Pin this 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 been a family favorite for years, bringing warmth and joy to our dinner table.
Ingredients
- For the Butter Chicken: 600 g boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces, 2 tbsp plain yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 large onion finely chopped, 3 garlic cloves minced, 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated, 400 g (1 can) crushed tomatoes, 150 ml heavy cream, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
- For the Rice Pilaf: 1 ½ cups basmati rice rinsed, 2 tbsp butter or ghee, 1 small onion finely chopped, 2 garlic cloves minced, 1 bay leaf, 3 whole cloves, 4 green cardamom pods lightly crushed, 2 ½ cups water or chicken broth, 1 tsp salt
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 Sharing this meal always brings the family together around the table and sparks stories and laughter.
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
Required Tools
Large skillet Medium saucepan with lid Knife and cutting board Mixing bowls Wooden spoon
Nutritional Information
Calories 610 Total Fat 27 g Carbohydrates 58 g Protein 35 g per serving
Pin this Enjoy the complex flavors of this dish that is as satisfying as it is aromatic.