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 tasted authentic butter chicken at a small family-run restaurant, and recreating it at home brought wonderful memories flooding back with every bite.
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 for rice pilaf or ghee)
- Vegetable oil: 1 tbsp
- Large onion: 1, finely chopped (plus 1 small onion 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:
- 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 Aromatics:
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes.
- Cook Sauce:
- Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook Chicken:
- Add marinated chicken (with marinade) to the sauce. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
- Add 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.
- 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 meal always brings our family together, each spoonful reminding us of festive gatherings and shared stories at the table.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the dish with naan or roti, and add a side of crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter, cream, yogurt). Use certified gluten-free broth for the rice if needed. Some garam masala blends may contain traces of nuts.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 610 calories, 27 g fat, 58 g carbohydrates, 35 g protein.
Save Make this butter chicken and rice pilaf for cozy nights in or festive family dinners. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I marinate the chicken for this dish?
Combine yogurt, lemon juice, ground cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly and marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- → What spices are used in the rice pilaf?
The pilaf includes aromatic whole spices such as bay leaf, cloves, and green cardamom pods, which infuse the rice with a subtle, fragrant flavor.
- → Can I substitute the chicken thighs with another cut?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs are preferred for their juiciness and ability to remain tender during cooking.
- → How is the creamy tomato sauce prepared?
Onions, garlic, and ginger are sautéed, then crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar are simmered together. Marinated chicken is added, cooked through, then enriched with heavy cream and seasoned to taste.
- → What cooking tools are recommended?
A large skillet for the chicken and sauce, a medium saucepan with lid for the rice pilaf, along with basic tools like a knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, and a wooden spoon.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, it contains dairy but is gluten-free if using certified gluten-free broth or water for the rice pilaf.