Pin 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.
This recipe has become a family favorite for its balance of spices and creamy texture that comforts and excites the palate.
Ingredients
- 600 g boneless skinless chicken thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt: Used for marinade
- 2 tbsp lemon juice: Adds tanginess
- 2 tsp ground cumin: For warm spice flavor
- 2 tsp garam masala: Signature Indian spice blend
- 1 tsp ground turmeric: For color and flavor
- 1 tsp chili powder: Adds mild heat
- 1 tsp salt: To taste
- 2 tbsp butter: For richness
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil: For cooking
- 1 large onion: Finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves: Minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger: Grated
- 400 g (1 can) crushed tomatoes: Base of the sauce
- 150 ml heavy cream: Adds creaminess
- 1 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor
- 1 tbsp sugar: Balances acidity
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro: Chopped (for garnish)
- 1 ½ cups basmati rice: Rinsed
- 2 tbsp butter or ghee: For rice cooking
- 1 small onion: Finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves: Minced
- 1 bay leaf: For fragrance
- 3 whole cloves: For flavor
- 4 green cardamom pods: Lightly crushed
- 2 ½ cups water or chicken broth: For cooking rice
- 1 tsp salt: To taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- 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).
- Step 2:
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4:
- Add marinated chicken (with marinade) to the sauce. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
- Step 5:
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust salt to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Step 6:
- For the 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.
- Step 7:
- 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.
- Step 8:
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
- Step 9:
- Serve butter chicken hot with rice pilaf on the side.
Pin This dish is a staple at our family dinners bringing everyone together with its hearty and satisfying flavors.
Notes
For extra richness, swirl in a little more butter before serving the chicken. Substitute chicken breast if preferred, but thighs remain juicier. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or coconut milk instead of cream. Serve with naan or roti for a heartier meal.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter, cream, yogurt). Rice pilaf may contain traces of gluten if using broth& use certified gluten-free broth if needed. May contain nuts in some garam masala blends& check labels if allergic.
Nutritional Information
Calories 610. Total Fat 27 g. Carbohydrates 58 g. Protein 35 g per serving.
Pin This butter chicken & rice pilaf will surely become a go-to recipe for your family gatherings and special occasions.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I marinate the chicken for best flavor?
Combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt, then mix with chicken pieces. Marinate at least 20 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
- → Can I substitute chicken breast for thighs?
Yes, but thighs retain more juiciness and tenderness after cooking, making them preferred for this dish.
- → What spices are used in the rice pilaf?
The pilaf incorporates whole cloves, green cardamom pods, and bay leaf, which infuse the basmati rice with a fragrant aroma during cooking.
- → How can I make the sauce creamier or lighter?
For richer sauce, add extra butter before serving. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, ensure broth used in the pilaf is certified gluten-free to avoid traces.