butter chicken

Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular and iconic Indian curry known for its rich and creamy tomato-based sauce and tender pieces of chicken. Here's a detailed overview of butter chicken:

**Ingredients**:

- Chicken: Typically boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are used, cut into bite-sized pieces.

- Marinade: Yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and a blend of spices such as garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, and cumin.

- Sauce: Butter, onions, garlic, ginger, tomato puree or crushed tomatoes, cream, cashew paste or ground almonds, and a blend of spices including garam masala, fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), and chili powder.

- Garnishes: Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves and a drizzle of cream or butter for serving.

**Preparation**:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and spices in a bowl. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet or pan and cook the marinated chicken until it is browned and cooked through. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until softened. Add tomato puree or crushed tomatoes, along with spices, and cook until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.

4. Blend the Sauce: Transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the sauce to the skillet.

5. Finish the Dish: Add the cooked chicken to the sauce along with cream and cashew paste or ground almonds. Simmer gently until the chicken is coated in the creamy sauce and heated through. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

6. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a drizzle of cream or butter. Serve hot with rice, naan bread, or roti.

**Variations**:

- Butter chicken can be made with varying levels of heat, depending on personal preference. Adjust the amount of chili powder or add green chilies for extra spice.

- Some recipes call for the addition of honey or sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and add sweetness to the sauce.

**Serving**:

- Butter chicken is typically served as a main course dish, accompanied by rice, naan bread, or roti (Indian flatbread).

- It is garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and sometimes a drizzle of cream or butter for added richness and flavor.

Butter chicken is beloved for its creamy texture, aromatic spices, and comforting flavors, making it a favorite in Indian restaurants and homes worldwide.