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.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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
- butter: 2 tbsp
- vegetable oil: 1 tbsp
- large onion: 1, finely chopped
- garlic cloves: 3, minced
- 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
- butter or ghee: 2 tbsp
- small onion: 1, finely chopped
- garlic cloves: 2, minced
- bay leaf: 1
- whole cloves: 3
- green cardamom pods: 4, lightly crushed
- water or chicken broth: 2 ½ cups
- salt: 1 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare 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 Onions:
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Tomatoes:
- 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.
- Finish Sauce:
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust salt to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Start Rice Pilaf:
- 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.
- 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.
- Rest and Fluff 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.
Pin Category: Main Dish
Difficulty: Medium
Cuisine: Indian
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Contains Dairy, Gluten-Free
Required Tools
Large skillet
Medium saucepan with lid
Knife and cutting board
Mixing bowls
Wooden spoon
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 (per serving)
Calories: 610
Total Fat: 27 g
Carbohydrates: 58 g
Protein: 35 g
Pin Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Indian classic in the comfort of your home.
Recipe Q&A
- → Which cut of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless thighs deliver juiciness and remain tender after simmering in the sauce. Breasts can be used if preferred.
- → Can coconut milk replace cream?
Yes, coconut milk offers a lighter, dairy-free alternative while maintaining a rich texture in the sauce.
- → How do you achieve fluffy rice pilaf?
Use long-grain basmati, rinse before cooking, and let it rest covered for a few minutes after simmering.
- → What to serve alongside this dish?
Naan or roti pair wonderfully, adding texture and soaking up the flavorful sauce. Add a salad for freshness.
- → Is this suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes—use certified gluten-free broth for the rice pilaf, and ensure spices do not contain hidden gluten sources.
- → How spicy is the chicken?
Spice level is medium; control heat by adjusting chili powder, and add yogurt for additional mildness.