receipe for butter chicken

 Here's an authentic Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) recipe that you can easily make at home.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken (thighs or breast), cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

For the Butter Chicken Gravy:

• 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 3-4 green cardamoms
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, for mild sweetness)
• ¼ cup fresh cream (heavy cream)
• ¼ cup cashews (blended with little water to make a paste) (optional for richness)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

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Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, mix all marinade ingredients with the chicken. Cover and let it marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).

2. Cook the Chicken:

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil or butter in a pan/grill.
2. Cook the marinated chicken on medium-high heat until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Set aside.

3. Make the Butter Chicken Gravy:

1. In the same pan, add butter and oil.
2. Add bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
5. Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates (about 8-10 minutes).
6. Mix in red chili powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook for 2 minutes.
7. Add cashew paste (if using) and cook for another 2 minutes.
8. Pour in fresh cream and honey/sugar, stirring well.
9. Add the cooked chicken and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes on low heat.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

4. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh coriander and a drizzle of cream.
• Serve hot with naan, roti, or basmati rice.

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Pro Tips:

✔ For smoky flavor, place a hot charcoal piece in a small bowl, put it inside the curry, and drizzle ghee on top. Cover for 2 minutes.
✔ Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for authentic taste.
✔ Marinate overnight for the juiciest chicken.

Enjoy your homemade Butter Chicken! 🍛🔥