Murgh Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken)

Description

This is a simple home version of butter chicken, also known as ‘murgh’ or ‘chicken makhani,’ a popular dish in Indian restaurants. This is best served with naan, an Indian bread, or you can also serve this with basmati rice.

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup plain nonfat yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon tandoori masala powder
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • 1 (1 inch) piece fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 3 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • ¼ teaspoon Indian chili powder
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Stir the yogurt and tandoori masala powder together in a large bowl until thoroughly combined; add the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Marinate in refrigerator for 1 hour. Drain and discard any excess marinade.
  2. Puree the onion
  3. ginger
  4. and garlic with the water in a blender until it forms a smooth paste; set aside.
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken in the hot oil until lightly browned on all sides
  6. about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons in the skillet. Fry the onion paste in the hot oil until the moisture is mostly evaporated
  7. about 3 minutes. Sprinkle the garam masala and chili powder over the mixture; cook 1 minute more. Pour the tomato sauce into the mixture
  8. reduce heat to medium-low
  9. and cook another 5 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan along with the half and half; bring to a boil. Add the butter
  10. fenugreek leaves
  11. and salt; reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered until the chicken pieces are no longer pink in the middle
  12. 15 to 20 minutes.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins

Servings: 4

Leave a Comment