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.
I first cooked butter chicken for my family during a chilly winter evening, and everyone loved its warmth and spice. The rice pilaf perfectly complemented the rich tomato sauce, making it a requested menu ever since.
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 (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
- Salt: 1 tsp (for pilaf)
Instructions
- Marinate the 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).
- Cook the Aromatics:
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes.
- Add Spices & Tomatoes:
- Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Chicken & Simmer:
- Add marinated chicken (with marinade) to the sauce. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
- Finish Sauce:
- 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.
- Add Rice & Simmer:
- 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.
- Finish Pilaf:
- 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 This is my daughter's all-time favorite meal. Our family loves sharing stories over bowls of this warmly spiced butter chicken and fluffy rice pilaf.
Required Tools
Large skillet, medium saucepan with lid, knife and cutting board, mixing bowls, wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy. Rice pilaf may contain traces of gluten if using broth; use certified gluten-free broth if needed. Always check for nuts in garam masala blends.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 610, Total Fat: 27 g, Carbohydrates: 58 g, Protein: 35 g
Save Enjoy this classic butter chicken and rice pilaf for a special dinner. Serve hot and savor every spoonful!
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I marinate the chicken for best flavor?
Combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Coat chicken pieces thoroughly and marinate for at least 20 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
- → What is the best way to cook the rice pilaf?
Sauté onions and spices like bay leaf, cloves, and cardamom in butter before adding rinsed basmati rice. Add water or broth and simmer covered until fluffy, then let stand before fluffing with a fork.
- → Can I substitute the cream used in the sauce?
Yes, half-and-half or coconut milk can be used for a lighter, dairy-free option while maintaining a creamy texture.
- → What cuts of chicken work best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and tenderness, but chicken breast can be used as a leaner alternative.
- → How can I add richness before serving?
Swirling in a little extra butter before serving enhances the richness and smoothness of the sauce.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, provided the broth used in the rice pilaf is certified gluten-free and no gluten-containing additives are included.