This Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice is a rich and creamy Indian dish that’s packed with bold flavors. Tender chicken is simmered in a fragrant tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices and a touch of butter, making it irresistibly smooth and flavorful. Paired with fluffy basmati rice, it’s a perfect dinner for anyone craving comfort and spice in one meal.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g boneless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 400g canned tomato puree
- 200ml heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
- 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, and spices for the marinade. Add the cubed chicken, mix well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for better flavor). - Cook the Chicken
In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken and set aside. - Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce
In the same pan, add the butter and oil. Sauté the onions until golden brown, then add garlic and ginger paste. Cook for another minute. Stir in the cumin, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the tomato puree and let it simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper. - Combine
Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce and let it simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together. - Cook the Rice
In a pot, bring water, butter or oil, and salt to a boil. Add the basmati rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy. - Serve
Serve the butter chicken over basmati rice, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy this flavorful, creamy dish!
This dish is a great choice for a cozy family dinner or when you’re looking to impress your guests with some delicious Indian flavors.