If you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine, let me introduce you to Easy Indian Butter Grilled Chicken Thighs. This dish blends the creamy, aromatic flavors of traditional butter chicken with the smoky char of the grill. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for any gathering. Fire up the grill and get ready for a flavor-packed adventure!
Why you will love this recipe?
There’s so much to love about this Easy Indian Butter Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe! It’s a delightful twist on the classic butter chicken, offering a smoky flavor that grilling brings out beautifully. The marinade alone will make your mouth water, transforming simple chicken thighs into succulent, flavorful delights. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with anything from rice and naan to fresh veggies, making meal planning a breeze.
Ingredients you will need:
For this scrumptious recipe, the ingredients are grouped to enhance each step of the cooking process, ensuring a dish bursting with flavor:
- Aromatics and Base: Start with butter, onion, and garlic, which you’ll sauté to golden perfection, creating a fragrant foundation that’s irresistible.
- Sauce Components: Add tomato sauce and heavy cream to the mix, providing a rich, creamy texture that perfectly balances the spices.
- Spices: Salt, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and tandoori masala bring the heat and heart of Indian cuisine, offering a deep, complex flavor profile.
- Main Ingredients: Chicken thighs are the star, with their juicy, tender meat absorbing all the flavors, and a bit of vegetable oil ensures everything grills up nicely, locking in the juiciness and taste.
Storing Instructions:
After you’ve enjoyed the vibrant flavors of the Easy Indian Butter Grilled Chicken Thighs, storing any leftovers properly means you can relive the culinary delight another day. Here’s how to keep your chicken tasting as delicious as it did fresh off the grill:
- Refrigerate: Cool the chicken thighs completely and store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the chicken thighs tightly in foil or place them in freezer-safe bags. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label the bags with the date!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat the chicken in the oven or on the stove until it’s heated through. This method helps retain the moisture and keeps the chicken tender.
Tips for Best Indian Butter Grilled Chicken Thighs
Perfecting your Easy Indian Butter Grilled Chicken Thighs comes down to a few key tips that can make all the difference:
- Marinate Overnight: Let the chicken soak in the marinade overnight in the fridge to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Manage Grill Heat: Keep the grill at a medium-high heat to balance perfect charring with thorough cooking.
- Butter Basting: Brush the chicken with melted butter in the final minutes of grilling for added richness and flavor.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to help the juices settle, ensuring each bite is juicy and delicious.
Variations:
Exploring variations of the Easy Indian Butter Grilled Chicken Thighs can bring delightful twists to this classic dish. Here are some ideas to mix things up:
- Switch the Protein: Try using chicken breasts, lamb, or paneer for a vegetarian option, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust the Spice: Customize the heat by altering the amount of cayenne pepper or adding fresh chilies to the marinade to suit your taste.
- Lighten It Up: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter version that still maintains creamy richness.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate herbs like cilantro or mint into the marinade for a fresh, aromatic lift.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance! Marinate the chicken up to a day before and keep it in the refrigerator. You can also pre-cook the chicken and simply reheat it gently to serve, maintaining its moisture and flavor.
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or a fresh cucumber salad. For a low-carb option, serve it alongside cauliflower rice or a green bean sauté.
Chicken thighs should be grilled until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, ensuring juicy, safe-to-eat chicken every time.
Easy Indian Butter Grilled Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter divided
- 1 Onion minced
- 1 tbsp Minced garlic
- 1 15 ounce Can tomato sauce
- 3 cups Heavy cream
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp Garam masala
- 4 lbs Chicken Thighs
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Tandoori masala
Instructions
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons butter. Heat until melted.
- Add the onion and garlic, and cook slowly until the onion caramelizes to a dark brown, about 15 minutes.
- In a medium sized saucepan add the cream, tomato sauce, remaining butter, salt, cayenne pepper, and garam masala, whisk to combine.
- Place the saucepan over medium to high heat and bring to a simmer. Stirring often.
- Reduce the heat to the sauce pan to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally while the sauce cooks.
- Add the caramelized onions and minced garlic to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
- Remove from the heat and allow to reach room temperature
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. In a large sealable bag add your chicken thighs and masala spice.
- Shake your rub to evenly coat your chicken.
- Add 1⁄2 of your sauce to the chicken and toss or rub to evenly coat. Place the chicken thighs on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven and coat the chicken with 1⁄4 of the remaining sauce.
- Place back in the oven for another 15-20 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven and coat with the remaining sauce.
- Turn your oven to broil medium to high, place the chicken back in the oven for 5-6 minutes until crispy.
- Garnish and serve
