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.
When I first cooked butter chicken at home, I was amazed by how the spices blended so beautifully with the creamy tomato sauce. My family couldn&t stop raving about the flavorful rice pilaf that made every bite simply delicious!
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
- Onion: 1 large, 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
- Onion (for rice): 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves (for rice): 2, minced
- 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
- Prepare Chicken Marinade:
- 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 sauté until golden, about 5 minutes.
- Cook Aromatics & Sauce:
- Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Chicken & Finish:
- Add marinated chicken (with marinade) to the sauce. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
- Cream & Garnish:
- 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 & Fluff:
- 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 The first time we made this together, everyone gathered around the dinner table excited to taste the homemade flavors. It quickly became a requested meal for special occasions in our family.
Required Tools
Use a large skillet for the chicken and a medium saucepan with lid for the rice pilaf. A knife and mixing bowls make prep easy, and don&t forget your wooden spoon for stirring.
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy. Rice pilaf may have traces of gluten if using broth. Some garam masala blends contain nuts; check labels if allergic.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 610, Total Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 58 g, Protein 35 g
Save Serve with warm naan or roti to complete the experience. Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting, aromatic meal.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Marinate the chicken thighs in yogurt and spices for at least 20 minutes to help tenderize and infuse flavor before cooking.
- → Can I substitute the basmati rice with another variety?
While basmati rice provides the ideal fragrance and texture, you may use jasmine or long-grain rice, though cooking times and flavors may vary slightly.
- → What is the best way to balance the sauce's richness?
Adjust the cream and butter quantities to taste, and consider adding a touch more lemon juice for brightness if the sauce feels too heavy.
- → How do aromatic spices enhance the rice pilaf?
Spices like cardamom, cloves, and bay leaf infuse the rice with subtle warmth and fragrance, complementing the creamy chicken without overpowering.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors deepen when rested overnight, making it a great dish to prepare in advance and gently reheat before serving.