Save 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.
Whenever I prepare butter chicken and rice pilaf, the kitchen fills with warm and inviting aromas that instantly make everyone hungry. It's become a household favorite for weekend dinners.
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 1 tsp for rice
- Butter: 2 tbsp for chicken plus 2 tbsp for rice pilaf (or ghee)
- Vegetable oil: 1 tbsp
- Large onion: 1, finely chopped for chicken plus 1 small onion for rice pilaf
- Garlic cloves: 3 minced for chicken plus 2 minced for rice 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
- Bay leaf: 1
- Whole cloves: 3
- Green cardamom pods: 4, lightly crushed
- Water or chicken broth: 2 ½ cups
Instructions
- Marinate chicken:
- Combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt in a bowl. Add chicken, mix well, and marinate for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Prepare sauce base:
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, sauté until golden, about 5 minutes.
- Add aromatics:
- Add minced garlic and grated 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 about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
- Finish butter chicken:
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust salt to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Make rice pilaf:
- Melt butter or ghee in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped small onion, cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic, bay leaf, cloves, and cardamom, sauté for 1 minute.
- Cook the rice:
- Add rinsed basmati rice, stir to coat with butter and spices. Pour in water or broth and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Fluff and serve rice:
- Remove saucepan from heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with fork before serving.
- Serve:
- Plate hot butter chicken with rice pilaf on the side.
Save Sharing this meal always brings the family together around the dinner table. It's a comfort dish each person asks for again and again!
Required Tools
Large skillet, medium saucepan with lid, knife and cutting board, mixing bowls, wooden spoon
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 610 calories, 27 g fat, 58 g carbohydrates, 35 g protein
Recipe Notes
Swirl in a little extra butter for a richer taste or use coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free twist.
Save Enjoy the wonder of homemade butter chicken and rice pilaf for a heartwarming dinner everyone will want again. Make it your go-to meal for special nights!
Kitchen Help
- → How is the chicken prepared before cooking?
The chicken thighs are marinated with yogurt, lemon juice, and warm spices like cumin, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder to enhance tenderness and flavor before cooking.
- → What spices are used in the rice pilaf?
Whole spices such as bay leaf, cloves, and green cardamom pods are added to the basmati rice for a fragrant and flavorful pilaf.
- → Can I substitute chicken breast for thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used, but thighs tend to remain juicier and more tender in this preparation.
- → How is the creamy texture achieved in the sauce?
Heavy cream is stirred in near the end of cooking to create a rich, smooth, and creamy texture in the tomato-based sauce.
- → What cooking techniques enhance the flavor of this dish?
Sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger until golden and simmering the chicken gently in the spiced sauce allow deep, layered flavors to develop throughout the dish.
- → Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but caution is advised with broth used in the rice pilaf—opt for certified gluten-free broth if necessary.