Butter Chicken with Rice and Creamy Sauce: A Comfort Food Classic
Few dishes bring as much joy and comfort to your dining table as butter chicken paired with perfectly cooked rice. With its rich, velvety sauce, tender chicken, and fragrant rice, this iconic dish has become a favorite across the globe. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to share with loved ones or a recipe that will impress your guests, butter chicken with rice and creamy sauce delivers on every level.
In this guide, you’ll learn the secrets to making the perfect butter chicken at home, discover helpful tips, and explore ways to customize the dish to suit your taste.
What Makes Butter Chicken with Rice So Special?
Butter chicken, or “Murgh Makhani,” originated in India and quickly gained popularity worldwide for its creamy, spiced tomato sauce and tender, marinated chicken. This dish offers a delightful balance of flavors, blending the warmth of aromatic spices with the smoothness of cream. The pairing with basmati or jasmine rice adds a fragrant, fluffy base that absorbs the rich sauce beautifully.
What sets this dish apart is its universal appeal. Whether you prefer mild flavors or enjoy a bit of heat, butter chicken can be easily adjusted to suit your palate. It’s the perfect comfort food, offering a satisfying balance of protein, carbs, and indulgent creaminess.
Ingredients for Butter Chicken with Creamy Sauce
Creating this classic dish starts with gathering fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s everything you need:
Butter Chicken Ingredients:
- Chicken (boneless thighs or breasts) – 500g
- Butter – 3 tablespoons
- Cream – 1 cup
- Tomatoes (pureed) – 2 cups
- Onion (finely chopped) – 1 medium
- Garlic and ginger paste – 1 tablespoon
- Ground spices: turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala – 1 teaspoon each
- Chili powder – ½ teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Salt – to taste
- Sugar – ½ teaspoon
- Fresh cilantro – for garnish
Rice Ingredients:
- Basmati or jasmine rice – 2 cups
- Water or chicken broth – 4 cups
- Butter or oil – 1 tablespoon
- Optional: whole spices (cardamom, cloves, bay leaves) for aroma
Ingredient Table:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (boneless) | 500g |
| Butter | 3 tbsp |
| Cream | 1 cup |
| Tomatoes (pureed) | 2 cups |
| Onion | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Garlic and ginger paste | 1 tbsp |
| Ground spices | 1 tsp each |
| Basmati rice | 2 cups |
| Water/Chicken broth | 4 cups |
Step-by-Step Recipe for Butter Chicken with Rice and Creamy Sauce
Preparing the Chicken:
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine yogurt, garlic ginger paste, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder in a bowl. Add the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet with butter and sear the chicken pieces until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Cooking the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until golden brown. Add garlic ginger paste and cook until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in pureed tomatoes, ground spices, and sugar. Simmer until the mixture thickens and the oil separates.
- Add Cream: Lower the heat and slowly stir in cream, creating a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Cooking the Rice:
- Rinse the Rice: Wash the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Cook with Spices: In a pot, bring water or broth to a boil. Add butter and optional whole spices for added aroma. Stir in the rice, cover, and simmer until cooked and fluffy.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove the whole spices (if used) and fluff the rice with a fork.
Serving:
Plate the rice and spoon the butter chicken over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added flavor.
Tips and Variations for Butter Chicken with Rice
Cooking Tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and high-quality spices make a significant difference in flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: For milder flavors, reduce the chili powder. For a spicier kick, add green chilies or extra chili powder.
- Simmer Slowly: Allowing the sauce to simmer enhances its depth of flavor.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu for a delicious vegetarian twist.
- Dairy-Free: Replace cream with coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free version.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure all spices and ingredients are gluten-free.
Nutritional Information
| Component | Per Serving |
| Calories | ~450 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 18g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make butter chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! Butter chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best rice to serve with butter chicken?
Basmati rice is the top choice due to its light, fluffy texture and aromatic qualities. Jasmine rice is another excellent option.
How can I make the dish healthier?
To reduce calories, use coconut milk instead of cream and lean chicken breasts instead of thighs. You can also reduce the amount of butter used.
Is butter chicken spicy?
Traditionally, butter chicken has a mild heat. However, you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking by modifying the amount of chili powder and spices used.
Conclusion
Butter chicken with rice and creamy sauce is a dish that deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. Its rich, comforting flavors make it a go-to choice for family dinners, special occasions, or a satisfying weekend treat.
Now it’s your turn! Gather your ingredients, follow this simple recipe, and treat yourself to the comforting magic of butter chicken. If you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!