Creamy Chicken Tandoori Delight (Murgh Makhani)
Creamy Chicken Tandoori Delight, or Murgh Makhani, is a classic Indian dish that beautifully marries tender chicken with a luscious, spiced tomato sauce. The slow cooker method ensures that the chicken thighs become melt-in-your-mouth tender while absorbing the rich flavors from the spices and coconut milk. The addition of yogurt adds a creamy tang, making it a delightful experience for both the novice and the seasoned Indian food lover alike. Serve this aromatic dish over fluffy basmati rice and accompany it with warm naan bread, perfect for sopping up the delectable sauce. Enjoy this comforting meal that is sure to impress family and friends at any gathering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 1/2 lbs (Cut into bite-sized pieces.)
Onion
1 (Diced.)
Garlic cloves
4 large (Minced.)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Unsalted.)
Coconut milk
1 (13 1/2 ounce) can (Full-fat, not light.)
Tomato paste
1 (5 1/2 ounce) can (No preparation needed.)
Plain yogurt
1 cup (Regular or Greek.)
Tandoori masala paste
2 tablespoons (No preparation needed.)
Mild curry paste
1 tablespoon (Use a brand like Pataks.)
Curry powder
2 teaspoons (No preparation needed.)
Garam masala
1 1/2 teaspoons (No preparation needed.)
Green cardamom pods
15 (Tied up in cheesecloth for easy removal.)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Optional for spice.)
Salt
To taste (No preparation needed.)
Instructions
1
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
2
Add the boneless chicken thighs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
3
Transfer the chicken, onions, and garlic mixture into the slow cooker. Add the coconut milk, tomato paste, plain yogurt, tandoori masala paste, mild curry paste, curry powder, garam masala, cardamom pods, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir gently to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
4
Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5
Once cooked, discard the cheesecloth containing the cardamom pods. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.
6
Serve the Butter Chicken hot over steamed basmati rice, accompanied by warm naan bread for a truly authentic meal experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Murgh Makhani?
Murgh Makhani, also known as Creamy Chicken Tandoori Delight or Butter Chicken, is a classic Indian dish featuring tender chicken in a spiced tomato and coconut milk sauce.
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs.
How should I prepare the chicken?
The chicken thighs should be cut into bite-sized pieces and browned in a skillet for 5-7 minutes before slow cooking.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
While thighs are recommended for their melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, you can use breasts, though they may not be as succulent after long slow cooking.
What type of coconut milk is best for this dish?
The recipe specifies using one 13 1/2 ounce can of full-fat coconut milk rather than light coconut milk for a richer flavor.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 4 large minced garlic cloves.
What kind of yogurt should I use?
You can use 1 cup of plain yogurt, either regular or Greek variety.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste?
Tomato paste provides the concentrated tomato base essential for the rich, classic sauce of Murgh Makhani.
How many cardamom pods are used?
The recipe uses 15 green cardamom pods.
How do I handle the cardamom pods for easy removal?
The pods should be tied up in cheesecloth before being added to the slow cooker.
What specific curry paste brand is suggested?
The recipe suggests using a brand like Pataks for the mild curry paste.
Is the cayenne pepper mandatory?
No, the 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper is optional and used to adjust the spice level.
What are the cooking times for a slow cooker on high?
On the high setting, the chicken should cook for 3-4 hours.
What are the cooking times for a slow cooker on low?
On the low setting, the chicken should cook for 6-8 hours.
Do I need to sauté anything before using the slow cooker?
Yes, you should sauté the onions and garlic in butter and brown the chicken in a skillet before transferring them to the slow cooker.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Which spices are included in the recipe?
The spice profile includes tandoori masala paste, mild curry paste, curry powder, garam masala, cardamom pods, and cayenne pepper.
How do I know when the chicken is finished cooking?
The chicken is done when it is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
What should I do after the cooking time is complete?
Discard the cheesecloth containing the cardamom pods and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
What are the best side dishes for this recipe?
It is best served hot over steamed basmati rice with warm naan bread on the side.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 14 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a family meal and a comforting dish that is sure to impress guests.
Can I make this dish if I am a beginner at Indian cooking?
Absolutely, it is described as a delightful experience for both novices and seasoned Indian food lovers.
What kind of rice is recommended?
Fluffy basmati rice is recommended for serving.
How is the onion prepared?
One onion should be diced and sautéed until translucent.
Is this a spicy dish?
It has a complex spiced flavor, but the heat can be controlled by the amount of cayenne pepper used.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is luscious, creamy, and thick, perfect for soaking up with bread.
Does the recipe include salt?
Yes, salt is added at the end of the cooking process to taste.
Can I use a different type of milk?
The recipe specifically uses coconut milk for its unique flavor and creaminess in this Murgh Makhani version.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to melt butter in a large skillet and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic.