Pakistani Butter Chicken Recipe

Pakistani Butter Chicken is a classic dish, known for its rich and creamy sauce infused with aromatic spices, is a staple in Pakistani cuisine. It’s a dish that lots of people enjoy because it’s creamy and full of flavor.

You will definitely enjoy making this Pakistani Butter Chicken as it is so comforting and super delicious. This recipe can be served with roti/naan or it can be paired with basmati rice for a hearty meal.

In Pakistan, this butter chicken pakistani recipe is also known as makhni chicken or makhni handi. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, we’ll teach you how to make butter chicken pakistani style step by step, so you can have a taste of Pakistan right in your own home. Get ready to cook up something really yummy!

You can try our more related recipes Authentic Pakistani Chicken Keema Recipe: Flavors of Pakistan, Authentic Halwa puri recipe (Pakistani Breakfast), Juicy and Flavorful Full Chicken Tandoori.

WHAT IS BUTTER CHICKEN?

Butter Chicken is a popular dish in South Asian cuisine, particularly in India and Pakistan. It consists of tender pieces of chicken that are marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. The sauce is typically flavored with a combination of aromatic spices such as garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder, along with garlic, ginger, and onions.

One of the distinguishing features of Butter Chicken is its creamy texture, which is achieved by adding butter, cream, or sometimes both to the sauce.

INGREDIENT NOTES

1. Chicken Thighs, Boneless and Skinless: You will need 600g Tender chicken thighs, marinated and cooked to perfection, adding heartiness to the dish.

2. Yogurt: You will need 1 cup Yogurt that tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy flavor to the marinade.

3. Ghee: You will need 3 tbsp Ghee, or clarified butter, which lends richness and depth of flavor to the sauce

4. Tomatoes: You will need 4 medium-sized Fresh tomatoes to form the base of the sauce, providing natural sweetness and acidity.

5. Ginger and Garlic Paste: You will need 2 tbsp Aromatic ginger and garlic paste infuses the dish with layers of flavor.

6. Spices (Garam Masala, Turmeric, Chili Powder, Cumin): You will need 1 tbsp each of traditional spices to add warmth and complexity to the dish.

7. Cream: You will need ½ cup Cream that enriches the sauce, creating a lusciously creamy texture.

8. Fresh Cilantro: You will need Fresh cilantro to add a burst of freshness and color as a garnish

INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT: GHEE

Ghee, a staple in South Asian cuisine, plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor and texture of chicken makhani recipe pakistani. This clarified butter is revered for its rich, nutty aroma and versatility in cooking. Unlike regular butter, ghee has had its milk solids removed, resulting in a higher smoke point and longer shelf life.

HOW TO MAKE PAKISTANI BUTTER CHICKEN: STEP BY STEP

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with yogurt, ginger and garlic paste, and the spice blend (garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, cumin). Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Heat ghee in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown. Stir in ginger and garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add chopped tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they break down and become soft. Once the mixture has cooled slightly, transfer it to a blender and blend until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In the same skillet, heat a little more ghee over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces, shaking off any excess marinade, and cook until they are browned on all sides. Pour the blended tomato sauce over the chicken and reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 4: Finish with Cream

Pour in the cream and stir well to combine. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or spices as desired.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish the Pakistani Butter Chicken with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve Pakistani Butter Chicken hot with steamed rice or naan bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.

DIFFERENTS COOKING METHODS

Pressure Cooking:

Pressure cooking is a convenient alternative for busy cooks who want to save time without compromising on flavor. In this method, the marinated chicken and sauce ingredients are combined in a pressure cooker and cooked under high pressure for a shorter period. This results in tender, flavorful butter chicken recipe pakistani style in a fraction of the time compared to stovetop cooking. However, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe pressure cooking.

Slow Cooking:

Slow cooking is ideal for achieving melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and intensifying the flavors of Pakistani Butter Chicken. In this method, the marinated chicken and sauce ingredients are combined in a slow cooker and cooked on low heat for several hours.

Oven Baking:

Oven baking offers a hands-off approach to cooking Pakistani Butter Chicken while still yielding delicious results. In this method, the marinated chicken is arranged in a baking dish, and the sauce ingredients are poured over the top. The dish is then baked in a preheated oven at a moderate temperature until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and aromatic.

EXPERT TIPS

1. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, to ensure it absorbs all the delicious flavors of the yogurt and spices.
2. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially tomatoes and cilantro, to enhance the overall taste and freshness of the dish.
3. Tailor the spice level to your preference by adjusting the amount of chili powder used.
4. When simmering the sauce with the chicken, maintain a gentle heat to prevent the sauce from overcooking or becoming too thick.
5. Adding cream at the end of cooking lends a rich and velvety texture to the sauce.
6. Garnish the Pakistani Butter Chicken with freshly chopped cilantro just before serving to add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
7. Pakistani Butter Chicken tastes even better when made ahead of time as the flavors have time to develop.
8. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables such as bell peppers or peas for extra color and texture.

STORAGE & REHEATING:

Allow the Pakistani Butter Chicken to cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy. Transfer the Pakistani Butter Chicken to airtight containers or resealable bags for storage. Ensure that the containers are clean and dry to prevent contamination. Store the Pakistani Butter Chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to place it in the coldest part of the fridge, typically the back shelves, to maintain its freshness.

When ready to enjoy your leftover Pakistani Butter Chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if frozen; Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

LEFTOVER MIX

• Butter Chicken Wrap: Use leftover Butter Chicken as a filling for wraps or sandwiches. Simply warm the leftover chicken and sauce, and then wrap it in a tortilla or flatbread along with fresh vegetables.
• Butter Chicken Pizza: Turn your leftover Butter Chicken into a unique pizza topping. Spread a thin layer of sauce on pizza dough, top with shredded cheese, leftover chicken pieces, and any other desired toppings.
• Butter Chicken Fried Rice: Incorporate leftover Pakistani Butter Chicken into fried rice for a flavorful twist on a classic dish.
• Butter Chicken Pasta: Create a creamy pasta dish by mixing leftover Pakistani Butter Chicken sauce with cooked pasta. Add in leftover chicken pieces and vegetables, and then toss everything together until well combined. Garnish with grated cheese and fresh herbs for extra flavor.

ADDITIONS

1. Butter or Cream Swirl: Before serving, add a small knob of butter or a swirl of cream on top of the Butter Chicken.
2. Toasted Almonds or Cashews: Toasted nuts add a delightful crunch and nuttiness to the dish.
3. Fried Onions: Crispy fried onions add a burst of flavor and texture. Top your Butter Chicken with a handful of fried onions.
4. Dried Fenugreek Leaves: Crushed dried fenugreek leaves impart a distinct aroma and flavor.
5. Sliced Green Chilies: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add sliced green chilies to the Butter Chicken for an extra kick of spice.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

MORE RECIPES

Authentic Pakistani Kheer Recipe

20 Health Benefits of Salad That Will Blow Your Mind

Healthy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad For Summer