Description
Simmering with rich Indian flavors, classic Makhani delivers creamy tomato-based magic that whisks home cooks straight to Delhi’s bustling streets. Tender chicken nestled in velvety sauce promises a luxurious culinary journey you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or canned crushed tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons butter (or ghee)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Aromatics and Herbs:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Serving Suggestion:
- Cooked rice or naan
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium temperature, melt butter, and sear chicken pieces until golden and slightly caramelized, creating a rich exterior. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Using the identical skillet, introduce remaining butter and gently transform onions into translucent, soft clusters. Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger, allowing aromatics to release their fragrant essence for approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Introduce an orchestra of spices – garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, chili powder, and salt – stirring vigorously for 30 seconds to awaken their intricate flavors. Pour tomato sauce, letting the mixture harmonize and reduce for 5 minutes.
- Optional technique: Transfer sauce to blender and pulse until achieving silky, uniform consistency for enhanced texture.
- Reunite cooked chicken with spiced sauce, cascade cream into the mixture, and adjust sweetness with sugar if desired. Allow gentle simmering for 5 minutes, ensuring chicken absorbs surrounding flavors and reaches perfect tenderness.
Notes
- Prevent chicken dryness by using boneless, skinless thighs instead of breast meat for more moisture and tender texture.
- Marinate chicken in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor absorption and tenderness.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder quantity or using mild paprika for sensitive palates.
- Ensure dairy-free version by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg