Mango Butter Chicken: A Sweet and Creamy Twist on a Classic Favourite

Butter chicken is one of the most beloved Indian dishes around the world. Known for its creamy tomato-based gravy and tender chicken pieces, it is a comfort food favourite for many. But if you're looking to give this classic dish a fresh and exciting makeover, Mango Butter Chicken is worth trying.

The addition of ripe mangoes brings a subtle sweetness and fruity aroma that pairs surprisingly well with the rich, buttery sauce. This recipe creates a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and creamy flavours, making it an ideal dish for family dinners, festive gatherings, or weekend indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500 grams boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Half cup yogurt

• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder

• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

• Half teaspoon garam masala

• Salt to taste

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 tomatoes, chopped

• 1 cup mango puree (from ripe mangoes)

• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder

• Half teaspoon cumin powder

• Half teaspoon coriander powder

• Salt to taste

• Half cup fresh cream

• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• Fresh coriander for garnish

Method

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and mix well until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavour, marinate for two to three hours.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken until lightly charred and almost fully cooked. Set aside. This step helps create the smoky flavour often associated with restaurant-style butter chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Gravy

Heat butter and oil in a large pan. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and golden. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy. Mix in the red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for a few minutes until the spices blend well with the tomato mixture

Step 4: Add the Mango Twist

Once the tomato mixture is cooked, allow it to cool slightly and blend into a smooth puree if desired. Return the mixture to the pan and add the mango puree. Stir well and cook on low heat for about five minutes.

The mango puree gives the gravy a naturally sweet and fruity flavour while maintaining the creamy texture that butter chicken is known for.

Step 5: Finish the Curry

Add the cooked chicken pieces to the gravy and stir gently. Let everything simmer for 8-10 minutes so the flavours combine beautifully.

Pour in the fresh cream and add garam masala. If you prefer a slightly sweeter curry, stir in a teaspoon of honey. Simmer for another two minutes and turn off the heat.

Mango Butter Chicken is a delightful fusion recipe that transforms a traditional favourite into something unique and memorable. The sweetness of mango complements the creamy tomato gravy beautifully, creating a dish that is both comforting and refreshing.

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