Pin 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 this butter chicken & rice pilaf for my family, there was silence at the table except for the sound of satisfied eating. The creamy sauce and scented rice make it a go-to in our home, and it never fails to please, even the picky ones.
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 the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken, mix well, and marinate for at least 20 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator).
- Cook Aromatics:
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and saute until golden, about 5 minutes.
- Add Flavor:
- Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook Chicken:
- Add marinated chicken with marinade to sauce. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
- Finish Sauce:
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust salt to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Prepare Rice Pilaf:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, saute for 1 minute.
- Cook Rice:
- Add rinsed rice, stir to coat, then add water or broth and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Finish & Serve:
- Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice. Serve butter chicken hot with rice pilaf.
Pin Family gatherings almost always end with an empty serving bowl and requests for seconds. This butter chicken and rice pilaf have become our celebration staple, sparking nostalgia and joy every time it's made.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Serve with warm naan, roti, or even a fresh cucumber salad to round out the flavors. The creamy sauce complements Indian bread especially well.
Allergen and Nutritional Info
This meal contains dairy and may contain traces of nuts. Each serving provides about 610 calories, 27 g fat, 58 g carbohydrates, and 35 g protein.
Make It Your Own
You can swap out the cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free twist, or add extra spices for more heat. For a protein variation, paneer or tofu works great in place of chicken.
Pin Try this recipe when you crave a comforting and flavorful Indian meal at home. The leftovers taste even better the next day.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for juicy, flavorful results. Breast meat can be used if desired, but may be less tender.
- → Can I substitute dairy in the sauce?
Yes, coconut milk or half-and-half can replace cream for a lighter or dairy-free version, preserving richness and texture.
- → How do I make sure the rice stays fluffy?
Rinse basmati rice well and let it stand, covered, after cooking before fluffing gently with a fork for perfectly separate grains.
- → What are key spices in the pilaf?
Bay leaf, whole cloves, and cardamom pods infuse the rice with distinct aromatic flavor, balanced by sautéed onions and garlic.
- → How can I increase spice levels?
Add more chili powder or a dash of fresh green chilies when marinating chicken for greater heat intensity.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, with gluten-free broth; always verify ingredient labels, especially garam masala blends, if sensitive to gluten or nuts.