Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Butter Chicken Thighs bring the essence of the classic Indian dish, Butter Chicken, with a focus on tender, juicy chicken thighs. Simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or a special treat. Serve it with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice for an unforgettable meal. Let’s dive into this rich and flavorful recipe!

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Recipe Overview

Dish Type	Main Course
Serving Size	4 servings
Difficulty Level	Medium
Cooking Time	40 minutes
Overall Prep Time	1 hour
Calories	~350 kcal per serving

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Table of Contents

1. What Makes Butter Chicken Thighs Special?
2. Ingredients for Butter Chicken Thighs
3. Step-by-Step Preparation Method
   • Marinating the Chicken
   • Cooking the Chicken
   • Preparing the Sauce
4. Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken Thighs
5. How to Serve Butter Chicken Thighs
6. Key Takeaways and Variations

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What Makes Butter Chicken Thighs Special?

Butter Chicken Thighs are a spin on the beloved Butter Chicken recipe, but with chicken thighs as the star ingredient. Their natural juiciness and flavor shine in the creamy, spiced tomato sauce. Combining Indian spices, a yogurt marinade, and a buttery finish, this dish strikes the perfect balance of spice, tanginess, and richness.

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Ingredients for Butter Chicken Thighs

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ½ cup (120g) plain yogurt
• 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste (or finely minced ginger and garlic)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato puree
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Lemon wedges

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Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Marinating the Chicken

1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, chili powder, and salt.
2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for best results.

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

1. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade (shake off excess) and sear them until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Preparing the Sauce

1. Cook the aromatics: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden and soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Add spices: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the tomato puree: Stir in the tomato puree and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and deepens in color.
4. Add the cream and sugar: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and sugar. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to create a creamy, luscious sauce. Adjust salt to taste.

Step 4: Combining Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the chicken: Add the seared chicken thighs back to the skillet, along with any juices. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat.
2. Simmer until cooked through: Cover and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.

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Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken Thighs

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for a few hours enhances the flavor.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will make a noticeable difference in the aroma and taste.
• Don’t Skip the Butter: The butter adds richness and depth to the sauce, staying true to the dish’s name.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by increasing or decreasing the chili powder.

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How to Serve Butter Chicken Thighs

Butter Chicken Thighs pair beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Basmati Rice: The fluffy texture of basmati rice perfectly absorbs the creamy sauce.
• Naan Bread: Warm, soft naan is ideal for scooping up the sauce and chicken.
• Vegetables: Serve with roasted or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

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Key Takeaways and Variations

1. Why Butter Chicken Thighs Shine: The combination of juicy chicken thighs and a luxurious sauce makes this dish irresistible.
2. Flavor Variations:
   • Spicy Butter Chicken: Add fresh green chilies or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
   • Cashew Cream Sauce: Replace heavy cream with blended cashew cream for a nutty, dairy-free alternative.
3. Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.