Butter Chicken Recipe, Step By Step
Butter Chicken Bliss: A South African Twist
Introduction to Butter Chicken
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a beloved dish that originated in India. This creamy and flavorful dish combines tender chicken pieces with a rich and buttery tomato-based sauce. In our version, we add a South African flair to this culinary classic, highlighting the blend of spices and ingredients that make it unique.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To embark on our butter chicken journey, gather the following ingredients. These components will form the base of our dish, and each plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 1 lb (approximately) |
| Yogurt | 1 cup |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Ginger, minced | 1 tbsp |
| Garam masala | 2 tsp |
| Turmeric powder | 1 tsp |
| Cumin powder | 1 tsp |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Tomatoes, pureed | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh cilantro | For garnish |
For a more detailed list of ingredients, visit our how to make butter chicken guide.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Butter Chicken
Here’s our step-by-step process to create butter chicken with a South African twist:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and chili powder.
- Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld. For the best results, marinate overnight.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil.
- Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook until they are just about cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. It will finish cooking later in the sauce.
- Make the Creamy Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the pureed tomatoes and let them cook down, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt to taste.
- Add the partially cooked chicken back into the skillet, ensuring it is submerged in the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the chicken to reach full doneness.
- Serve:
- Garnish the butter chicken with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with naan, basmati rice, or over a bed of greens.
For more serving suggestions, explore our easy butter chicken recipe. Enjoy the rich, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors of this beloved dish with a South African touch.
Marinating the Chicken
Creating the perfect butter chicken starts with a well-prepared marinade. This step ensures the chicken absorbs all the rich flavors, resulting in a deliciously tender and juicy dish.
Preparing the Marinade
To prepare the marinade, you need a blend of spices, yogurt, and a few essential ingredients. Here is what we will need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Plain Yogurt | 1 cup |
| Garlic Paste | 2 tbsp |
| Ginger Paste | 2 tbsp |
| Turmeric Powder | 1 tsp |
| Garam Masala | 2 tsp |
| Red Chili Powder | 1 tsp |
| Ground Cumin | 1 tsp |
| Lemon Juice | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Mixing all these ingredients together creates a rich and flavorful marinade perfect for absorbing into the chicken.
Marinating the Chicken
Once the marinade is prepared, it’s time to marinate the chicken. Here’s how we do it:
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure each piece marinates evenly.
- Mix the Chicken with Marinade: Combine the chicken pieces with the prepared marinade. Ensure all pieces are well-coated.
- Marinate Time: Place the marinated chicken in a covered bowl or sealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces |
| 2 | Mix chicken with the marinade |
| 3 | Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight |
This marinating step infuses the chicken with deep, aromatic flavors, laying the foundation for our South African twist on Indian Butter Chicken. Now that the chicken is marinated, we’re ready to move on to cooking. For variations of the recipe, you might want to explore our slow cooker butter chicken or easy butter chicken recipe.
Cooking the Butter Chicken
Cooking the Chicken
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to cook it to perfection. We start by cooking the chicken pieces in a pan. This step is crucial for locking in the flavors from the marinade.
- Heat the Pan: Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan. Heat a few tablespoons of oil on medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Brown the Chicken: Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Making the Creamy Butter Sauce
The sauce is what makes butter chicken so luxurious and flavorful. Here’s how we do it:
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté finely chopped onions until golden brown. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Spices: Add garlic, ginger, and a mix of spices such as garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for a couple of minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Tomato Base: Pour in tomato puree and cook until the oil separates from the tomato base, about 10-15 minutes.
- Creamy Addition: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream to create a rich, creamy sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring well to coat the pieces in the sauce. Simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Finishing Touch: Stir in a generous amount of butter (after all, it’s butter chicken) and let it melt into the sauce. Add salt to taste.
| Step | Duration (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Browning Chicken | 6-8 |
| Sautéing Onions | 5-7 |
| Cooking Tomato Base | 10-15 |
| Simmering with Cream | 3-5 |
| Final Simmer with Chicken | 10 |
Transforming these foundational steps into a smooth process will enhance your butter chicken experience. Be sure to explore other variations such as our slow cooker butter chicken for different cooking methods, or check out our guide on how to make butter chicken for more detailed instructions.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying our butter chicken, pairing it with the right sides can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Basmati Rice: A fragrant, long-grain rice that perfectly soaks up the creamy sauce.
- Naan Bread: Soft, buttery naan is excellent for scooping up every delicious bite.
- Roti: A lighter, whole wheat flatbread alternative to naan.
- Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side with cucumber and mint.
- Pickled Onions: Adds a tangy contrast to the rich flavors of butter chicken.
- Lentil Dhal: Adds another layer of Indian cuisine to the meal.
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Basmati Rice | Fragrant long-grain rice |
| Naan Bread | Soft, buttery flatbread |
| Roti | Whole wheat flatbread |
| Cucumber Raita | Yogurt with cucumber and mint |
| Pickled Onions | Tangy pickled red onions |
| Lentil Dhal | Spicy and savory lentil stew |
For more ideas on how to pair your dishes, check out our article on how to make butter chicken.
Garnishing and Serving Recommendations
To make our butter chicken not only taste delicious but also look appetizing, here are some garnishing and serving suggestions:
- Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds color and freshness.
- Crushed Cashews: Adds a crunchy texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a splash of citrus.
- Fresh Cream Drizzle: A light drizzle of cream on top of the butter chicken for added richness.
- Paprika Sprinkle: A dash of paprika for extra color and slight heat.
| Garnish | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Fresh Cilantro | Color and freshness |
| Crushed Cashews | Crunch and nutty flavor |
| Lemon Wedges | Citrus splash |
| Fresh Cream Drizzle | Added richness |
| Paprika Sprinkle | Color and mild heat |
These garnishing tips help elevate the visual appeal and flavor of your dish. For further cooking tips, see our article on easy butter chicken recipe.
For more information about the full recipe, including marinating and cooking steps, explore our guide on Indian butter chicken. If you’re short on time, you might also enjoy our slow cooker butter chicken variation.
Tips and Tricks
Adjusting Spice Levels
When making butter chicken, adjusting the spice levels to fit your preferences can enhance your culinary experience. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of chili powder or skip the green chilies. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, consider adding more chili powder or including finely chopped green chilies and additional spices. Here is a quick reference table:
| Spice Level | Chili Powder (tsp) | Green Chilies (Number) |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | 1 | 0 |
| Medium | 2 | 1 |
| Hot | 3 | 2 |
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating help maintain the delicious flavor and texture of your butter chicken. After cooking, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the butter chicken in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
When reheating, gently heat the butter chicken on the stovetop over low heat. To avoid drying out the sauce, add a splash of water or cream and stir occasionally. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Stovetop or microwave, add liquid if needed |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight in fridge, reheat on stovetop or microwave |
Flavor Enhancements
Elevating the flavor of your butter chicken can transform it into an unforgettable meal. Experiment with adding a touch of sweetness, such as honey or sugar, to balance the spices. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a refreshing zing. Fresh herbs like cilantro can be sprinkled on top for a burst of color and flavor. For a deeper, smokier taste, consider using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
Additionally, incorporating a dollop of yogurt or a splash of cream can increase the creaminess of the sauce, making it even more indulgent. For more ideas, check out our article on how to make butter chicken.
Remember, indian butter chicken can easily be tailored to your preferences, so don’t hesitate to experiment and find the combination of flavors that you enjoy the most.
Lerato Mahlangu is a passionate South African chef, food writer, and advocate for celebrating the flavours of Mzanzi. Inspired by her roots, she shares authentic and creative recipes that honour South Africa’s culinary traditions. When she’s not in the kitchen, Lerato enjoys exploring local markets, connecting with food lovers, and celebrating the stories behind every dish.
