Murgh Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken)

Of course it should be rich and creamy. But for a version of this restaurant classic that’s vibrant and complex, there’s more to consider than the namesake ingredient.

A cookbook recipe exclusively for All-Access members from One-Hour Comfort

SERVES 4 to 6

TIME 1 hour

One-Hour ComfortA cookbook recipe exclusively for All-Access members from One-Hour Comfort

Why This Recipe Works

Want more? Read the whole story

Gather Your Ingredients

Key Equipment

Key Equipment - The Best Wire Racks
Key Equipment - The Best Kitchen Tongs
Key Equipment - The Best Saucepans
Key Equipment - Best Immersion Blenders
Key Equipment - All-Purpose Whisks
Key Equipment - The Best Rimmed Baking Sheets

Before You Begin

*

If you prefer a spicier dish, reserve, mince, and add the ribs and seeds from the chile. Serve with basmati rice and/or warm naan.

Instructions

1.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, ginger, and serrano and cook, stirring frequently, until mixture is softened and onion begins to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add garam masala, coriander, cumin, and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add water and tomato paste and whisk until no lumps of tomato paste remain. Add sugar and 1 teaspoon salt and bring to boil. Off heat, stir in cream. Using immersion blender or blender, process until smooth, 30 to 60 seconds. Return sauce to simmer over medium heat and whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Remove saucepan from heat and cover to keep warm. (Sauce can be refrigerated for up to 4 days; gently reheat sauce before adding hot chicken.)

2.

Adjust oven rack 6 inches from broiler element and heat broiler. Combine chicken, yogurt, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt in bowl and toss well to coat. Using tongs, transfer chicken to wire rack set in aluminum foil—lined rimmed baking sheet. Broil until chicken is evenly charred on both sides and registers 175 degrees, 16 to 20 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through broiling.

3.

Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. While chicken rests, warm sauce over medium-low heat. Cut chicken into ¾-inch chunks and stir into sauce. Stir in 2 tablespoons cilantro and season with salt to taste. Transfer to serving dish, sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon cilantro, and serve.

FROM OUR TV SPONSORS

We are thankful to the sponsors who make it possible for us to bring you the America's Test Kitchen TV series on public television. Read more about why we have sponsors.