Butter Chicken, better known as Murgh Makhani in Hindi, is one of the most beloved and iconic Indian dishes, particularly in North India and also around the world. This creamy and flavorful dish has a fascinating origin and involves meticulous preparation.

Origin  

Many credit Kundan Lal Gujral, the proprietor of the Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi, India, as the creative mind behind Butter Chicken, which is believed to have originated in the 1940s in Delhi. The dish’s origin story centers on the practice of simmering leftover tandoori chicken in a flavorful tomato-based gravy, which quickly gained fame for its irresistible taste.

Ingredients

For the Marination

• Boneless chicken pieces (often thigh meat) or chicken tikka
• Yogurt
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Red chili powder
• Turmeric powder
• Garam masala
• Lemon juice
• Salt

For the Tomato Gravy

• Tomatoes, often blanched and pureed
• Onions
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Green chilies
• Ghee (clarified butter)
• Cashew nuts or cream (for richness)
• Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Sugar
• Spices like cumin, coriander, cardamom, and cloves
• Fresh cream
• Butter

Recommended Cookware

To prepare Butter Chicken (aka Murgh Makhani), you’ll need several essential cookware items and utensils to create this rich and flavorful curry. With the right cookware and utensils, you can create this curry dish in your own kitchen and enjoy its rich flavors and aromas.

Large Skillet or Frying Pan A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan is essential for sautéing the chicken and simmering the sauce. A non-stick or stainless steel pan works well for this purpose.

Cutting Board and Knife You’ll need a cutting board and a sharp knife to chop and prepare the chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, and any other vegetables or ingredients required for the dish.

Mixing Bowl A mixing bowl is useful for marinating the chicken in a yogurt-based marinade, which helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.

Wooden Spoon or Spatula A wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula is essential for stirring and cooking the ingredients in the skillet. It allows you to scrape the bottom of the pan to release flavorful bits and prevent sticking.

Blender or Food Processor To create the creamy tomato-based sauce for Butter Chicken, you’ll need a blender or food processor to puree the tomatoes, onions, garlic, and ginger into a smooth consistency.

Lid A lid for your skillet is important to cover the pan while simmering the sauce and chicken. This helps the flavors meld and the chicken cook evenly.

Measuring Cups and Spoons Precise measurements of spices, cream, and other ingredients are crucial to achieving the right balance of flavors in the sauce.

Serving Dish After you’ve cooked the Butter Chicken to perfection, transfer it to a serving dish or platter to create an enticing presentation.

Rice Cooker or Pot (optional) Although they aren’t considered traditional cookware, many people use a rice cooker or a separate pot to prepare fragrant basmati rice to accompany their Butter Chicken.

Naan or Roti Pan (optional) If you plan to serve Butter Chicken with Indian bread like naan or roti, you’ll need a pan or griddle to heat the bread before serving.

Serving Spoons and Ladle These utensils will help you portion out and serve the Butter Chicken and sauce onto plates.

Preparation

1. Marinating the Chicken
   • Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate it in a mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt.
   • Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and absorb the flavors.
2. Grilling or Roasting
   • You can cook the marinated chicken by either grilling it in a tandoor (clay oven) or roasting it in a regular oven until it’s thoroughly cooked and gets a slight char on the surface.This process imparts a smoky flavor and a slightly crispy texture to the chicken.
3. Preparing the Tomato Gravy
   • In a separate pan, heat ghee, and add spices like cumin, coriander, cardamom, and cloves. Sauté until fragrant.
   • Add finely chopped onions and cook until they become translucent.
   • Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies and sauté for a few minutes.
   • Add the tomato puree and cook until the mixture thickens and the oil begins to separate from the tomatoes.
   • Blend the mixture until smooth. You can use cashew nuts or cream to make it creamier and richer.
   • Return the sauce to the pan, add a touch of sugar to balance the acidity, and simmer for a few minutes.
   • Crush dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) between your palms and add them to the sauce for a distinctive flavor.
4. Adding the Chicken
   • Once the tomato gravy is ready, add the grilled or roasted chicken pieces and simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Finishing Touches
   • Stir in fresh cream and butter to give the dish its signature creamy and rich texture.
   • Adjust the seasoning with salt, sugar, and cream to achieve the desired taste and consistency.
6. Serving
   • Typically, a drizzle of cream and a knob of butter are added to garnish Butter Chicken just before serving.
   • It’s traditionally enjoyed with Indian flatbreads like naan or roti, although it’s also commonly served with steamed rice.

Nutritional value

The nutritional content of butter chicken can vary based on the recipe, portion size, and the specific ingredients used.

However, here’s a general breakdown for a typical serving size (around 250 grams or about a cup) of butter chicken:

Nutritional Value of Butter Chicken (for a 250g serving):

1. Calories: 350-450 kcal
2. Protein: 20-25g
3. Total Fat: 20-30g
   • Saturated Fat: 10-15g
4. Carbohydrates: 10-15g
   • Sugars: 3-6g
   • Dietary Fiber: 2-4g
5. Cholesterol: 80-120mg
6. Sodium: 500-800mg
7. Potassium: 300-500mg
8. Calcium: 50-150mg
9. Iron: 1-3mg

It’s worth noting the following:

• The calorie and fat content is high primarily due to the use of butter and cream.
• Butter chicken provides a good amount of protein, primarily from the chicken.
• Like most dishes, the nutritional content can be adjusted. For example, using low-fat cream or yogurt can reduce the calorie and fat content.
• Sodium levels can vary significantly based on the amount of salt or other sodium-containing ingredients used.
• This is a general estimate, and actual nutritional values can differ based on the specific recipe and preparation method.

If you’re following a specific diet or have health concerns, you may want to adjust the recipe accordingly or consume butter chicken in moderation.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken is celebrated for its silky tomato-based gravy, perfectly balanced spices, and succulent chicken. Its luxurious and comforting flavors have made it a beloved classic in Indian and international cuisines.

For more delicious Indian dishes please see below.

Indian Cuisine