Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Need a weekend vacation? Try exotically spiced chicken in a silky tomato, cream and butter sauce served over tender rice. Enjoy with a side salad and a glass of Chardonnay!
- Total Time: About 45 Minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Ingredients
2 pounds chicken thighs and/or breasts, boneless, skinless and cut into bite-size cubes
1/2 to 1 tsp. salt (table, kosher or sea), or to taste
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp. chili powder, divided
1 tsp. ground turmeric
6 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature and divided into 2 tbsp. increments
1–1/2 cups (about 1/2 medium-sized) onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tsp. garam masala powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground cayenne or ancho chili powder*
2 tsp. ground ginger, or 1 tbsp. freshly grated ginger root
One 3-inch cinnamon stick
One 15-ounce can tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
White rice, for serving**
Fresh cilantro or sliced scallions, for serving
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken thighs/breast with salt, pepper, 1 tsp. chili powder, and turmeric, Let sit for 15-30 minutes to marinate.
Over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp. butter in a large pot. When bubbly, add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from pot.
Add 2 more tbsp. butter to pot and melt. Stir in diced onion, garlic, garam marsala, cumin, cayenne or ancho powder, ginger and cinnamon stick. Cook and stir until fragrant, about 2-4 minutes.
Stir in tomato sauce. Be careful as sauce will bubble up. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in water and heavy cream. Again, bring to a simmer.
Add browned chicken and juices to pot. Be sure to return to a simmer before covering and cooking for 15 minutes.
Stir in last 2 tbsp. of butter. Serve over cooked white rice and garnish with cilantro or sliced green onions.
Notes
*Cayenne powder will give a very spicy forward heat. If you want more chili flavor without the heat, opt for ancho chili powder.
**Cooking white or Arborio rice in chicken stock gives the dish a more savory, rich flavor.
Find it online: https://gloveboxeats.com/?p=8772