Dreaming of India's bustling streets and fragrant kitchens? Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani as it is known in Hindi, is one of the best-loved dishes of the Indian subcontinent. With its velvety, creamy tomato sauce and tender pieces of chicken, it is a dish that wins over every palate. Many people think it is tricky to make from scratch, but with a little help it becomes a feast you can easily pull off in your own kitchen. The secret lies in getting the spice balance just right – and we have made that easy for you.
What you will need
- 500 g chicken breast fillets, cut into 2–3 cm pieces
- 1 packet Shan Butter Chicken Mix (50g)
- 100 ml plain yoghurt
- 2 tbsp ghee or butter
- 1 large brown onion, finely chopped
- 400 g chopped tomatoes or passata
- 200 ml whipping cream
- Fresh coriander to garnish (optional)
- To serve: basmati rice and warm naan bread
Method: step by step
- Step 1: Marinate the chicken
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with the yoghurt and half the packet of Shan Butter Chicken Mix, making sure every piece is coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes – or for several hours, even overnight, for the deepest flavour.
- Step 2: Cook the chicken
- Heat a little oil or ghee in a frying pan or casserole. Fry the chicken over a medium-high heat until cooked through and nicely golden. Lift out and set aside.
- Step 3: Start the sauce
- Melt the ghee or butter in the same pan. Add the chopped onion and fry until soft and translucent. Add the tomatoes and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Make it creamy
- Add the rest of the Shan Butter Chicken Mix and stir well. Pour in the cream and let the sauce simmer gently for another 5–7 minutes, until slightly thickened and the flavours have come together.
- Step 5: Bring it all together
- Return the chicken to the sauce. Stir gently and let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes, so the chicken is hot and fully coated in that lovely sauce.
- Step 6: Serve and enjoy
- Garnish your homemade Butter Chicken with fresh chopped coriander. Serve straight away with freshly cooked basmati rice and warm naan to soak up every drop of sauce.
Your shortcut to a perfect Indian dinner
An authentic Butter Chicken calls for a complex blend of spices such as red chilli, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves. Shan has done the hard work for you, creating a perfectly balanced spice mix for a reliable result every time. No need to buy a dozen different spices – you can simply enjoy the cooking. Treat yourself and your guests to a meal that tastes just like your favourite Indian restaurant.
Ready to bring India into your kitchen? With Shan Butter Chicken Mix you are just a few easy steps from a creamy, flavour-packed and utterly irresistible dinner. Click here to buy your Shan Butter Chicken Mix and turn an ordinary weeknight into a feast!
