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.
Butter chicken with rice pilaf has always been a family go-to for weekends. The marinated chicken and velvety sauce never fail to impress guests and satisfy everyone at the dinner table.
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 pilaf)
- Butter: 2 tbsp (plus 2 tbsp or ghee for rice pilaf)
- Vegetable oil: 1 tbsp
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped (plus 1 small for rice pilaf)
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced (plus 2 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 pieces, mix well, and marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator).
- Cook Onions:
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Tomatoes:
- Add garlic and ginger to skillet, cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add 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 5 minutes. Adjust salt to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Prepare Rice Pilaf:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, bay leaf, cloves, and cardamom, sauté for 1 minute.
- Add Rice and Cook:
- Add rinsed rice, stir to coat in 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 and Serve:
- Remove pan from heat and let rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving. Serve butter chicken hot with rice pilaf on the side.
Save to Pinterest Making this dish has become a tradition every time friends come over. The aroma of cardamom and cloves in the rice always reminds us of festive family evenings around the kitchen table.
Required Tools
Large skillet, medium saucepan with lid, knife and cutting board, mixing bowls, wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter, cream, yogurt). Rice pilaf may contain gluten if broth isn't certified gluten-free. Some garam masala blends may include nuts; check labels if allergic.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 610, Total Fat: 27 g, Carbohydrates: 58 g, Protein: 35 g (per serving)
Save to Pinterest Serve your butter chicken and rice pilaf hot and garnish with fresh cilantro. Leftovers taste even better the next day when flavors have melded.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts may be substituted, though thighs tend to remain juicier and more flavorful in this preparation.
- → Is there a dairy-free alternative for the sauce?
Coconut milk or half-and-half can be used for a lighter, dairy-free option without sacrificing creaminess.
- → How do I ensure perfectly cooked rice pilaf?
Rinse the rice thoroughly, simmer covered on low heat, and let it rest before fluffing for distinct grains.
- → Can the dish be made gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free broth in the rice pilaf and check garam masala blends to ensure no gluten-containing additives.
- → What are the key spices in this dish?
Cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder for the chicken; cardamom, cloves, bay leaf for the rice pilaf.
- → What side dishes complement this meal?
Naan, roti, or a simple cucumber raita are excellent choices to round out the meal.