How to make butter chicken at home

 Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a rich and creamy chicken curry dish that is popular in India and around the world. Here's a basic recipe for making butter chicken at home:

Ingredients:

 * For the chicken:

   * 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

   * 1/2 cup plain yogurt

   * 1 tablespoon lemon juice

   * 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

   * 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

   * 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

   * 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

   * Salt to taste

 * For the sauce:

   * 2 tablespoons butter

   * 1 large onion, finely chopped

   * 2 cloves garlic, minced

   * 1-inch piece ginger, minced

   * 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

   * 1/4 cup heavy cream

   * 1 tablespoon tomato paste

   * 1 teaspoon garam masala

   * 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

   * 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder

   * 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder

   * 1/4 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

   * Salt to taste

   * Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

 * Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.

 * Make the sauce: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and golden brown. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more.

 * Blend the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, tomato paste, garam masala, chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and kasuri methi to a blender. Blend until smooth.

 * Cook the sauce: Pour the blended sauce into the skillet with the onions, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

 * Add the chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the sauce and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

 * Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice, naan, or roti.

Tips:

 * For a richer flavor, you can use ghee (clarified butter) instead of regular butter.

 * If you don't have kasuri methi, you can omit it or use a pinch of dried fenugreek seeds.

 * Adjust the amount of chili powder to your desired spice level.

 * To make the sauce extra creamy, you can add a tablespoon of butter at the end.

Enjoy your homemade butter chicken!