Description
This Creamy Butter Chicken recipe features tender, boneless chicken thighs cooked in a luscious garlic-infused butter sauce with smoked paprika. Paired with golden crispy oven-baked fries, this comforting dish offers a perfect balance of rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it ideal for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Fries
- 4 large potatoes, cut into fries
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Fries: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the cut potato fries in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them evenly on a baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Bake Fries: Bake the fries in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to achieve golden and crispy results on all sides.
- Heat Butter and Sauté Garlic: While the fries bake, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season them with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked through, approximately 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to cook evenly.
- Set Chicken Aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside to prepare the sauce in the same pan.
- Make Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the chicken broth and heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer gently until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing them in the creamy garlic sauce to coat thoroughly. Cook together for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
- Serve: Plate the creamy butter chicken alongside the golden, crispy fries. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For extra crispy fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before baking, then pat dry thoroughly.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts if preferred, though thighs remain juicier.
- Adjust the garlic quantity according to your taste preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a few minutes longer, or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce.
- To make this dish spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the smoked paprika.
