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Easy Creamy Butter Chicken with Garlic Drizzle

Easy Creamy Butter Chicken with Garlic Drizzle
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Easy Creamy Butter Chicken with Garlic Drizzle is a quick and indulgent dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce with fragrant Indian spices. Finished with a flavorful garlic butter drizzle, this comforting recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and can be adapted for various dietary needs while delivering restaurant-quality taste at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of turmeric
  • Pinch of chili powder

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp butter (divided)
  • 1 cup finely chopped onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (plus extra for drizzle)
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of turmeric and chili powder. This flavors and slightly tenderizes the chicken before cooking.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté finely chopped onions until soft and golden. Stir in freshly grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder, stirring to toast the spices and release their aromatic flavors.
  4. Add Tomato and Cream: Pour in the tomato puree and simmer gently to thicken and concentrate flavors. Reduce the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream, creating a luscious, silky sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
  5. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer for 5 to 10 minutes so the chicken absorbs the sauce flavors and it thickens slightly.
  6. Prepare the Garlic Drizzle: While the chicken simmers, melt a small amount of butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add finely minced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant. Drizzle this warm garlic butter over the finished dish just before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken and cream for smoother sauce and even cooking.
  • Use good-quality butter for the best richness and flavor.
  • Toast the spices gently to maximize their aroma and taste.
  • Simmer the sauce gently after adding cream to prevent curdling.
  • Use fresh, finely minced garlic for the drizzle to add an aromatic highlight.
  • Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free variation.
  • Adjust chili powder to control the spiciness according to your preference.
  • Chicken breast can be used but be careful not to overcook.
  • To make vegan, use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken and plant-based butter and cream alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Butter chicken, creamy chicken recipe, Indian butter chicken, garlic butter chicken, weeknight dinner, gluten free, creamy sauce

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/easy-creamy-butter-chicken-with-garlic-drizzle/