Floyd Cardoz's Butter Chicken (Chicken Tikka Makhani) Recipe (2024)

Why It Works

  • If you don't have a grill, the chicken tikka can just as easily be cooked under the broiler in the oven.
  • A flavorful yogurt marinade creates a charred, smoky crust on the chicken as it cooks and ensures a juicy and tender interior.
  • Without being excessively rich, both butter and cream give the tomato gravy a silky, full-bodied texture.
  • A final addition of toasted and ground fenugreek imparts a complex, floral sweetness to the finished dish.

Floyd Cardozwasn'tjustan Indian chef—he was one of New York's best Indian chefs. So, back in 2012, we were pretty excited for a chance to watch him make his version of chicken tikka makhani, the "butter chicken" that's the sweeter, creamier version of chicken tikka masala, at theNew York Culinary Experience.

Floyd Cardoz's Butter Chicken (Chicken Tikka Makhani) Recipe (1)

Long ingredient lists and some unfamiliar techniques can make cooking Indian food at home daunting, but Chef Cardoz showed justhow easy this kind of home cooking can be. He gave boneless, skinless chicken thighs an overnight marinade in a purée of yogurt, chile, ginger, garlic, and some basic spices, then cooked them simply on the grill. Stop there and you have some damn good chicken tikka for summer. But it doesn't take much to make the buttery tomato gravy—an easy mix of tomatoes, onions, butter, cream, and a couple spices and aromatics—for a ridiculously luxurious Indian meal.

Making the Marinade

The chicken got marinated in yogurt with spices and aromatics. Here, Chef Cardoz blended chiles, garlic, ginger, lime juice, and neutral oil to make a smooth paste. He salted his chicken for 15 minutes before adding the marinade, but you can also add salt during this step.

Floyd Cardoz's Butter Chicken (Chicken Tikka Makhani) Recipe (2)

He whisked the paste into yogurt and added three spices: paprika, garam masala (a warm, punchy blend of black pepper, green cardamom, mace, cloves, and cinnamon), and cayenne pepper.

Floyd Cardoz's Butter Chicken (Chicken Tikka Makhani) Recipe (3)

The chicken got mixed in and refrigerated for four to six hours, or overnight. Chef Cardoz insisted on using chicken thighs in this recipe: "They just have more flavor."

On the Grill

Floyd Cardoz's Butter Chicken (Chicken Tikka Makhani) Recipe (4)

Although chicken tikka is traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, it does pretty well on the grill. You can also cook it under a broiler, as our recipe instructs.

Floyd Cardoz's Butter Chicken (Chicken Tikka Makhani) Recipe (5)

The chicken should be cooked untiljustdone. The yogurt develops a charred, smoky crust but the interior stays plenty juicy.

Floyd Cardoz's Butter Chicken (Chicken Tikka Makhani) Recipe (6)

And there you have it: chicken tikka. Add a squirt of lime juice and a salad for an easy summer grill session. But it doesn't take much work to make the buttery tomato gravy.

Making the Gravy

Whole tomatoes (Chef Cardoz was insistent on Muir Glen roasted tomatoes for their superior flavor; "No, I don't get paid to say that"), onion, butter, chile, garlic, ginger, and cinnamon stew together in a pot. The mixture bubbles away for about half an hour at a hard simmer to concentrate the flavors.

Butter chicken wouldn't be butter chicken without a big lump of butter and a slurp of cream. It's rich, but not overkill. You can also add the cream after the sauce reduces to preserve its fresh dairy flavor.

Floyd Cardoz's Butter Chicken (Chicken Tikka Makhani) Recipe (8)

After the gravy has reduced and everything is tender, the sauce gets puréed until velvety smooth.

Floyd Cardoz's Butter Chicken (Chicken Tikka Makhani) Recipe (9)

Finishing the Gravy

Floyd Cardoz's Butter Chicken (Chicken Tikka Makhani) Recipe (10)

Black pepper, some honey, and more salt add complexity and punch to the sauce.

The secret to this dish, if there is one, is the fenugreek. It's a maple sweet, slightly bitter herb that's common in the Indian pantry. It gives the sauce a floral, deep flavor and a complex sweetness. Head to your Indian grocery and pick up some dried leaves (not the seeds; those are used for other applications). Your sauce won't be the same without it.

The fenugreek leaves are toasted in a dry pan until aromatic and darker in color.

Floyd Cardoz's Butter Chicken (Chicken Tikka Makhani) Recipe (11)

They're then crushed into a powder and added to the sauce.

Chicken, Meet Sauce

When the sauce is ready, add the chicken whole or in bite-sized pieces.

Floyd Cardoz's Butter Chicken (Chicken Tikka Makhani) Recipe (12)

And there you have it: slightly sweet, gorgeously spiced, luxurious butter chicken, only slightly more involved than pasta with red sauce.

May 2012

Recipe Details

Floyd Cardoz's Butter Chicken (Chicken Tikka Makhani) Recipe

Active60 mins

Total6 hrs

Serves4to 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tikka:

  • 4 medium cloves garlic, peeled

  • 2 tablespoons mincedfresh ginger

  • 1 jalapeno chile, seeded and chopped

  • 3 tablespoons juice from 3 limes

  • 3 tablespoonsneutral oil (such as vegetable or canola)

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

  • 3 tablespoons paprika

  • 1 tablespoon garam masala

  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 2 cups yogurt

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

For the Sauce:

  • 2 (28-ounce) cans roasted tomatoes

  • 2 cups water

  • 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)

  • 3 medium cloves garlic, peeled

  • 1 1/2 tablespoonsfresh minced ginger

  • 1 jalapeno chile, seeded and chopped

  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick)unsalted butter

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

  • Kosher salt

  • 3 tablespoons honey

  • 3 tablespoons fenugreekleaves, toasted until darker in color and crushed

  • 1 tablespoon black pepper

  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup heavy cream, to taste

Directions

  1. For the Chicken Tikka: In a food processor, combine garlic, ginger, chile, lime juice, oil, salt, and spices. Process until a rough paste forms, then add yogurt and process until smooth. Transfer to a large zip top bag or leakproof container and add chicken. Marinate 4 to 6 hours, or overnight.

  2. Set broiler rack 4 inches from heat source and preheat broiler to high. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Remove chicken from zipper lock bag and wipe off excess marinade with hands. Lay out in a single layer on baking sheet and broil until color darkens and some dark blisters form, about 5 minutes. Flip chicken, rotate sheet pan, and broil until color darkens on other side, about 5 minutes. Repeat once or twice until chicken registers 170°F (77°C) on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part, and one side has significant charring on edges. Set aside to rest. Alternatively, cook chicken thighs on a barbecue or grill pan until chicken registers 170°F on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part.

  3. For the Sauce: In a large, heavy pot, combine tomatoes, water, onion, garlic, ginger, chile, butter, cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and cook uncovered at a hard simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens to about 2 1/2 quarts, about 30 minutes.

    Floyd Cardoz's Butter Chicken (Chicken Tikka Makhani) Recipe (13)

  4. Transfer 1/3 of sauce to the jar of a blender. Starting with low speed, gradually increase to high. Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean large saucepan. Repeat with remaining two batches. Keep sauce warm over low heat and stir in fenugreek, black pepper, honey, and cream to taste. Season with salt to taste, then chop chicken tikka into bite-sized pieces and add to sauce. Serve with rice and a garnish of julienned ginger.

    Floyd Cardoz's Butter Chicken (Chicken Tikka Makhani) Recipe (14)

Special Equipment

Rimmed sheet pan, food processor, blender, fine-mesh strainer

Floyd Cardoz's Butter Chicken (Chicken Tikka Makhani) Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is makhani chicken the same as butter chicken? ›

Butter chicken, traditionally known as murgh makhani (pronounced [mʊrɣ ˈməkʰaːni]), is an Indian dish originating in Delhi. It is a type of curry made from chicken with a spiced tomato and butter (makhan) sauce. Its sauce is known for its rich texture. It is similar to chicken tikka masala, which uses a tomato paste.

What's the difference between butter chicken and butter chicken tikka? ›

Taste. Butter Chicken has a milder and creamier taste, while Tikka Masala has a spicier, earthy, and tangier taste. Butter Chicken is a buttery and creamy tomato-based sauce. At the same time, Tikka Masala has a slightly sour and tangy tomato-based sauce.

Is makhani the same as tikka masala? ›

The remarkably similar dishes differ in just one way — butter chicken (murgh makani) is a creamy blend of tomato sauce and spices while tikka masala has a creamy tomato gravy and onion sauce. “They almost look the same but there is a subtle difference in taste and flavor,” says Kafle.

What's the difference between butter chicken korma and tikka masala? ›

Tikka masala has a spicier taste with a tangy twist while curries have an intense, earthly savor. Both of them offer an aromatic bend, so the choice comes down to tangy or creamy. Which Curry is Least Spicy? With the use of ingredients like yogurt and heavy cream, korma is the least spicy curry.

What is the difference between chicken tikka and tikka masala? ›

Chicken tikka is a dry dish, whereas tikka masala is a sauce-based dish. Chicken tikka is typically served as an appetizer or snack, whereas tikka masala is served as a main course. Additionally, the flavour profile of the two dishes is quite distinct.

What is the sauce in butter chicken made of? ›

You'll be surprised to find that you only need an onion, a can of crushed tomatoes, garlic, ginger and some added spices to achieve those classic Indian flavours. The trick to making a great butter chicken sauce is to let the tomatoes cook off for at least 10-15 minutes, until they are almost dry on your pan.

Which is healthier, butter chicken or tikka masala? ›

Although both dishes have high levels of saturated fat, chicken remains the preferred choice for maintaining good health. Compared to other meats, chicken dishes tend to be more nutritious. Chicken tikka masala is a healthier option than butter chicken as it contains less fat (7 grams vs. 4 grams) and more protein.

Is butter chicken healthy? ›

Is butter chicken good for the heart? Both butter and cream are high in saturated fat. High intakes of saturated fat increase blood cholesterol levels and the chance of heart disease. Relying on your recipe, one serving of butter chicken may include about 28 grams of whole fat and 12 grams of saturated fat.

What does masala mean in Indian? ›

Masala means mixture of spices. So, a mixture of warming spices roasted and then ground down to a fine powder is a Garam Masala. A mixture of spices that are slightly tart and perfect paired with chickpeas roasted and ground down is a Chana Masala.

What is another name for makhani? ›

Murgh makhani, also known as butter chicken or chicken makhani. Paneer makhani, made from the white cheese paneer, also known as paneer butter masala.

What does makhani taste like? ›

The sauce for chicken makhani is smooth and buttery. It has a slightly sweet flavor profile because it incorporates honey or sugar. The dish is often less spicy than chicken curry, with a milder flavor and reduced heat from the spices. Chicken makhani is typically served with rice or naan.

What is a good side dish for butter chicken? ›

For butter chicken, great side options include rosemary bread, gluten-free loaves, cilantro-flavored rice, brown rice, small cauliflower bites, cheesy potatoes, veggies, crispy onions, crunchy tostadas, broccoli, onion fritters, soft naan, flat chapati bread, stuffed pastries, cooling cucumber dip, tangy mint sauce, ...

Is butter chicken just Korma? ›

Butter chicken is a primarily dairy/milk-based dish that uses ingredients like heavy cream, butter, milk, and yogurt along with spices for its curry, whereas Chicken Korma is more of a spice-based gravy consisting of deeply caramelized onions, ground/whole spices, and seasoned oil.

Which is hotter, vindaloo or tikka masala? ›

Vindaloo is known for its spicy and tangy profile, often made with vinegar and hot spices. Tikka Masala, on the other hand, has a creamy tomato-based sauce with milder spices, resulting in a rich and mildly spiced flavor. Your preference depends on your taste for spice and degree of creaminess.

Is vindaloo like butter chicken? ›

Since chicken vindaloo is not a creamy dish like the butter chicken or a korma, I prefer to use onions & tomatoes either processed or pureed. If you use them chopped, you will have a chunky sauce.

What is the difference between butter masala and makhani? ›

Ideally, all three dishes are one and the same. However, when some restaurants list butter masala and makhani separately on their menu, the difference lies in the level of spiciness. In such cases, butter masala is on the spicier side, and makhani is less spicy and on the sweeter side.

What is the alternative name for butter chicken? ›

If you're unfamiliar with butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, it's a popular Indian dish. It was originally created by Kundan Lal Gujral, a chef at Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi, in 1947. Although murgh makhani translates to butter chicken, its name has nothing to do with butter.

What is Makhani sauce made of? ›

The makhani sauce is made from tomatoes, fresh cream, cashew nuts, onions and lots of Indian spices. makhani sauce is a rich creamy and buttery tomato based sauce used as the base to make many sabzis. While there are lots of ingredients used to make makhani sauce , most of them should be available in your kitchen.

What is makhani made of? ›

Dal makhani (pronounced [daːl ˈmək. kʰə.ni]) is an Indian dish originating in Delhi. A relatively modern variation of traditional lentil dishes, it is made with urad dal (black lentils) and other pulses, and includes butter and cream (makhani is a Punjabi word for butter).

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