Cook or Dine at Food Town – The Secrets of Indian Cuisine: How Authentic Butter Chicken is Made
📅 July 26, 2024
We’re kicking off a new culinary series, inviting you into the kitchen! Discover iconic dishes that you can make yourself or enjoy at Food Town—if you’d rather skip the cooking and dive straight into the flavors.
First on our list: BUTTER CHICKEN—also known as Murgh Makhani—one of the most iconic dishes of Indian cuisine. Its rich, creamy texture and delicate, spiced flavor have made it a global favorite. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the history of this extraordinary dish, reveal its preparation secrets, and show you how to create an authentic Butter Chicken in your own kitchen.
The History of Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken was born in the 1940s at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi. The dish was created by accident, when chefs sought a way to use up leftover tandoori chicken. By adding butter, cream, and tomatoes, they developed a luxurious, velvety sauce, giving rise to what is now one of India’s most beloved culinary exports.
Today, Butter Chicken is a symbol of indulgence and comfort, blending tradition and innovation in Indian cooking.
Key Ingredients
To make authentic Butter Chicken, you’ll need a few essential ingredients:
🍗 Chicken – Boneless chicken thighs or breast, cut into chunks.
🥣 Marinade – Yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.
🍅 Sauce – Butter, cream, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, chili powder, garam masala, cardamom, cinnamon, and honey.
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Marinating the Chicken
The first step to achieving tender, flavorful Butter Chicken is marinating it properly.
- In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.
- Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, so the flavors deeply infuse the meat.
2. Cooking the Chicken
- After marinating, grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken until golden brown and slightly charred.
- This step locks in the juices and enhances the dish’s signature smoky flavor.
3. Making the Butter Chicken Sauce
- Melt butter in a large saucepan, then sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add pureed tomatoes and let them cook down until the sauce thickens.
- Season with garam masala, cardamom, cinnamon, chili powder, and a touch of honey to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
4. Bringing It All Together
- Add the grilled chicken pieces to the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring well to create that signature creamy consistency.
- Simmer for a few more minutes to ensure the chicken absorbs all the flavors.
How to Serve Butter Chicken
🍛 Best served with:
- Warm naan bread – perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
- Fragrant basmati rice – a classic pairing that soaks up all the rich flavors.
- A garnish of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of cream for a finishing touch.
Tips & Variations
🥦 Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) or vegetables like cauliflower and peas.
🥥 Healthier Version: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter yet equally delicious twist.
🌶️ Adjusting Spice Levels: Customize the amount of chili powder to match your heat preference. Add extra chili for a fiery kick or keep it mild for a smoother taste.
Experience Authentic Butter Chicken at Food Town
Butter Chicken is a dish that delights the senses, transporting you straight to the vibrant streets of India.
Try making it at home—or if you’d rather skip the kitchen, head over to Food Town and enjoy a perfectly prepared Butter Chicken at Curry Leaves!
🍽️ Taste the magic of India, right here at Food Town! ✨
