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.
The first time I made this butter chicken and rice pilaf, it filled my kitchen with irresistible smells that lingered all evening. It has since become a go-to for family dinners when I want something cozy and packed with flavor everyone can agree on.
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, plus 2 tbsp butter or ghee for rice
- Vegetable oil: 1 tbsp
- Large onion: 1, finely chopped (half for chicken, half for rice)
- Garlic cloves: 3 for chicken, minced; 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
- Bay leaf: 1
- Whole cloves: 3
- Green cardamom pods: 4, lightly crushed
- Water or chicken broth: 2 ½ cups
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).
- Prepare Butter Chicken Sauce:
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes.
- Aromatics and Simmer:
- Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook Chicken in Sauce:
- Add marinated chicken (with marinade) to the sauce. Cook for 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 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:
- 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 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 Nothing brings my family together like a big plate of this buttery chicken with aromatic rice—seconds are always requested and the meal never feels complete without lots of laughter and stories shared around the table.
Required Tools
Large skillet, medium saucepan with lid, knife and cutting board, mixing bowls, and a wooden spoon are all you need to create this classic meal at home.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy products and may contain gluten if non-certified broth is used. Always check ingredient labels for possible allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 610 calories, 27 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, and 35 g protein, making it hearty and satisfying for dinner.
Save Whip up this butter chicken and rice pilaf to warm up any evening with classic comfort and a dash of spice. It is sure to become a staple family favorite.
Kitchen Guide
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes to allow the spices and yogurt to tenderize and infuse flavor. For deeper taste, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
- → Can chicken breasts be used instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender after cooking.
- → What spices give the pilaf its aroma?
Whole spices like bay leaf, cloves, and green cardamom pods are sautéed with garlic and onion to impart a fragrant aroma to the basmati rice pilaf.
- → How is cream used in the sauce?
The heavy cream is stirred in near the end of cooking to add richness and smoothness to the tomato-based sauce.
- → Can the pilaf be made with broth instead of water?
Yes, using chicken broth instead of water enhances the flavor of the pilaf, but ensure it's gluten-free if needed.
- → What is a good garnish for this dish?
Fresh chopped cilantro adds brightness and a fresh herbal note as a garnish just before serving.