Dinner

Butter Chicken with Rice

Name: Butter Chicken with Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: For the Chicken Marinade:; 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks; 1/2 cup plain yogurt; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp salt; For the Sauce:; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp ginger, grated; 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce; 1 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste); For the Rice:; 2 cups cooked basmati rice; 1 tbsp butter (optional)

ByMariem November 28, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Butter Chicken with Rice is a rich and aromatic Indian-inspired dish featuring tender pieces of chicken simmered in a silky tomato-based sauce enriched with butter and cream. Served over fragrant rice, it offers a deeply comforting and flavourful meal suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe produces restaurant-quality butter chicken with minimal effort. The sauce is creamy, mildly spiced, and exceptionally smooth, making it appealing to a wide range of palates. Marinated chicken ensures tenderness, while slow simmering enhances the sauce’s depth. Paired with rice, it becomes a complete, satisfying, and well-balanced meal. It also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into pieces
Plain yogurt
Lemon juice
Garlic, minced
Ginger, minced
Garam masala
Ground cumin
Ground coriander
Sweet paprika
Salt
Butter
Onion, finely chopped
Tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes
Heavy cream
Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Cooked basmati rice
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, and salt.
Add the chicken pieces and coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add additional butter if needed and sauté the onion until soft and translucent.
Stir in tomato sauce and simmer until slightly thickened.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it well with the sauce.
Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently until the sauce becomes smooth and the chicken is fully cooked.
Adjust seasoning and add a pinch of sugar if a sweeter balance is desired.
Serve the butter chicken over warm basmati rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Servings and Timing

Serves 4 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes to overnight
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 70 minutes (minimum)

Variations

Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Add vegetables such as peas or spinach for additional nutrition.
Use paneer instead of chicken for a vegetarian adaptation.
Adjust spice levels by adding cayenne pepper or extra garam masala.
Serve with naan bread for a more traditional pairing.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain smoothness.
Freeze butter chicken (without the rice) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Why is my butter chicken too thick?

Add a small amount of water or broth to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.

Can I cook the chicken thighs whole instead of in pieces?

Yes, but increase the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through.

Can I substitute canned tomato soup for the tomato sauce?

It is not recommended, as it may alter sweetness and flavour balance.

Why is my sauce grainy?

Ensure the cream is added at a low simmer to prevent curdling.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made a day in advance and reheated before adding chicken.

Does marinating overnight improve flavour?

Yes, a longer marinating time results in more tender and flavourful chicken.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw completely before marinating.

What type of rice is best?

Basmati rice complements the dish due to its fragrance and fluffy texture.

How do I make the dish spicier?

Add cayenne pepper or use hot paprika.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger skillet or pot.

Conclusion

Butter Chicken with Rice is a rich, comforting, and universally appealing dish that combines tender chicken with a luxurious, creamy sauce. Its versatility, make-ahead potential, and irresistible flavour make it a staple worth adding to your regular rotation.

Mariem