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 mastered making butter chicken at home, the aroma of simmering spices made my kitchen feel like an Indian restaurant. Sharing it with friends made the meal all the more special and memorable.
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 pilaf)
- Butter: 2 tbsp (plus 2 tbsp or ghee for pilaf)
- Vegetable oil: 1 tbsp
- Large onion: 1, finely chopped (plus 1 small onion 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
- Bay leaf: 1
- Whole cloves: 3
- Green cardamom pods: 4, lightly crushed
- Water or chicken broth: 2 ½ cups
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 onions:
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes
- Add aromatics & simmer:
- Add garlic and ginger, 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 the sauce. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through
- Finish the sauce:
- 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
- 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 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 Our family loves this meal on cozy weekends, and even the kids enjoy helping to sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top before we gather at the table.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with warm naan or roti, a simple cucumber salad, and a dollop of yogurt for a complete feast.
Storage & Reheating
Butter chicken and rice pilaf store well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
Nutrition & Allergens
This dish provides approximately 610 calories per serving, with 27 g fat, 58 g carbohydrates, and 35 g protein. Contains dairy; ensure gluten-free broth for sensitive diets.
Save Make this butter chicken & rice pilaf when you crave a restaurant-quality Indian meal at home. The aroma and taste will win over everyone at your table!
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but thighs will remain juicier and add more flavor to the final dish.
- → Is there a dairy-free alternative for the sauce?
Coconut milk or half-and-half works well if you'd like a lighter or dairy-free creamy texture in the sauce.
- → Which spices give rice pilaf its aroma?
Cardamom pods, bay leaf, and cloves infuse the pilaf with a fragrant, gently spiced flavor typical of Indian cuisine.
- → Can the pilaf be made gluten-free?
Yes, use certified gluten-free chicken broth or water for the rice pilaf to make the dish completely gluten-free.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Naan, roti, or a crisp salad make great accompaniments, enhancing the flavors and creating a heartier meal.
- → How can I make the chicken extra rich?
Swirling in a little extra butter right before serving will add a deep richness and smooth texture to the dish.