If you're in the mood for something rich, flavorful, and just a little bit daring, this Spicy Indian Butter Chicken is calling your name. It's a dish that's both comforting and exciting, with warm spices and a creamy sauce that feels like a cozy hug for your taste buds. Perfect for those nights when you want to treat yourself or impress some dinner guests!
The star of the show is definitely the chicken thighs. Their natural richness stands up beautifully to the bold spices. The plain yogurt helps tenderize the meat and adds a slight tang. Lemon juice brightens everything up, cutting through the richness. When it comes to cooking, vegetable oil is a neutral choice that lets other flavors shine, while butter brings the depth and indulgence we all love. Onion, garlic, and fresh ginger are the aromatic trio that lays the flavorful base for the dish. The spices — garam masala, chili powder, ground cumin, and ground coriander — are what make this dish unmistakably Indian. Finally, the tomato puree and heavy cream join forces to create that luscious sauce that you'll want to mop up with every last bite of naan.
This Spicy Indian Butter Chicken is best served with warm naan or over steamed basmati rice to soak up that delectable sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber salad would complement the richness perfectly. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside some homemade samosas or pakoras.
Let's start by marinating the chicken. Grab a bowl and toss in your cubed chicken thighs. Add in the yogurt, lemon juice, a teaspoon of garam masala, and half a teaspoon of chili powder. Mix it all up so the chicken is well-coated, and let it work its magic in the fridge for at least an hour. This marination time is crucial for flavor and tenderness.
Once your chicken's ready, heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, and let them brown nicely. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove them from the pan and set them aside. You'll come back to them soon!
In the same skillet, add your butter and let it melt. Toss in the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté everything until the onions turn translucent and fragrant — about 5 minutes should do the trick. Now, stir in the remaining spices: another teaspoon of garam masala, the rest of the chili powder, cumin, and coriander. Cook for just a minute to toast the spices and release their aromas.
Next, pour in your tomato puree, stirring to combine. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This step intensifies the flavors and thickens the sauce slightly. Now, it's time to return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Let everything simmer together for another 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the sauce to thicken to a creamy consistency.
Finally, taste your sauce and season with salt as needed. Right before serving, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for a burst of freshness. There you have it — Spicy Indian Butter Chicken ready to delight your senses!
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