Save to Pinterest A classic Indian favorite featuring tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce paired with fragrant basmati rice pilaf. Perfect for a comforting meal full of flavor and spice.
The first time I made butter chicken at home, my kitchen filled with the warm aroma of spices, and I couldn't wait to pair it with freshly made rice pilaf. It's a recipe we've enjoyed together on cozy evenings, with leftovers just as delicious the next day.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: 600 g, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Plain yogurt: 2 tbsp
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Ground cumin: 2 tsp
- Garam masala: 2 tsp
- Ground turmeric: 1 tsp
- Chili powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- Vegetable oil: 1 tbsp
- Large onion: 1, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced
- Fresh ginger: 1 tbsp, grated
- Crushed tomatoes: 400 g (1 can)
- Heavy cream: 150 ml
- Tomato paste: 1 tbsp
- Sugar: 1 tbsp
- Fresh cilantro: 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)
- Basmati rice: 1 ½ cups, rinsed
- Butter or ghee: 2 tbsp
- Small onion: 1, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves: 2, minced
- Bay leaf: 1
- Whole cloves: 3
- Green cardamom pods: 4, lightly crushed
- Water or chicken broth: 2 ½ cups
- Salt: 1 tsp
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken:
- Combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken and mix. Marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to overnight in refrigerator).
- Cook Onion:
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook about 5 minutes until golden.
- Add Garlic & Ginger, Tomatoes:
- Add garlic and ginger, cook 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Chicken:
- Add marinated chicken with marinade. Cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer another 5 minutes. Adjust salt. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Prepare Rice Pilaf:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, cook 3 minutes until soft. Add garlic, bay leaf, cloves, and cardamom, sauté 1 minute.
- Add Rice & Liquid:
- Add rinsed rice and stir to coat. Add water (or broth) and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Rest & Serve:
- Remove from heat, let stand 5 minutes covered. Fluff rice with a fork before serving. Serve butter chicken hot with rice pilaf.
Save to Pinterest This dish brings fond memories of weekend gatherings, where everyone eagerly awaited the first warm serving, and the soft rice always disappeared fast from bowls.
Required Tools
You'll need a large skillet, medium saucepan with lid, knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, and a wooden spoon for this recipe.
Allergen Information
Butter, cream, and yogurt are used in the butter chicken. Check broth and garam masala labels to ensure gluten-free and nut-free options if needed.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 610 calories, 27 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, and 35 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this classic Butter Chicken & Rice Pilaf together for a comfort meal any night. The leftovers taste even better the next day!
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → How do you tenderize the chicken for this dish?
Marinating the chicken in yogurt and lemon juice along with spices tenderizes the meat and enhances flavor by breaking down proteins before cooking.
- → What spices are essential for the sauce?
Key spices include cumin, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder, which create the dish’s characteristic warm and aromatic profile.
- → How is the rice pilaf flavored?
The pilaf is scented with butter, sautéed onions, garlic, bay leaf, cloves, and cardamom pods, infusing the rice with layered, fragrant notes.
- → Can I substitute chicken thighs with breast meat?
Yes, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful during slow cooking; breast meat can be used if preferred for leaner results.
- → What can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter finish?
Half-and-half or coconut milk work well as lighter alternatives while maintaining a creamy texture in the sauce.
- → How do you adjust the heat level in the dish?
Modify the amount of chili powder or omit it for milder flavor. You can also add fresh chili or pepper flakes to increase spiciness.