Viral Recipes – Chicken Makhani

Chicken Makhani Recipe

Chicken Makhani, also known as Butter Chicken, is a popular Indian dish celebrated for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken pieces. This dish combines aromatic spices, a flavorful tomato-based sauce, and succulent marinated chicken to create a delicious and comforting meal. Here’s a quick synopsis of how to prepare this delightful recipe.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp ghee or butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Preparation Steps

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
   • Add the chicken pieces and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • Heat ghee or butter in a pan over medium heat.
   • Sauté the chopped onion until golden brown.
   • Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
   • Add crushed tomatoes and spices, simmering for 10-15 minutes.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
   • Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
4. Combine and Finish:
   • Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir well.
   • Pour in heavy cream and simmer for another 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Makhani is best served with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. It can also be enjoyed with a side of cucumber raita, fresh salad, or pickles for a complete and satisfying meal.