Chicken butter masala is a popular Indian dish that consists of chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. The chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of spices and yogurt before being cooked in a tandoor oven or on a stovetop. The sauce is made from a combination of butter, tomato puree, cream, and a variety of spices such as garam masala, turmeric, and cumin.
The dish is typically served with rice or naan bread and is a favorite in Indian restaurants around the world. It is believed to have originated in the northern Indian state of Punjab and is often referred to as “murgh makhani” in Hindi.
Butter chicken masala can be made with a variety of ingredients depending on personal preference, and there are many variations of the dish. Some recipes use cashew nuts or almonds to thicken the sauce, while others add a touch of honey or sugar to balance out the spices. Ultimately, the key to a good butter chicken masala is to balance the creamy tomato sauce with the spices and tender chicken, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 500g boneless chicken
- 2 tbsp ghee or butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (optional)
Marinade:
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate in yogurt and spices for at least 1 hour.
- Heat ghee or butter in a pan and sauté the onions until they turn translucent. Add the ginger and garlic and fry for another minute.
- Add the tomato puree, tomato paste, and all the spices, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and the oil starts to separate.
- Add the marinated chicken and fry for 10-12 minutes, until cooked through.
- Add the heavy cream and stir well, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Add salt to taste and garnish with fresh coriander leaves (optional).
- Serve hot with rice or naan bread. Enjoy!
Note: You can adjust the spice level to your taste by adding more or less red chili powder. You can also make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken with paneer or mixed vegetables.
Serving suggestions
- Serve the chicken butter masala over a bed of steaming basmati rice. The rice helps to balance out the spices and adds a nice texture to the dish.
- Warm up some naan bread and use it to scoop up the creamy tomato sauce. The bread’s soft texture complements the tender chicken.
- Add a fresh salad to your meal to balance out the richness of the chicken butter masala. A simple cucumber and tomato salad with lemon dressing works well.
- Raita is a cooling yogurt-based side dish that complements the spiciness of the dish. Mix together some yogurt, grated cucumber, and chopped mint leaves for a refreshing raita.
Tips and Variations
Tips:
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor. If possible, grind whole spices at home.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Use a non-stick pan to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Adjust the amount of cream to your liking. If you prefer a lighter sauce, use less cream.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian version of the dish.
- Cashew paste: For a creamier sauce, add cashew paste along with the tomato puree.
- Honey: Add a touch of honey or sugar to balance out the spices and acidity of the tomato sauce.
- Coconut milk: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version of the dish.
- Grilled chicken: Instead of cooking the chicken in the sauce, grill or bake it separately and add it to the sauce at the end.
FAQs
Q: Is chicken butter masala spicy?
A: The level of spiciness in chicken butter masala can vary depending on the recipe and the amount of chili powder used. However, it is generally considered a mildly spiced dish, with a creamy tomato-based sauce that balances out the heat from the spices.
Q: What is the difference between chicken tikka masala and chicken butter masala?
A: While both dishes feature chicken cooked in a spiced tomato-based sauce, there are some differences. Chicken tikka masala typically involves marinating chicken pieces in spices and yogurt, grilling or baking them, and then adding them to a creamy tomato-based sauce. Chicken butter masala, on the other hand, involves marinating the chicken in spices and yogurt, cooking it in a sauce made with butter, tomato puree, and cream, and finishing it with additional spices. The flavor profiles of the two dishes are slightly different as well, with chicken tikka masala having a smokier flavor due to the grilling or baking, while chicken butter masala has a creamier and richer flavor.
Q: What is the best way to reheat chicken butter masala?
A: To reheat chicken butter masala, transfer it to a microwave-safe container and heat in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce is too thick. It is important to ensure that the chicken is reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illness.
Nutrition
Calories | 400-500kcal |
Fat | 20-25g |
Sodium |
600-800mg
|
Suger |
5-10g
|
Carbohydrates | 20-25g |
Protein | 30-35g |
Fiber |
2-3g
|
Also, read:
- Kadai chicken recipe (Restaurant Style)
- Fish Kabab Recipe
- Chicken lollipop recipe (Drums Of Heaven)
- Chicken Do Pyaza (Murgh do Pyaza)
- Tangdi Kabab Recipe
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