Indian Butter Chicken with Rice: A Flavorful Lunch Delight

Hello, wonderful food explorers! Liliane here, your friendly chef, bringing you a recipe that combines rich, comforting flavors with a hint of spice—Indian Butter Chicken with Rice! This dish is not only a staple in Indian cuisine but also a global favorite for its creamy, tomato-based sauce that’s simply irresistible.

If you’re looking for a lunch that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, you’ve come to the right place.

Ingredients You’ll Need for a Flavorful Indian Butter Chicken with Rice

For the Butter Chicken:

• 450g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped into small, bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream (or coconut cream as a dairy-free substitute)
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

For the Rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp butter

Step-by-Step Instructions for Indian Butter Chicken with Rice Perfection

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator). This step is essential to infuse the chicken with flavor and make it tender.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Once marinated, heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden and nearly cooked through. Take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Butter Chicken Sauce

Mix in one more tablespoon of butter into the same skillet. Add the tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Then, add the cream, garam masala, and cumin, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Now, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat each piece with the luscious sauce. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Cook the Basmati Rice

While the butter chicken is simmering, prepare the rice. In a saucepan, heat the water, salt, and butter until it reaches a boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed basmati rice, cover, and lower the heat to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

How to Make Perfect Basmati Rice to Serve with Your Meal

When it comes to enjoying Indian Butter Chicken, the rice you serve alongside is just as important as the dish itself. Basmati rice, known for its long grains and delicate aroma, pairs perfectly with rich, creamy dishes, and it’s simpler to make than you might think!

Here’s my step-by-step guide to achieving fluffy, flavorful basmati rice every time :

1. Rinse the Rice
   • Measure 1 cup of basmati rice and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps eliminate extra starch, keeping the rice from becoming sticky.
2. Soak the Rice
   • Soak the rinsed rice in cold water for 15–20 minutes. This helps the grains cook evenly and keeps them from breaking, giving you long, fluffy grains.
3. Drain and Prepare the Water
   • After soaking, drain the rice well. In a medium saucepan, add 1 ½ cups of water, ½ teaspoon of salt, and a small knob of butter or 1 teaspoon of oil. Butter adds a richness that pairs beautifully with Butter Chicken.
4. Boil and Add Rice
   • Bring the water mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s boiling, add the drained rice, and give it a quick stir to spread the grains evenly.
5. Simmer with the Lid On
   • Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the rice cook for 15 minutes undisturbed. Avoid lifting the lid or stirring—the steam will cook the rice perfectly.
6. Let it Rest
   • After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, still covered, for another 5 minutes. This resting time lets any leftover steam complete the cooking process.
7. Fluff and Serve
   • Carefully fluff the rice with a fork to loosen the grains. You’ll have perfectly cooked, fluffy basmati rice ready to soak up that delicious Butter Chicken sauce!

Following these simple steps, you’ll achieve beautifully fragrant, tender basmati rice every time. Serve hot with Butter Chicken for a meal that’s sure to impress!

Tips for Perfect Indian Butter Chicken with Rice

1. Marination Magic: The yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful. Don’t skip it!
2. Tomato Base: Use fresh tomato puree if possible for a richer sauce.
3. Creamy Twist: If you’re dairy-free, coconut cream can substitute heavy cream and still achieve that silky texture.
4. Serve Fresh: Butter Chicken is best enjoyed hot with freshly cooked rice. It tastes even better when allowed to sit for a few minutes, as the flavors continue to meld.

Why You’ll Love This Dish and Why It’s Perfect for Lunch

Indian Butter Chicken, or “Murgh Makhani” as it’s known in India, is the perfect balance of spice and creaminess, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The rich sauce, made with butter, cream, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, coats each tender chicken piece. Paired with fluffy basmati rice, this dish is perfect for a cozy lunch that feels like a little escape.

The balanced spices awaken your senses, and the protein-rich chicken provides energy to keep you going through the afternoon. Plus, with basmati rice on the side, you get a wholesome, nutritious base that completes the dish beautifully.

Serving Suggestions and a Note for Kids

For a traditional experience, serve Indian Butter Chicken with Rice with warm naan bread and a side of fresh cucumber raita. The raita’s cooling effect is a delightful contrast to the warmth of the spices. You can also add a side of sliced onions and lemon wedges for an authentic Indian touch.

This recipe is mild enough for kids who are open to trying new flavors. If your kids are new to spices, you can reduce the chili powder to make it milder. Indian Butter Chicken is a fantastic way to introduce children to global flavors, encouraging them to explore different cuisines.

FAQ About Indian Butter Chicken with Rice

Indian Butter Chicken with Rice: A Flavorful Lunch Delight

Recipe by EasyKidBox

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: LunchCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

580

kcal

This Indian Butter Chicken with Rice is a rich and creamy dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a spiced tomato-butter sauce. Served with fragrant basmati rice, it’s a comforting meal perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

• For the Butter Chicken:

• 2 ½ lbs (1.2 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt (for marination)

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons garam masala

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 2 teaspoons ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 1 large onion (finely chopped)

• 5 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)

• 2 teaspoons red chili powder (adjust to spice preference)

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• 1 teaspoon fenugreek leaves (Kasuri methi, optional but authentic)

• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

• For the Rice:

• 3 cups basmati rice

• 6 cups water

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon butter or ghee

Directions

• Marinate the Chicken
• In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and salt.
• Add the chicken pieces, coat well, and let marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).
• Cook the Chicken
• Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large pan over medium heat.
• Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides (about 6-7 minutes).
• Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
• Prepare the Sauce
• In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until soft and fragrant (5 minutes).
• Stir in red chili powder, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
• Blend the sauce using an immersion blender for a smooth texture (optional).
• Simmer and Finish
• Return the cooked chicken to the pan, add heavy cream, sugar (if using), and fenugreek leaves, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
• Adjust seasoning as needed and garnish with fresh cilantro.
• Cook the Rice
• Rinse basmati rice until the water runs clear.
• In a large pot, bring water, rice, salt, and butter to a boil.
• Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
• Fluff with a fork before serving.

Notes

• For extra richness: Add 1 more tablespoon of butter at the end before serving.
  Make it dairy-free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and substitute butter with ghee or oil.
  Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  Pairing tip: Serve with warm naan bread or a side of cucumber raita for a complete meal

There you have it—a delicious, creamy, and aromatic Butter Chicken with Rice that’s sure to elevate any lunchtime! Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is bound to impress. And the best part? It’s easier to make than you’d think, thanks to a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen and let’s get cooking!

Pair them with one of the best non-alcoholic party drinks from my list here for a complete and delicious meal! 🍹😊

Love this recipe? You’ll find even more creative and delicious ideas on my Pinterest page, where I share recipes that get a few hundred views every month! From fusion snacks to family meals, there’s something to inspire everyone. Visit my page here and start exploring!