Murgh Makhani (Chicken Makhanwala / Butter Chicken)

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Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken) is one of the most popular curries at any Indian restaurant. Aromatic chicken pieces in an incredible creamy curry sauce, this Murgh Makhani is one of the best you will try! You will love how easy it is to make in the comfort of your own home.

Murgh Makhani (Chicken Makhanwala / Butter Chicken)

Murgh Makhani (Chicken Makhanwala / Butter Chicken)

Recipe by Ushakal GroupCourse: Main CourseCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Medium
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the chicken marinade:

  • 800g boneless and skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic

  • 1 tbsp minced ginger (or finely grated)

  • 2 tbsp garam masala

  • 1 tsp turmeric

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp red chili powder

  • 1 tsp of salt

  • For The Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp oil

  • 2 tbsp ghee (or 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp oil)

  • 1 large onion, sliced or chopped

  • 1 1/2 tbsp garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp ginger, minced or finely grated

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala

  • 1 tsp ground coriander

  • 400 g crushed tomatoes

  • 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to your taste preference)

  • 1 1/4 tsps salt (or to taste)

  • 1 cup of heavy or thickened cream (or evaporated milk to save calories)

  • 1 tbsp sugar

  • 1/2 tsp kasoori methi (or dried fenugreek leaves)

Directions

  • In a bowl, combine chicken with all of the ingredients for the chicken marinade; let marinate for 30 minutes to an hour (or overnight if time allows).
  • Heat oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. When sizzling, add chicken pieces in batches of two or three, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry until browned for only 3 minutes on each side. Set aside and keep warm. (you will finish cooking the chicken in the sauce.)
  • Heat butter or ghee in the same pan. Fry the onions until they start to sweat (about 6 minutes) while scraping up any browned bits stuck on the bottom of the pan.
  • Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add ground coriander, cumin and garam masala. Let cook for about 20 seconds until fragrant, while stirring occasionally.
  • Add crushed tomatoes, chili powder and salt. Let simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and becomes a deep brown red colour.
  • Remove from heat, scoop mixture into a blender and blend until smooth. You may need to add a couple tablespoons of water to help it blend (up to 1/4 cup). Work in batches depending on the size of your blender.
  • Pour the puréed sauce back into the pan. Stir the cream, sugar and crushed kasoori methi (or fenugreek leaves) through the sauce. Add the chicken with juices back into the pan and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and bubbling.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with fresh, hot basmati rice.

tips

  • (Optional) To thin out the sauce, add a couple tablespoons of ghee or butter at the end of cooking, and gently simmer it through. Alternatively, add a small amount of water.

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