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Garlic butter chicken tikka & rice

Garlic butter chicken tikka & rice
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Garlic butter chicken tikka & rice is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender marinated chicken thighs infused with garlic and authentic tikka spices, cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, and served alongside fluffy, fragrant basmati rice. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe combines vibrant spices, buttery richness, and fresh citrus notes to create a satisfying and versatile meal.

Ingredients

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Chicken and Marinade

  • 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp tikka spice blend (cumin, coriander, paprika, garam masala)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Rice

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 bay leaf or 1 cardamom pod (optional)
  • Salt, to taste

Garlic Butter Sauce and Garnish

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (plus extra for cooking chicken)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges, to serve

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, minced garlic, tikka spices, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss well to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavors.
  2. Prepare the Rice: Rinse basmati rice under cold water until clear, then soak for 15 minutes. Cook rice in lightly salted water with optional bay leaf or cardamom for added fragrance. Once done, fluff gently with a fork and keep warm.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small pan, melt extra butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Pour this garlic butter over the cooked chicken and toss to coat evenly.
  5. Serve with Fluffy Rice: Plate the garlic butter chicken tikka alongside the basmati rice. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, tender meat compared to breasts.
  • Allow marinade to rest longer for more tender and flavorful chicken.
  • Fluff rice gently with a fork to keep grains separate and light.
  • Add garlic butter sauce last to preserve its creamy texture and aroma.
  • Let cooked chicken rest a few minutes before serving to seal in juices.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://amandafood.com/garlic-butter-chicken-tikka-rice/