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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 simple recipe featuring tender boneless chicken thighs cooked in a rich, velvety tomato and butter sauce, finished with a fragrant garlic butter drizzle. This comforting dish balances creamy textures and warm spices to deliver restaurant-quality flavor at home, perfect for a family meal or a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 500g boneless chicken thighs
  • 120g yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • Pinch of salt

Sauce and Cooking

  • 3 tbsp butter, divided
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Garlic Drizzle

  • 3 tbsp butter, melted
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Combine boneless chicken thighs with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse the chicken with warm spices.
  2. Prepare the Garlic Drizzle: In a small pan, warm melted butter over low heat. Add finely minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and set aside to drizzle over the finished dish.
  3. Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, sauté finely chopped onions in 1 tablespoon of butter until golden and soft. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook over medium heat until the chicken is seared and cooked through, locking in the juices and beginning the sauce base.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Add tomato puree, garam masala, optional chili powder, and salt to the chicken. Let the mixture simmer gently until the tomato softens and spices meld, about 10 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and the remaining butter, cooking until the sauce thickens to a smooth, glossy consistency.
  5. Finish and Serve: Plate the butter chicken and drizzle generously with the prepared garlic butter. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a lemon wedge if desired. Serve hot with basmati rice, naan, or your preferred sides.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for longer (up to overnight) for enhanced tenderness and flavor.
  • Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to avoid burning the cream or spices.
  • Use freshly ground garam masala and spices for optimal aroma and taste.
  • Do not overcook the chicken thighs; keep them juicy and tender.
  • Prepare the garlic butter drizzle last to maintain its fresh aroma and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter chicken, creamy chicken curry, garlic butter drizzle, easy Indian recipe, mild curry, weeknight dinner, Indian comfort food

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