Salsa Butter Chicken

Indulge in the rich and flavorful fusion of "Salsa Butter Chicken," a dish that combines the bold, zesty kick of salsa with the velvety creaminess of classic butter chicken. Tender, golden-seared chicken thighs are simmered to perfection in a luscious spiced sauce featuring garlic, ginger, and a touch of smoked paprika. The addition of medium or spicy salsa brings a vibrant twist, while heavy cream and butter create a luxurious texture that's irresistible. Finished with fresh cilantro and a zing of lemon, this one-pan recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for dinner guests. Serve it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan to complete this comforting and crowd-pleasing meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 g Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp Oil (vegetable or olive)
• 3 tbsp Butter (unsalted)
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp Ginger (grated)
• 1 tsp Cumin powder
• 1 tsp Coriander powder
• 1 cup Salsa (medium or spicy, based on preference)
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Water or chicken stock
• 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 0 Cooked basmati rice or naan (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the cumin powder and coriander powder, cooking for another minute to release their aromas.

Step 5

Add the salsa and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to slightly reduce and deepen the flavors.

Step 6

Pour in the heavy cream and water (or chicken stock), stirring to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 7

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat the pieces evenly with the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 8

Finish the dish by stirring in the chopped cilantro and a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 9

Serve hot with basmati rice or naan, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1278.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2382.8

Total Fat 159.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 65.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 758mg	0%
Sodium 3692.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 84.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.2g	0%
Total Sugars 18.7g
Protein 143.1g	0%

Vitamin D 21IU	0%
Calcium 218.5mg	0%
Iron 11.8mg	0%
Potassium 2471.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.1%

Protein: 24.4%

Carbs: 14.5%