Authentic Mughlai Butter Chicken
Experience the rich and decadent flavors of Mughlai cuisine with this Authentic Mughlai Butter Chicken recipe. Inspired by a beloved recipe from Moti Mahal, one of New Delhi's most prestigious restaurants, this dish features tender pieces of chicken marinated to perfection in aromatic spices and creamy yogurt. Roasted and simmered in a luscious tomato-based gravy enriched with butter and fresh cream, each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors sure to impress your family and guests. Perfectly paired with steamed rice or soft naan, this dish is a culinary adventure that will leave everyone craving more!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
raw chicken
1.5 lbs (cut into pieces)
red chili powder
2 teaspoons (divided)
ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon (prepared)
salt
2 teaspoons (or to taste, divided)
plain yogurt
1.25 cups (whisked)
unsalted butter
1/3 cup (cut into pieces)
black cumin seeds
1 teaspoon (whole)
tomato puree
1.5 cups (prepared)
sugar
1 teaspoon (granulated)
fresh cream
1/3 cup (whipped)
green chilies
4 (sliced)
dried fenugreek leaves
1 teaspoon (crushed)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Mughlai Butter Chicken?
It is a rich and decadent Indian curry featuring marinated chicken simmered in a luscious tomato, butter, and cream-based sauce.
What inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a beloved dish from Moti Mahal, one of the most prestigious restaurants in New Delhi.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What is the main protein requirement?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of raw chicken cut into pieces.
What are the primary ingredients for the marinade?
The marinade consists of red chili powder, ginger-garlic paste, salt, and whisked plain yogurt.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1/3 cup of unsalted butter cut into pieces for the best flavor control.
What creates the creamy texture of the gravy?
The creamy texture is achieved through a combination of whisked yogurt, unsalted butter, and whipped fresh cream.
What role does tomato puree play in the dish?
Tomato puree serves as the base for the gravy, providing the essential body and acidity for the sauce.
Why is sugar included in the recipe?
One teaspoon of granulated sugar is added to the gravy to balance the acidity of the tomato puree.
What provides the unique Mughlai aroma?
The distinct aroma comes from the use of black cumin seeds and crushed dried fenugreek leaves.
How should the green chilies be prepared?
The recipe requires 4 green chilies that should be sliced before being added to the dish.
Why is yogurt used in the marinade?
Yogurt helps tenderize the chicken pieces while providing a tangy foundation for the spices to cling to.
Is this Mughlai Butter Chicken very spicy?
While it uses red chili powder and green chilies, the richness of the butter and cream balances the heat for a mild to medium profile.
How should the dried fenugreek leaves be used?
The 1 teaspoon of dried fenugreek leaves should be crushed to release their fragrance before being stirred into the curry.
Can I substitute the chicken with something else?
While chicken is traditional, the sauce base can also be used for paneer or vegetables to create a vegetarian version.
What is the suggested preparation for the chicken?
The chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even roasting and simmering.
What type of yogurt is best for this recipe?
Plain, whisked yogurt is best as it blends smoothly into the marinade and sauce.
What is the specific type of cumin used?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of whole black cumin seeds, also known as Shahi Jeera.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients used to create this authentic dish.
What category of food does this belong to?
This recipe falls under the category of Curries.
When is the fresh cream added?
Fresh cream is typically added toward the end of the simmering process to ensure it remains rich and does not separate.
What are the recommended side dishes?
This dish is perfectly paired with either soft naan or steamed rice.
Can I make my own ginger-garlic paste?
Yes, you can blend equal parts fresh ginger and garlic to make the 1 teaspoon required for the recipe.
What defines this as a Mughlai dish?
The use of rich fats like butter and cream, combined with aromatic spices and a tomato base, are hallmarks of Mughlai cuisine.
How much salt is needed for the dish?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of salt, or to taste, divided between the marinade and the gravy.
Is there nutritional information available for this recipe?
The provided data focuses on the authentic preparation method and ingredients rather than specific caloric counts.
Is the chicken cooked before it goes into the gravy?
Yes, the chicken is roasted after marinating before it is simmered in the tomato-based gravy.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of unsalted butter to create its signature rich flavor.
How is the red chili powder used?
The 2 teaspoons of red chili powder are divided, likely used in both the marinade and the gravy stages.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of puree?
Yes, but you should blend and strain them to achieve the 1.5 cups of smooth puree required for the sauce texture.