If you’re craving a rich and comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, this Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe with Basmati Rice Recipe is your golden ticket. Imagine tender chicken thigh pieces soaked in a luscious sauce made from creamy yoghurt, tangy tomato passata, a perfect blend of spices, and finished with a dreamy swirl of cream — every bite bursting with flavor. Paired with fluffy basmati rice, this dish not only satisfies hunger but also fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aromas. It’s truly a classic that never fails to impress and perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in creating the dish’s signature balance of spice, tang, creaminess, and aroma. From the fragrant spices that build layers of flavor to the rich cream and butter that give the sauce its silky texture, every component is essential.
- 1/2 cup plain yoghurt (full fat): This tangy base tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle, creamy tang.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps to tenderize the chicken further.
- 1 tsp turmeric powder: Provides a beautiful golden color and a warm, earthy note.
- 2 tsp garam masala: The heart of the spice blend, giving depth and warmth to the dish.
- 1/2 tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper: Brings a gentle heat, customizable to your taste.
- 1 tsp ground cumin: Adds a nutty, slightly smoky undertone.
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger: Offers a sharp, fresh zing that wakes up the palate.
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed: Infuses the sauce with its aromatic warmth.
- 1.5 lb (750 g) chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite size pieces: Juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing all those rich flavors.
- 2 tbsp ghee or butter (or 1 tbsp vegetable oil): For cooking the chicken and adding that buttery richness.
- 1 cup tomato passata (tomato puree): Creates the vibrant, tangy base of the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy/thickened cream: Makes the sauce decadently creamy and smooth.
- 1 tbsp sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a harmonious taste.
- 1 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Basmati rice: The ideal fragrant and fluffy accompaniment.
- Coriander/cilantro (optional): For a fresh, herbal garnish that brightens each bite.
How to Make Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe with Basmati Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining your yoghurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, grated ginger, and crushed garlic in a bowl. Toss the chicken pieces in this flavorful marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, although overnight creates the most tender, flavorful results. This step is where the magic starts—infusing the chicken with a dance of spices that will carry through the entire dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat your ghee, butter, or oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade—you don’t need to shake it off completely, as the marinade clinging to the chicken will contribute to the sauce’s flavor, but don’t add the leftover marinade in the bowl to the pan yet. Place the chicken in the hot pan, cooking for about 3 minutes until the pieces turn white all over. The chicken won’t brown deeply at this point, but that’s exactly what we want for that tender texture.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Next, pour in the tomato passata, cream, sugar, salt, and any marinade that’s left in the bowl. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This slow simmer creates a rich, silky sauce that wraps the chicken in every spoonful of creamy goodness. Be sure to taste and adjust salt if needed—the balance of seasonings here is what takes this dish from good to unforgettable.
Step 4: Cook the Basmati Rice
While your butter chicken simmers, prepare your basmati rice. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook according to package instructions or simmer with a little salt until fluffy and fragrant. This rice is the perfect partner to soak up every bit of that luxurious sauce.
Step 5: Final Touches and Garnish
When the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove from heat. Scatter fresh coriander or cilantro leaves over the top if you like that fresh, herbal hit that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Serve immediately alongside the steaming basmati rice for a meal that’s sure to delight everyone at your table.
How to Serve Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe with Basmati Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves adds a fragrant burst and lively color that elevates the dish’s presentation and flavor. For an extra touch, a drizzle of cream or a few slivers of toasted almonds can bring a subtle texture contrast that’s delightful.
Side Dishes
Aside from basmati rice, this butter chicken pairs beautifully with naan bread or a crisp cucumber raita to cool things down if you prefer a slight spicy kick. Simple vegetable sides like sautéed spinach or roasted cauliflower can round out your plate while keeping the focus on the luscious main.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or when you want to impress, serve the creamy butter chicken in individual bowls topped with coriander, alongside a molded dome of basmati rice. Alternatively, layer the chicken over the rice in a shallow casserole dish and bake for a few minutes to meld the flavors, creating an irresistible layered dish that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This creamy butter chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers just as delicious as fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze butter chicken for up to 3 months. Just cool it completely, then transfer into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your butter chicken over low heat on the stove to prevent the cream from splitting, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce gets too thick. Microwaving works, but be sure to stir halfway through to warm evenly and keep that luscious texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh fillets?
Absolutely, but chicken thighs stay juicier and more tender during cooking thanks to their higher fat content. If you use breast meat, just be careful not to overcook to keep it moist.
Is garam masala essential in this recipe?
Yes, garam masala brings a complex depth of flavor with its aromatic spice mix, making it a key ingredient for that authentic butter chicken taste. If you don’t have it, consider mixing your own or grab a good-quality blend.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap the cream for coconut cream and use vegetable oil instead of butter or ghee. The coconut cream will give a different but delicious tropical twist, while keeping the sauce creamy.
Why is basmati rice recommended with butter chicken?
Basmati rice has a light, fluffy texture and fragrant aroma that complements the rich, creamy sauce perfectly without overpowering it. Its long grains also make it ideal for soaking up the sauce bite after bite.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe has a gentle warmth that you can adjust by increasing or decreasing the chili or cayenne powder. It’s meant to be comforting rather than fiery, making it perfect for most palates but easy to customize.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe with Basmati Rice Recipe that warms you from the inside out. The blend of spices, luscious sauce, and fluffy rice make it a dish you’ll want to come back to time and again. Give it a try and invite a little magic into your kitchen — I promise, your taste buds will thank you.
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Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe with Basmati Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This classic Butter Chicken recipe features tender chicken thigh pieces marinated in a spiced yogurt blend, then cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with garam masala and ghee. Perfectly paired with basmati rice and optional coriander garnish, this dish delivers authentic Indian flavors with a smooth, luxurious texture.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/2 cup plain yoghurt, full fat
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp chilli powder or cayenne pepper powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ginger, freshly grated
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1.5 lb / 750 g chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite size pieces
Cooking
- 2 tbsp (30 g) ghee or butter (or 1 tbsp vegetable oil)
- 1 cup tomato passata (aka tomato puree)
- 1 cup heavy / thickened cream
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
To Serve
- Basmati rice
- White rice
- Coriander/cilantro leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Optional blitz: For an extra smooth sauce, combine the marinade ingredients (except the chicken) in a food processor and blend until smooth. This step is optional and not necessary for a delicious result.
- Marinate chicken: In a bowl, mix the marinade ingredients with the chicken pieces. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, preferably overnight or up to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Heat fat: Warm the ghee, butter, or oil in a large fry pan over high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade—do not shake off or wipe off excess marinade. Place the chicken pieces in the hot pan and cook for about 3 minutes, or until the chicken turns white all over. The chicken will not brown much due to the marinade.
- Prepare the sauce: Lower the heat to low, then add the tomato passata, cream, sugar, salt, and any remaining marinade from the bowl into the pan with the chicken. Simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Season and garnish: Taste the sauce and adjust salt as needed. Garnish with fresh coriander or cilantro leaves if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Butter Chicken hot, accompanied by basmati or white rice. Optionally, pair with no yeast flatbread and no-fry papadums for a full Indian meal experience.
Notes
- Garam masala is key for authentic flavor — use a good quality blend or homemade if possible.
- Chilli powder can be adjusted based on desired heat level; mild or cayenne pepper works well.
- Ghee or butter adds richness, but vegetable oil can be used as a lighter alternative.
- Tomato passata provides a smooth tomato base in the sauce; canned tomato puree can substitute.
- Heavy cream adds creaminess and balances spices; coconut cream can be used for a dairy-free alternative (note: will alter flavor).
- Marinating the chicken overnight helps tenderize and deepen flavor but a minimum of 3 hours works too.
- Do not pour marinade leftover in the bowl directly into the pan with chicken before cooking to avoid burning.
