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.
I first made this butter chicken and rice pilaf for a special family dinner and it was an instant favorite. The rich sauce and aromatic rice always remind me of cozy evenings spent together.
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 for chicken, 2 tbsp for rice or ghee
- Vegetable oil: 1 tbsp
- Large onion: 1, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves: 3 for chicken, 2 for rice, 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
- Small onion: 1 for rice, finely chopped
- Bay leaf: 1
- Whole cloves: 3
- Green cardamom pods: 4, lightly crushed
- Water or chicken broth: 2 ½ cups
- Salt for rice: 1 tsp
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.
- Sauté Onions:
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until golden, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Sauce:
- 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 Chicken:
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust salt to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Make 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. Add water or broth and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Finish Rice:
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
- Serve:
- Serve butter chicken hot with rice pilaf on the side.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this butter chicken and rice pilaf is always a treat at our table. My family loves the aromas that fill the kitchen while it cooks, and everyone is quick to ask for seconds.
Required Tools
Large skillet, medium saucepan with lid, knife and cutting board, mixing bowls, and wooden spoon are needed for preparation.
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy products. The rice pilaf may contain traces of gluten if using regular broth. Some garam masala blends contain nuts so always check the label if you have nut allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 610 calories, 27 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, and 35 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Serve with naan or roti for an even heartier meal. This butter chicken and rice pilaf make for a truly satisfying, flavorful dinner.
Ask About This Recipe
- → How do I make the chicken tender and flavorful?
Marinate the chicken thighs in yogurt, lemon juice, and spices for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor before cooking.
- → What spices are essential for the sauce?
Garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and freshly grated ginger create the characteristic warm, spicy depth in the sauce.
- → How is the rice pilaf cooked to absorb flavors?
Sautéing basmati rice with butter, onions, garlic, and whole spices before simmering in salted water or broth helps the grains absorb aromatic flavors.
- → Can I substitute heavy cream in the sauce?
Yes, lighter options like half-and-half or coconut milk can be used for a less rich but still creamy texture.
- → What is the best way to garnish the dish?
Chopped fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh contrast and complements the creamy, spiced sauce perfectly.