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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 comforting dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a luscious creamy tomato sauce, finished with an aromatic garlic butter drizzle. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe balances mild spices, rich creaminess, and fresh flavors to delight all ages and palates.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala (for seasoning the chicken)

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced (plus 2 cloves sliced for garlic drizzle)
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional for mild spice)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Lightly season with salt and 1/2 teaspoon garam masala to give the chicken base flavor.
  2. Cook the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent and golden. Stir in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute, creating a savory base.
  3. Build the Sauce: Add 1 cup tomato puree to the skillet along with remaining spices (1 teaspoon garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and optional chili powder). Stir well and simmer gently for about 10 minutes until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly to a velvety texture.
  4. Add Chicken and Cream: Introduce the seasoned chicken pieces into the sauce. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and has absorbed the flavors, about 12-15 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream to achieve the signature creamy richness and simmer for another 2 minutes.
  5. Prepare the Garlic Drizzle: In a small pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter and quickly sauté the sliced garlic cloves until they turn golden and aromatic, being careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and drizzle this garlic butter over the finished chicken just before serving.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice over the dish. Optionally add lemon zest for extra brightness. Serve hot alongside basmati rice, naan, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tender, juicy results.
  • Slow simmer the sauce to allow spices to bloom and thicken the sauce without burning.
  • Toast spices in butter for a richer, deeper flavor.
  • Watch garlic closely when making the drizzle; burn quickly can cause bitterness.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes off heat before serving to blend flavors well.
  • For vegetarian versions, substitute chicken with paneer or tofu.
  • To make dairy-free, replace heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with vegan butter.

Nutrition

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

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