Craving a cozy, flavorful meal? Try these Oven Baked Indian Butter Chicken Thighs! Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a blend of spices, then baked to perfection and smothered in a creamy, tomato-butter sauce. It's an easy, delicious way to bring a taste of India to your dinner table. Serve with naan or rice for a family-friendly feast everyone will love!
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: The combination of butter, cream, and tomato sauce creates an indulgently smooth and luscious sauce that coats every bite of chicken.
- Flavorful Spices: With garam masala, tandoori masala, and cayenne pepper, these Indian Butter Chicken Thighs are packed with a burst of authentic Indian flavors that are both aromatic and delicious.
- Easy to Prepare: This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend meal, bringing the flavors of an Indian restaurant right into your own kitchen.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Butter: Butter adds a rich and creamy base to our dish, enhancing the flavor and texture of the sauce.
- Onion: Minced onion provides a sweet and savory foundation, giving depth to the butter chicken sauce.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds an aromatic and slightly spicy note, elevating the overall flavor profile.
- Tomato Sauce: A can of tomato sauce creates the tangy and slightly sweet backbone of the butter chicken sauce, balancing the richness of the cream.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and creamy, making it the perfect complement to the spices.
- Salt: Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish, making each ingredient stand out.
- Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper brings a hint of heat, adding a subtle kick to the sauce.
- Garam Masala: Garam masala is a blend of warm spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, infusing the dish with a distinctive Indian flavor.
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender chicken thighs are the star of this recipe, absorbing all the delicious spices and flavors.
- Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is used to cook the chicken, ensuring it remains moist and flavorful.
- Tandoori Masala: Tandoori masala adds a smoky and tangy flavor to the chicken, giving it an authentic Indian touch.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Spice Adjustments: Adjust the cayenne pepper for more or less heat according to your preference. Experiment with adding additional spices such as coriander, cumin, or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
- Substitute Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option. Adjust cooking time as breasts may cook faster. Substitute with tofu or paneer for a vegetarian version.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or margarine. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free sauce with a slight coconut flavor.
🔪 How To Make Baked Butter Chicken Thighs
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the onion and garlic, cooking slowly until the onion caramelizes to a dark brown, about 15 minutes.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the cream, tomato sauce, butter, salt, cayenne, and garam masala. Heat over medium-high until it simmers, stirring frequently. Lower to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the caramelized onions and garlic, then stir. Remove from the heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large sealable bag, add the chicken thighs and tandoori masala spice. Shake to evenly coat the chicken. Add half of the sauce to the chicken, tossing or rubbing to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, coat with a quarter of the sauce, and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Coat with the remaining sauce, broil on medium to high for 5-6 minutes until crispy. Garnish and serve.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Marinate Overnight: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the masala spice and sauce overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat more deeply.
- Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices, especially garam masala and tandoori masala, are fresh for the best flavor. Old spices can lose their potency and won't deliver the same punch.
- Rest the Chicken: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and juicy.
💭 FAQs
How do I prevent chicken thighs from burning on the grill?
To avoid burning, maintain a medium heat on the grill and monitor the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (74°C). Marinating the chicken can also help keep it moist and flavorful.
How long should I grill chicken thighs to ensure they are cooked properly?
Boneless chicken thighs typically require 6 to 8 minutes per side, while bone-in thighs need about 8 to 10 minutes per side. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What are some effective marinating techniques for grilled chicken thighs?
A simple marinade can consist of oil, acid (like vinegar or lemon juice), and seasonings. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but 2–4 hours offers better results.
How can I achieve juicy and flavorful grilled chicken thighs?
Marinating the chicken enhances flavor and tenderness. Using a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature ensures juiciness without overcooking.
Best Way to Store Grilled Butter Chicken Thighs
Allow the butter chicken thighs to cool to room temperature. Transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Let the butter chicken thighs cool completely. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Transfer the frozen butter chicken thighs to the refrigerator. Allow to thaw overnight or for at least 8 hours.
💖 Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite sides to serve with Grilled Butter Chicken Thighs:
- Naan Bread: Soft and fluffy Naan Bread is perfect for scooping up the rich and creamy sauce.
- Basmati Rice: Light and aromatic, Basmati Rice complements the flavors of the butter chicken beautifully.
- Cucumber Raita: A refreshing yogurt-based side dish that helps balance the spices.
- Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and peas add a healthy and colorful touch to your meal.
- Mango Chutney: A sweet and tangy Mango Chutney provides a delightful contrast to the savory butter chicken.
🍽 More Chicken Recipes
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Grilled Butter Chicken Thighs
Fire up the grill for these mouthwatering Grilled Butter Chicken Thighs! Marinated in a rich, spiced yogurt sauce, these chicken thighs are grilled to juicy perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter divided
- 1 Onion minced
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 15 Oz Can Of Tomato Sauce
- 3 Cups Heavy Cream
- 2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Garam Masala
- 4 lbs Chicken Thighs
- 2 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 2 tablespoon 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 degreesIn 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
Notes
Marinate Overnight: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the masala spice and sauce overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat more deeply.
Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices, especially garam masala and tandoori masala, are fresh for the best flavor. Old spices can lose their potency and won’t deliver the same punch.
Rest the Chicken: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and juicy.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 1672kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 64gFat: 154gSaturated Fat: 73gPolyunsaturated Fat: 19gMonounsaturated Fat: 49gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 615mgSodium: 1543mgPotassium: 943mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3685IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 146mgIron: 3mg
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This recipe is my go-to when I crave takeout vibes without leaving the house—juicy chicken thighs baked in a creamy, spiced sauce that's pure comfort on a plate!