Recipe - Delightful Butter Chicken

If you're in the mood for a culinary adventure that combines rich flavors and tender chicken, look no further than butter chicken. This iconic Indian dish is loved worldwide for its creamy texture and aromatic spices. Here's how you can recreate this delectable dish at home:If you're in the mood for a culinary adventure that combines rich flavors and tender chicken, look no further than butter chicken. This iconic Indian dish is beloved worldwide for its creamy texture and aromatic spices. Here's how you can recreate this delectable dish at home:

Ingredients

500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
2 teaspoons garam masala
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2-inch piece of ginger, grated
4 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 cup tomato puree
1 cup heavy cream
Salt, to taste
Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Method

- In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ground turmeric, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated.

- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

- In a large skillet or pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet, shaking off any excess marinade.

- Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.

- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

- Stir in the tomato puree and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

- Season the sauce with salt to taste.

- Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with the sauce.

- Simmer the chicken in the sauce for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

- Garnish the butter chicken with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

Serve hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or your favorite side dish.