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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 comforting and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken thighs cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with authentic Indian spices. Finished with a fragrant garlic butter drizzle, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Simple to prepare and versatile, it pairs perfectly with rice, naan, or vegetables, making it a beloved choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Meat

  • 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Dairy and Fats

  • 3 tablespoons butter (plus extra for garlic drizzle)
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (plus extra for garlic drizzle)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Pantry and Spices

  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, adjust to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of turmeric. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Spices: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant but not browned. Stir in garam masala, cumin, and chili powder, cooking for about one minute to release their aromas.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pan, searing until they begin to brown and are cooked through, developing a caramelized flavor.
  4. Add Tomato Puree and Simmer: Pour in the tomato puree and stir well. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and deepen in flavor.
  5. Stir in Cream and Finish the Sauce: Slowly add heavy cream while stirring constantly to create a smooth, velvety sauce. Cook until heated through, adjusting salt and seasoning to taste.
  6. Make the Garlic Drizzle: In a small pan, melt a bit of butter over low heat, then gently cook finely minced garlic until golden and fragrant. Drizzle this garlic butter over the plated chicken just before serving for an aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

  • Use chicken thigh meat for juicier, more flavorful results.
  • Slow simmer the sauce to fully develop richness and thickness.
  • Cook garlic slowly for the drizzle to avoid bitterness and maximize sweetness.
  • Adjust cream quantity to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
  • Toast spices briefly in butter to unlock deeper aroma and flavor.
  • Substitutions: Paneer or tofu for vegetarian option; coconut cream and plant-based butter for dairy-free version.
  • Increase or decrease chili powder or fresh chilies to modify spice level.
  • Enhance with smoked paprika or grilled chicken for a smoky twist.
  • Add crushed cashews or almonds to the sauce for added texture and nuttiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken, creamy chicken, garlic drizzle, Indian chicken recipe, easy butter chicken, comfort food, gluten free, creamy sauce

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