Butter chicken, a dish that has won the hearts of food lovers across the globe, is a quintessential part of Indian cuisine. Originating from Delhi, this creamy, aromatic dish showcases the rich flavors of marinated chicken cooked in a luscious tomato and butter sauce. While achieving the authentic taste may seem daunting, with the right technique and ingredients, you can create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen. Here’s a comprehensive guide to preparing the perfect butter chicken at home.
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Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 kg chicken (cut into pieces)
- 10 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic-chili paste
- 1 teaspoon desi ghee (clarified butter)
- 150 grams yogurt (strained)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
For the Sauce:
- 8 large tomatoes
- 15 cashew nuts
- 10 cloves of garlic
- 1-inch piece of ginger (chopped)
- 1 green chili
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Fresh cream (for garnish)
- Water (as needed)
Preparation Steps:
Day Before Cooking:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken into four pieces and place it in a large bowl.
- Dissolve 10 teaspoons of salt in 1 liter of water and submerge the chicken in the salted water. Refrigerate for 3 hours.
- First Marinade:
- In a separate bowl, mix together lemon juice, ginger-garlic-chili paste, ghee, and a pinch of salt.
- Rinse the chicken after 3 hours, then marinate it with the spice mix and refrigerate overnight.
- Strain the Yogurt:
- Strain 150 grams of yogurt using a cloth and keep it in the fridge.
Cooking Day:
- Prepare the Second Marinade:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil in a pan. Once it starts to smoke, lower the heat and let it cool down slightly.
- Add ghee and red chili powder, stirring for a few seconds, then transfer to a large bowl.
- Combine Ingredients:
- To the cooled oil, add ginger-garlic paste, chaat masala, strained yogurt, salt, ground green cardamom, and chopped coriander leaves. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Marinate Again:
- Remove the chicken from the fridge, drain any excess water, and marinate it with this new spice mix. Allow it to rest for an hour, making small cuts in the chicken for better flavor absorption.
- Roasting Tomatoes:
- Wash and remove the stems from 8 tomatoes. Roast them in an oven preheated to 150°C for 25 minutes. If using an air fryer, set it to 135°C.
- After roasting, peel the tomatoes and sprinkle salt on them. Return them to the oven along with 15 cashew nuts, 10 garlic cloves, chopped ginger, and a green chili. Roast for another 15-20 minutes.
- Make Tomato Paste:
- In a pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the roasted tomato mixture and cook on low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Once cooled, blend the mixture into a smooth paste, adding ice-cold water as needed.
- Roast the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (or 160°C for air fryer). Place the marinated chicken on a baking tray and roast for 20 minutes (or 15-18 minutes in an air fryer).
- After 20 minutes, flip the chicken, brush it with butter, and roast for another 5 minutes.
- Combine the Sauce and Chicken:
- In a pan, cook the tomato paste over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes until the oil separates.
- Add 1 cup of water, then incorporate the roasted chicken pieces. Mix well and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes on low heat.
- Final Touches:
- Stir in kasuri methi and a few drops of kewra water for aromatic flavor.
- Add 2 tablespoons of fresh cream and 1 tablespoon of butter, mixing gently so some cream remains visible.
- For a smoky flavor, place a piece of hot charcoal on a small spoon, drizzle with ghee, and cover the pot for 10 minutes.
Serving:
After letting it rest, your perfect butter chicken is ready to be served! Garnish with cream and fresh coriander, and enjoy it with naan, roti, or steamed rice for a delightful meal.
This authentic butter chicken recipe will not only impress your family and friends but also bring the taste of India right to your dining table. Happy cooking!
