
The tantalizing aroma of Indian spices fills the air, as the rich and creamy sauce coats tender chunks of chicken, creating a symphony of flavors. This is the renowned real Indian butter chicken recipe, a dish that has gained popularity all over the world for its unique blend of spices and velvety texture. In this article, we will delve into the history and origins of this beloved dish, and provide you with a professional and well-organized guide to creating it in your own kitchen.
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular Indian dish that has gained worldwide recognition. It is a rich and creamy chicken curry that is perfect for those who love Indian food but are not a fan of spicy dishes. The tender chicken is cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, and the addition of butter and cream gives it a luxurious and indulgent taste. Here are 11 delicious variations of Indian butter chicken that will make your mouth water.
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Murgh Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Sweet Onion, Ginger Root, Garlic
This classic Indian butter chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavors of this dish. Marinated chicken is cooked in a creamy tomato sauce with a blend of aromatic spices, resulting in a dish that is bursting with flavor. Serve it with some basmati rice and naan for a complete meal that will transport you to the streets of India.
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the deliciousness of Indian butter chicken, this easy recipe is perfect for you. It uses garam masala, a pre-made spice mix, to cut down on cooking time. Simply marinate the chicken, cook it in a pan, and add the garam masala and other spices to the tomato sauce. In no time, you'll have a mouth-watering dish that will impress your taste buds.
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Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Jalapeno, Garam
Basmati rice is the perfect accompaniment to Indian butter chicken. Its long grains and fragrant aroma complement the rich and creamy curry perfectly. This recipe combines the two, giving you a complete meal that is easy to make and full of flavor. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, and the rice is cooked with cardamom and cinnamon for an authentic taste.
This variation of Indian butter chicken stays true to the traditional recipe but adds a twist to make it even more delicious. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, garam masala, and ginger-garlic paste for at least an hour before cooking. This gives the chicken a tender and flavorful taste that pairs perfectly with the creamy tomato sauce.
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Pressure Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless, Chicken Thighs, Diced Tomatoes
If you have a pressure cooker, this recipe is a game-changer. It significantly cuts down on cooking time, making it a perfect weekday meal. The chicken and spices are cooked in the pressure cooker, and the tomato sauce is added later on. The result is a delicious and tender chicken curry that will become a regular in your meal rotation.
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Instant Pot Indian Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Onions, Garlic, Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
The Instant Pot is another kitchen appliance that can help you whip up a delicious Indian butter chicken in no time. This recipe uses the sauté function to cook the chicken and spices, then pressure cooks it with the tomato sauce. The result is a rich and flavorful curry that you can serve with rice, naan, or your favorite Indian side dishes.
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Indian Butter Chicken (Chicken Makhani)
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Butter, Vegetable
This variation of Indian butter chicken uses cream cheese to give the curry a creamy and tangy taste. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and lemon juice before being cooked in a pan. The cream cheese is added to the tomato sauce, giving it a rich and velvety texture. The result is a unique and delicious twist on the classic dish.
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Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Chicken, Rice, Salt
The slow cooker is a life-saver for busy individuals who still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal. This Indian butter chicken recipe is perfect for the slow cooker, as it allows all the flavors to meld together over several hours of cooking. The chicken and spices are cooked in the slow cooker, and the tomato sauce is added later on. The result is a tender and flavorful curry that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Crock-pot Indian Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Diced Tomatoes, Garlic Cloves, Onion, Butter
Similar to the slow cooker, the crock-pot is another great kitchen appliance for making Indian butter chicken. This recipe uses a blend of spices, along with ghee and coconut milk, to give the curry a rich and creamy taste. The chicken is cooked in the crock-pot for several hours, allowing all the flavors to infuse. The result is a delicious and hearty dish that will warm you up from the inside out.
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Creamy Indian Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Plain Greek Yogurt
This last recipe is a variation of Indian butter chicken that uses both cream and yogurt to give the curry a rich and creamy taste. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices, yogurt, and lemon juice before being cooked in a pan. The cream is added to the tomato sauce, giving it a velvety texture and a luxurious taste. Serve it with some basmati rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Introduction:
The Origins of Butter Chicken
The Legend:
According to popular belief, butter chicken was invented by accident in Delhi, India, in the 1950s. A restaurant owner named Kundan Lal Gujral, who also created the famous tandoori chicken, was looking for ways to repurpose leftover chicken. He decided to cook it in a tomato-based gravy, along with cream and butter, resulting in the mouth-watering dish we know today.
The Truth:
While the legend may be appealing, the true origins of butter chicken are a bit more complicated. It is believed that the dish was actually created by another restaurateur, Moti Mahal, in the 1920s. Like Kundan Lal Gujral, they were also looking for ways to repurpose leftover tandoori chicken, and thus, butter chicken was born.
The Key Ingredients
Spices:
No Indian dish is complete without an array of spices, and butter chicken is no exception. The main spices used in this dish are garam masala, coriander, and cumin. These spices not only add depth and flavor to the dish, but they also have numerous health benefits.
Tomatoes and Cream:
The base of the sauce for butter chicken is a combination of tomatoes and cream. The tomatoes provide a tangy and slightly sweet taste, while the cream adds richness and creaminess to the dish.
Butter:
As the name suggests, butter is a crucial ingredient in this dish. It adds a rich and indulgent flavor to the sauce, making it velvety and smooth.
The Cooking Process
To create the perfect butter chicken, the chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices to infuse it with flavor and to tenderize it. The chicken is then cooked in a tandoor, or clay oven, but it can also be grilled or baked. The sauce is made separately by cooking tomatoes, cream, and spices until they form a thick and creamy consistency. The cooked chicken is then added to the sauce, and the dish is simmered until the flavors meld together, resulting in a mouth-watering meal.
In conclusion, real Indian butter chicken is a dish that has stood the test of time and has become a staple in Indian cuisine. With its rich history, unique blend of spices, and creamy texture, it is no wonder that it has gained popularity all over the world. So why not try your hand at making this delectable dish and experience the flavors of India in your own home.