Butter Chicken (Murg Makhni) is a rich North Indian delicacy which is made with chicken served in a simmered tomato, cream and butter-based sauce. Whether eaten with naan bread or rice, the taste of this iconic dish to something to remember!

Serves: 4 people; Prep Time: 15- 25 minutes; Cook Time: 45 – 50 minutes

Step 1: Chicken Marinade & Prep 2-3 chicken breasts chopped into square cubes 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp cumin powder 1/2 tsp salt1 1/2 tsp garam masala 1 tsp ginger garlic paste Directions: I typically prefer to marinade the chicken for about 8-12 hours but even 1-2 hours works. Mix the chopped chicken breast cubes, chili powder, cumin powder, salt (based on your taste), garam masala & ginger garlic paste. I recommend using as much as fresh ingredients as possible to get the best flavor. All masalas should be available at the standard grocery stores. Heat oil on the pan and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on medium heat and set aside.

Step 2: Gravy and Final Prep 2 red onions finely chopped 1 8oz can of tomato paste (You will mostly need to use about ¾ of the can) 1 tbsp. ginger garlic paste 1 tbsp. chili powder 2 tbsp. cumin powder 1 tsp salt 1 tsp garam masala 1 cup heavy cream (Use ½ cup to ¾ cup if you don’t want too creamy) 1/2 cup butter 1 bay leaf Juice of 1/2 lime fully squeezed 1 cinnamon stick 2 cloves 2 cardamom pods Directions: Start by heating oil on medium heat on the same pan you cooked the chicken with. Once the oil is hot, add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves and cardamom. Within a minute you should have the fragrance from these excellent spices. Right then add onions. Once onions are translucent (2-3 minutes), add the ginger garlic paste, chili powder, cumin powder (one of the key ingredients for butter chicken), salt, garam masala and cook for about 15 minutes. Add the tomato paste and lime juice next and cook for another 5-7 minutes. Bring down the heat to low and after 2 minutes add the cream to the mix and then cook for another 10 minutes. Mix well and then add the chicken back on and mix it well for another 2-3 minutes. Finally top it off with the butter and serve it hot with the choice of rice or naan. Hope you make it and enjoy it. If you would like to check out my other culinary creations, please follow me on Instagram (rathabh).