Chicken Makhani (Butter chicken)

26 Jul

Chicken Makhani or Butter Chicken is a delicious curry in it’s own right, but you will find it an excellent way to use up leftover cooked chicken. I often find this in my local Indian Restaurant’s lunchtime buffet selection, but it is definitely worth ordering a la carte, and even better made at home.

  • Prep Time :
    10 min
  • Cook Time :
    80 min
  • Ready Time :
    1 hour, 30 min

Servings

4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/4 pint plain youghurt
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red food colouring
  • 3 pounds chicken, skinless, jointed
  • oil
  • 2 ounce butter
  • 1 stick of cinnamon
  • 6 cloves
  • 6 green cardamom
  • 1/4 pint sour cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon saffron, crushed
  • 1/4 pint cream
  • salt to taste
  • 2 teaspoons ground almonds
  • 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

Directions

  1. Mix yogurt, ginger, salt and red coloring and rub into chicken. Let it marinate overnight.
  2. Place in an ovenproof dish and brush with oil. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 40-50 minutes. Save the liquid, if any.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter and fry cinnamon, cloves, cardamoms and bayleaf for 1 minute.
  4. Add sour cream and chicken liquid. Add crushed saffron, and cream. Cover and simmer gently for 5-6 minutes.
  5. Add chicken pieces and adjust seasoning. Add ground almonds. Dissolve cornstarch in water and add to the chicken.
  6. Let it thicken. Cover and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.

Facebook comments:

12 Responses to “Chicken Makhani (Butter chicken)”

  1. IceKat August 28, 2010 at 2:52 pm #

    I LOVE Chicken Makhani. A restaurant at home does it and I’ve been trying to get it for years. I still haven’t but I it’s fun to try. :D I love curry…it’s got so many great flavours!!!

    Reply
    • Jo-Z May 23, 2011 at 10:45 pm #

      same:)

      Reply
  2. Jo-Z May 23, 2011 at 10:44 pm #

    i love chicken makhani! how many does his serve?

    Reply
  3. GingerChef June 30, 2011 at 9:34 pm #

    In the trade we would estimate a portion serving as 8oz of protein. So this would serve 6 good portions including all the other ingredients and a side of rice. In the real world though would give 4 adults a good feed. :-)

    Reply
  4. louise July 25, 2011 at 10:06 am #

    followed this recipe and although couldnt gat hold of any saffron it was delicious!

    Reply
  5. Chan August 19, 2011 at 3:36 pm #

    It is one of my favorite menu in Indian restaurant! Now I think I have to try this recipe at home.

    Reply
  6. Sailu @ Indian Recipes September 15, 2011 at 6:40 pm #

    Ground almonds can be substituted with cashew nuts. In fact, cashew nuts and cream are a match made in heaven esp in Indian chicken curries. Do try it sometime.

    Reply
  7. erik March 3, 2012 at 4:18 pm #

    I like your recipes, and your site in general, but it would be so nice with some pictures..

    Reply

Leave a Reply