Pin it 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.
This recipe brings back wonderful memories of making Indian dishes for family gatherings, savoring the aroma and sharing stories over a warm, delicious meal. Butter chicken & rice pilaf quickly became a household favorite, loved by both kids and adults alike.
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 (plus more to taste)
- Butter: 2 tbsp (plus 2 tbsp for pilaf)
- Vegetable oil: 1 tbsp
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped (plus 1 small for pilaf)
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced (plus 2 for pilaf)
- 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 (for pilaf)
- Bay leaf: 1
- Whole cloves: 3
- Green cardamom pods: 4, lightly crushed
- Water or chicken broth: 2 ½ cups
Instructions
- Marinate 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 up to overnight in the refrigerator).
- Prepare Sauce:
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes.
- Add Aromatics:
- 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 the sauce. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
- Finish Curry:
- 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, and cardamom, sauté for 1 minute.
- Cook Rice:
- Add rinsed rice, stir to coat with butter and spices. Add water (or broth) and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Rest & Serve:
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving. Serve butter chicken hot with rice pilaf on the side.
Pin it The first time we made butter chicken together, everyone gathered in the kitchen, eager to help with marinating, stirring, and taste-testing. It quickly became tradition to enjoy this dish for special occasions after seeing everyone's faces light up with each bite.
Required Tools
Large skillet, medium saucepan with lid, knife and cutting board, mixing bowls, wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy including butter, cream, and yogurt. Some garam masala blends may contain nuts; check labels if allergic. Rice pilaf may be gluten-free if using certified broth.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 610, Total Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 58 g, Protein 35 g
Pin it Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for maximum flavor. Pair with naan or roti for an even heartier meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal as they remain juicy and tender during cooking, enhancing the dish’s richness.
- → Can I substitute heavy cream in the sauce?
Yes, for a lighter texture, half-and-half or coconut milk can replace heavy cream, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
- → How is the rice pilaf prepared?
The rice is rinsed and sautéed with butter, onion, garlic, and whole spices before simmering, which infuses it with deep fragrant notes.
- → What spices are essential for the sauce?
Key spices include cumin, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder, which combine to create the rich, layered flavor.
- → How to ensure the chicken is tender?
Marinating the chicken in yogurt and lemon juice with spices for at least 20 minutes helps tenderize it and enhances flavor absorption.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor and prepare the sauce and rice just before serving to maintain freshness.