Crispy Butter Chicken

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Butter chicken, also known as “Murgh Makhani”, is a rich and flavorful dish that originates from Northern India. It was created by Kundan Lal Gujral, the founder of the famous restaurant Moti Mahal in Delhi, in the 1950s. The dish came about as a way to use leftover tandoori chicken by combining it with a creamy, buttery tomato-based sauce. It has since become one of the most beloved Indian dishes worldwide, known for its perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and tangy tomato flavor.

While butter chicken is typically a rich and creamy dish, this Crispy Butter Chicken adds an exciting twist. By creating a crispy texture for the chicken, the dish brings a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the velvety sauce.

Ingredients for Crispy Butter Chicken

For Marination:

  • 500g chicken thighs or breast (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • Salt to taste

For the Crispy Chicken Coating:

  • 1/2 cup cornstarch or flour (for extra crispiness, mix both)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika or chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for shallow frying

For Butter Chicken Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 cups tomato purée (or fresh tomatoes, blended)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) – optional but adds authentic flavor
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marination:

  1. In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt.
  2. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results).

Crispy Chicken:

  1. Combine cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
  2. Take the marinated chicken and coat it well in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
  3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and shallow fry the chicken pieces until crispy and golden brown on both sides. Set aside.

Butter Chicken Sauce:

  1. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  2. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the tomato purée, cumin, coriander powder, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the oil begins to separate.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream, reduce the heat, and let it cook for another 5 minutes.
  5. Crush and add kasuri methi if using, and mix well.
  6. Add the crispy chicken pieces to the sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors combine.
  7. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or rice.

Tips for Making Crispy Butter Chicken:

  • Marination Time: Letting the chicken marinate for at least a few hours enhances the flavor. Overnight marination yields the best result.
  • Frying Technique: Frying the chicken on medium heat ensures that it cooks through while remaining crispy without burning.
  • Butter Quality: Use good quality unsalted butter for a rich flavor. Too much salted butter can overwhelm the dish.
  • Kasuri Methi: Adding dried fenugreek leaves gives an authentic touch to the dish. Crush them between your palms before adding to release the flavors.
  • Creaminess Level: Adjust the amount of cream to your preference. You can make it lighter by using less cream or a dairy alternative like coconut milk for a unique flavor twist.

Health Benefits of Crispy Butter Chicken:

  1. Protein-Packed: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
  2. Rich in Nutrients: The spices used in the dish such as turmeric, garlic, and ginger have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
  3. Customizable Fat Content: Although the sauce contains butter and cream, you can adjust the recipe to make it healthier by using less butter or substituting with yogurt or coconut milk.
  4. Boosts Immunity: Garlic and ginger, commonly used in Indian cooking, are known to boost the immune system.

Calories Per Serving:

A typical serving of Crispy Butter Chicken (with sauce but without rice or bread) contains around 450-500 calories. The calorie breakdown is approximately:

  • Protein: 40g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g

For a lower-calorie version, you can reduce the amount of butter and cream or swap them for lighter alternatives like yogurt or plant-based cream.

Enjoy your Crispy Butter Chicken, where every bite offers a crunchy yet creamy explosion of flavors!

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