Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is one of the most popular Indian dishes around the world. It consists of chicken pieces simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce flavored with spices. Butter chicken originated in New Delhi, India. It was invented in the 1940s at a restaurant called Moti Mahal by Kundan Lal Gujral. The dish was an instant hit and put the restaurant on the map. Since then, butter chicken has become a staple of Indian restaurant menus. Its rich, buttery, mildly spiced taste appeals to many palates. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes butter chicken so delicious and craveable.
Origins and History
As mentioned, butter chicken was created in the 1940s in New Delhi. The inventor, Kundan Lal Gujral, was motivated to use tandoori chicken leftovers in a tomato curry. Tandoori chicken was growing in popularity at the time after being introduced to India by Punjabi Muslims. Gujral found that the tandoori chicken pieces softened after being cooked again in the tomato sauce. To make the dish richer, he added butter and cream. This innovative dish was a major success, and Gujral went on to open the Moti Mahal restaurant chain.
The original recipe used just a few spices like garam masala, kastoori methi (fenugreek), and chili powder. Over time, more complex spice blends and pastes were developed by different chefs and restaurants. Butter chicken evolved into a mainstay of Indian restaurant menus not just in India but around the world. It remains one of the top ordered dishes at Indian restaurants globally.
Ingredients
While recipes can vary, the main ingredients in butter chicken are:
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1-2 inch pieces.
- Spices – Garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, chili powder, ginger, and garlic.
- Tomatoes – Blanched, peeled, and pureed.
- Cream or butter – Added for richness and body.
- Onion – Sauteed as a base for the sauce.
- Ghee or oil – For cooking the chicken and sauce.
- Fresh cilantro – For garnish.
The exact combination and balance of spices is what creates the flavor profile that is so beloved. The spices infuse the creamy tomato-based sauce with aromatic warmth. The creaminess comes from dairy, usually heavy cream or full-fat butter. Using boneless chicken keeps the dish smooth rather than chunky.
Flavors and Texture
Butter chicken gets its distinctive rich, creamy, mildly spiced flavor from:
- Tomatoes – The base is a thick tomato sauce made from pureed tomatoes. It provides tang, sweetness, and body.
- Spices – A medley of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, fenugreek, and chili powder create an aromatic, complex flavor.
- Butter and cream – This is swirled through the tomato puree to create a silky texture and rich mouthfeel.
- Onions and ginger-garlic – Sauteed onion, ginger, and garlic provide savory undertones.
- Chicken – Boneless chicken thigh or breast pieces have a soft, fall-off-the-bone tenderness after simmering.
- Cilantro – Fresh cilantro adds a pop of herbaceousness.
When these elements come together through gentle simmering, the result is a luscious sauce that clings to juicy morsels of chicken. The flavors marry into a comforting blend of creaminess, warmth, and savoriness. Texturally, the dish offers soft, tender bites of chicken in a rich, velvety sauce. It is smooth and saucy without being overly thick or dense.
Cooking Method
There are a few keys to cooking authentic butter chicken:
- Marinating the chicken – Letting the chicken marinate in yogurt, spices, and lemon juice tenderizes it and infuses flavor.
- Par-cooking the chicken – The chicken is partially cooked by grilling, broiling, or pan frying before going into the sauce.
- Pureeing the tomatoes – Blanched, peeled tomatoes are blended to create the smooth sauce base.
- Layering spices -Whole spices are toasted then ground to intensify the flavor before being added.
- Simmering – The chicken and sauce are gently simmered together for a long time for the flavors to meld.
- Finishing with cream – Cream or butter is swirled in at the end to enrich and round out flavors.
The attention to properly preparing and cooking each component results in the signature taste and mouthfeel.
Variations
There are many variations on classic butter chicken that have developed over the years:
- Chicken tikka masala –Uses grilled marinated chicken instead of pan-fried.
- Butter paneer – Substitutes cubes of paneer cheese for chicken.
- Vegetable butter masala – Made with mixed veggies instead of chicken.
- Pork or lamb butter masala – Uses pork or lamb pieces instead.
- Spicier versions – Some add more chilis and garam masala for heat.
- Cashew or almond butter chicken – Includes cashews or almonds for crunch.
- Tandoori butter chicken – Uses tandoori chicken cooked in a clay oven.
The basic elements of creamy tomato sauce, Indian spices, and a protein remain consistent. The possibilities are endless when it comes to putting a creative spin on butter chicken while keeping its essential flavors.
Popularity and Significance
Butter chicken is widely cherished for the following reasons:
- It was one of the first dishes to bring Indian cuisine abroad to Western countries in the 1970s.
- Its mild, broadly appealing flavor helped introduce the cuisine to unfamiliar palates.
- The rich, creamy taste satisfies cravings for comforting, indulgent food.
- It strikes a perfect balance between rich and savory.
- The spices provide warmth and depth of flavor without being overwhelmingly hot.
- It has a simple list of common ingredients that are easy to source.
- It can be made mild or spicy to accommodate different preferences.
For these reasons and possibly more, butter chicken remains beloved around the world over 75 years after its creation. It is sure to retain its status as one of the most popular Indian dishes for a long time coming.
Health Benefits
While butter chicken is high in calories and fat due to the butter and cream, the dish can offer some health benefits when homemade and enjoyed in moderation. These include:
- Protein – Chicken provides high-quality protein needed for building muscle and strength.
- Anti-inflammatory spices – Spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Vitamin C – Fresh tomatoes are high in immune-boosting vitamin C.
- Cancer-fighting lycopene – Tomatoes contain the antioxidant lycopene, which may help lower cancer risk.
When prepared with lots of vegetables and minimal refined oil or butter, butter chicken can be part of a healthy diet. The protein keeps you full, while the abundance of spices offers different health benefits.
How to Make Butter Chicken at Home
Here is a simple step-by-step recipe to make butter chicken at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1kg chicken breasts or thighs, cut into pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon fenugreek (kasuri methi)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 400g can diced tomatoes
- 100ml butter
- 100ml heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Steps:
- Marinate chicken: Add chicken pieces to bowl with yogurt, spices (garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, fenugreek), salt, pepper, lemon juice, and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.
- Cook chicken: Heat oil/ghee in pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in batches and cook until browned but not fully cooked, about 2 minutes per side. Set aside on plate.
- Cook sauce: In same pan, add more oil/ghee if needed along with onion. Cook 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and ginger and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Let simmer 10 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Return chicken pieces to sauce and add butter and cream. Gently simmer 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Garnish with cilantro. Serve with rice or naan bread.
The key is to let the chicken marinate well to absorb the flavors. Searing the chicken before adding it to the simmering sauce enhances the taste. Don’t let the sauce boil rapidly or the cream may curdle. A gentle simmer results in the best texture.
Where to Find the Best Butter Chicken
You can get excellent butter chicken at many Indian restaurants. Places known for top-notch versions include:
- Moti Mahal Delux in Delhi, India – The iconic original restaurant still serves a stellar version.
- Chicken Tikka Masala in London, UK – They offer an authentic chicken tikka masala variant.
- Junoon in New York City, NY – Michelin-star Indian restaurant with a gourmet take.
- Indian Accent in New Delhi, India – High-end progressive Indian cuisine.
- Bukhara in New Delhi, India – Legendary restaurant located in 5-star ITC Maurya hotel.
- Tamarind Restaurant in London, UK – Refined Indian fare in chic Mayfair locale.
- Jamavar in London, UK – Modern Indian fine dining with creative twists.
Of course, many local Indian restaurants also have excellent renditions. Scout around reviews online to find the best butter chicken in your city or when traveling.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key points on what makes butter chicken such a cherished Indian dish:
- It was invented in the 1940s in Delhi, India at the Moti Mahal restaurant.
- The rich, creamy tomato-based sauce is flavored with traditional Indian spices.
- Butter and cream provide the signature silky texture and luxurious mouthfeel.
- Chicken is first marinated then gently cooked in the sauce to absorb flavors.
- There are many innovative variations but the classic remains the most popular.
- Butter chicken has universal appeal due to its mildly spiced, irresistible flavor.
- It helped popularize Indian cuisine worldwide back in the 1970s.
For an indulgent experience that also offers comfort, nostalgia, and complex flavors, it’s hard to beat a well-made bowl of butter chicken. This iconic dish deserves its place as one of the most beloved Indian foods around the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is butter chicken spicy?
Butter chicken has a very mild spice level. The sauce gets some heat from chili powder but the spices are more aromatic than hot and spicy. It is usually not a spicy dish, making it appealing to many palates.
What goes with butter chicken?
Butter chicken is usually served with basmati rice or naan bread for dipping in the rich sauce. Some sides that pair well include palak paneer, raita, samosas, tandoori vegetables, dal makhani, and kachumber salad.
Is butter chicken Keto or gluten free?
Butter chicken can easily be made keto and gluten free. Skip the rice or naan and serve it with cauliflower rice instead. Use ghee or coconut oil instead of butter. Check spices for gluten and avoid additives. Marinate chicken in yogurt without additives.
Is butter chicken healthy?
Butter chicken is high in calories, fat, and sodium, especially if dining out at restaurants. But homemade versions can be healthier with simple ingredients and minimal cream or butter. Chicken provides protein, while spices have anti-inflammatory benefits.
What protein can be used instead of chicken?
Popular substitutes for chicken include paneer, tofu, chickpeas, lentils, mushrooms, cauliflower or eggplant. For non-vegetarians, lamb, shrimp or fish can also be used. Adjust marinating and cooking time as needed.
Conclusion
Butter chicken stands out for its universally appealing flavor that combines aromatic spices, velvety tomato cream sauce, and tender chicken. Its origins from a Delhi restaurant in the 1940s spawned countless variations that remain popular around the world. While indulgent, butter chicken can offer some nutritional benefits from protein and anti-inflammatory compounds. When cooked properly at home or ordered from a reputable Indian restaurant, it hits the spot as a comforting yet flavorful meal.