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 ATK Essential members from One-Hour Comfort

YIELD Serves 4 to 6

TIME 1 hour

One-Hour ComfortA cookbook recipe exclusively for ATK Essential members from One-Hour Comfort

Gather Your Ingredients

Key Equipment

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

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 1 chopped onion, 5 minced garlic cloves, 4 teaspoons grated fresh ginger, and 1 minced serrano and cook, stirring frequently, until mixture is softened and onion begins to brown, 8 to 10 minutes.

2.

Add 1 tablespoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon coriander, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, and ½ teaspoon ground pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

3.

Add 1½ cups water and ½ cup tomato paste and whisk until no lumps of tomato paste remain. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon salt and bring to boil.

4.

Off heat, stir in 1 cup heavy cream.

5.

Using immersion blender or blender, process until smooth, 30 to 60 seconds.

6.

Return sauce to simmer over medium heat and whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons butter.

7.

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.)

8.

Combine 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, ½ cup of plain yogurt, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt in bowl and toss well to coat.

9.

Adjust oven rack 6 inches from broiler element and heat broiler. Place wire rack in aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.

10.

Using tongs, transfer chicken to wire rack. Broil until chicken is evenly charred on both sides and registers 175 degrees, 16 to 20 minutes, flipping chicken halfway through broiling.

11.

Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. While chicken rests, warm sauce over medium-low heat.

12.

Cut chicken into ¾-inch chunks and stir into sauce. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro and season with salt to taste.

13.

Transfer to serving dish, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon cilantro, and serve.

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