Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, yet surprisingly easy, meal that the whole family will adore? Then look no further! This Butter Chicken Drumsticks recipe is your answer. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe delivers the rich, creamy, and utterly addictive flavors of classic butter chicken, but with a fun, finger-licking twist using juicy chicken drumsticks. It’s a perfect blend of homemade cooking and quick dinner ideas, ideal for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken drumsticks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps them brown beautifully.
Building the Flavor:
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In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken drumsticks on all sides. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor. Remove the chicken and set aside.
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Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
The Magic Sauce:
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Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to toast the spices. This releases their full aroma and flavor, creating the heart of our delicious dish.
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Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Bringing it all Together:
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Return the browned chicken drumsticks to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Season generously with salt.
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Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
The Finishing Touch:
- Remove the skillet from the oven and stir in the butter until melted and incorporated into the creamy sauce. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro.
Serve hot with rice, naan bread, or your favorite side dish. This easy recipe makes for a truly satisfying and healthy meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few finely chopped green chilies.
- Make it milder: Reduce or omit the chili powder to suit your preference.
- Add vegetables: Include some chopped bell peppers or peas for extra nutrients and color.
- Slow cooker option: Brown the chicken as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Make it ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply add the chicken and bake when ready to serve.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the ease of preparation – a perfect example of how simple homemade cooking can be! These butter chicken drumsticks are sure to become a family favorite, a testament to the power of simple yet stunning food recipes.