Indian – Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of the most popular and beloved dishes in Indian cuisine. It features tender chicken pieces cooked in a creamy, buttery tomato-based sauce with a perfect balance of spices. Known for its rich and indulgent flavor, butter chicken is often served with naan (Indian flatbread) or rice.

Key Features of Butter Chicken:

Main Ingredients:
- Chicken: Typically boneless, skinless chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and lemon juice before being cooked. This helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
- Tomato-Based Sauce: The sauce is made with pureed tomatoes, butter, cream, and a variety of spices like garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
- Butter and Cream: The defining characteristics of butter chicken are the generous amounts of butter and cream, which create a rich, velvety texture.
- Spices: The dish includes common Indian spices such as cumin, garam masala, paprika, ginger, and garlic.
Preparation:
- Marination: The chicken is first marinated for a few hours (or overnight) in yogurt, spices, and lemon juice to make it tender and flavorful.
- Cooking: After marination, the chicken is typically grilled or cooked in a pan, and then added to a spiced tomato sauce made with butter and cream. The sauce is simmered until thick and creamy, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Simmering: The chicken is simmered in the sauce, allowing it to become tender and soak up the rich, creamy tomato flavor.
Serving:
- Butter chicken is commonly served with naan (flatbread), roti, or jeera rice (cumin-flavored rice).
- It can also be paired with pilaf or basmati rice.
- Garnished with cilantro and a drizzle of cream, butter chicken is often served as part of a larger Indian meal or feast.
Taste Profile:
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of butter and cream makes the sauce smooth, indulgent, and creamy.
- Savory and Slightly Sweet: The dish has a deep, savory flavor from the spices and tomatoes, with a slight sweetness due to the cream and butter.
- Mildly Spicy: Butter chicken is typically not overly spicy, making it a favorite for people who enjoy milder, comforting flavors.
- Aromatic: The mix of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala gives it a fragrant, well-rounded flavor.
Cultural Significance:
- Butter chicken is a North Indian dish, originating from Delhi in the 1950s. It was created by the chefs at Moti Mahal restaurant as a way to use leftover tandoori chicken.
- The dish quickly became popular across India and around the world, especially in Indian restaurants outside of India, and is now a staple of Indian cuisine globally.
- Butter chicken is considered comfort food, often enjoyed during family meals, celebrations, or special occasions.

Variations:

Vegan Butter Chicken: A plant-based version made with tofu or soy protein instead of chicken, using coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy.
Spicy Butter Chicken: A spicier version with additional chilies or chili powder, for those who enjoy a bit more heat in their dishes.

Summary:

Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy Indian dish made with tender chicken cooked in a buttery tomato sauce with cream and spices. Its indulgent and flavorful nature has made it a global favorite, and it is often enjoyed with naan or rice. With its mild spice level, buttery richness, and delicious tomato flavor, butter chicken is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in Indian cuisine.