Authentic Chicken Makhani Recipe (Indian Butter Chicken)

Name: Authentic Chicken Makhani Recipe (Indian Butter Chicken)
Total time: 35 mins
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons peanut oil, divided; 1 shallot, finely chopped; 0.25 white onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons garam masala, divided; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 bay leaf; 1 cup tomato puree; 1 cup half-and-half; 0.25 cup plain yogurt; 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces; 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 0.25 cup water

This easy Butter Chicken recipe, or Chicken Makhani, is a beloved Indian classic. The full-flavored sauce beautifully enhances the chicken, and you can customize the spice level with cayenne pepper. Serve this delectable dish with basmati rice and warm naan bread for a complete meal.

Total time35 mins
Prep time10 mins
Cook time25 mins
Yield4

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Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté the shallot and onion until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
Stir in the butter, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, chili powder, cumin, and bay leaf. Cook and stir continuously for 1 minute. Add the tomato sauce, and continue cooking for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Stir in the half-and-half and yogurt. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken pieces until they are lightly browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
Reduce the heat, and season with the remaining 1 teaspoon of garam masala and cayenne pepper. Stir in a few spoonfuls of the prepared sauce, and simmer until the liquid has reduced slightly, and the chicken is cooked through. Add the cooked chicken into the sauce and stir to combine.
Dissolve the cornstarch into the water, then mix this slurry into the simmering sauce. Cook for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Serve your delicious Chicken Makhani hot over fluffy rice with warm naan bread on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 408 kcal
Fat Content: 28 g
Fiber Content: 2 g
Sugar Content: 5 g
Sodium Content: 523 mg
Protein Content: 23 g
Cholesterol Content: 107 mg
Carbohydrate Content: 16 g
Saturated Fat Content: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g