Butter Chicken Rice Recipe

Hey food lovers, gather around, because if you’ve ever dreamed of making restaurant-quality dishes right in your own kitchen, you're about to have a serious aha moment. There’s honestly nothing quite like the rich, mouthwatering aroma of butter chicken slowly simmering on your stove, wrapping your whole house in pure comfort. And guess what? With this butter chicken rice recipe, you don’t need to be a seasoned chef to pull it off.

This butter chicken rice recipe brings together juicy, tender chicken and perfectly fluffy basmati rice, all swirled in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce that’s pure magic in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it took you all afternoon, but in reality, you’ll have it ready in just about 30 minutes. Yes, seriously. No tricks, just a really solid recipe you can trust.

What makes this butter chicken rice recipe truly special isn’t just how flavorful it is, it’s how easy it makes impressive home cooking feel. If you’ve been leaning a little too heavily on your favorite takeout spot lately, this homemade version will not only save you money but might just spoil you forever. One bite and you’ll see: it’s richer, fresher, and full of that cozy, crave-worthy flavor we all secretly wish came standard with delivery orders.

So go ahead, give this butter chicken rice recipe a try tonight. Your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you.

Why This Butter Chicken Rice Recipe Truly Stands Out

Let’s take a little trip back in time, shall we? Butter chicken , also known as murgh makhani , first stole hearts in Delhi back in the 1950s, when a clever restaurant owner decided to mix leftover tandoori chicken with a rich, buttery tomato gravy. And just like that, a classic was born! Fast forward to today, and I’m here to share a butter chicken rice recipe that keeps all that original magic alive, but makes it way easier for you to enjoy at home.

What makes this butter chicken rice recipe different from the traditional method? Well, instead of the usual two-step cooking process (which can sometimes feel like a mini workout), everything is simplified without sacrificing an ounce of authentic flavor. It's perfect for those weeknights when you want a meal that feels luxurious but doesn't chain you to the kitchen for hours.

Even better, the chicken and rice cook together in one pot , which means fewer dishes, less fuss, and way more time to actually sit down and savor every bite. Trust me, this butter chicken rice recipe is a weeknight game-changer. Serve it with a crisp cucumber raita or some warm naan to scoop up that creamy, spiced sauce, and you’ll have a dinner that's as comforting as it is unforgettable.

Once you taste how rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple this butter chicken rice recipe is, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for takeout in the first place.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Dietary Modifications
• Equipment
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Secret Behind Irresistible Butter Chicken
• FAQ
• Ready to Bring Restaurant Flavor Home?
• Related
• Pairing
• Butter Chicken Rice Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Plain yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Garam masala
• Ground cumin
• Ground turmeric
• Salt

For the Sauce and Rice:

• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Butter, divided
• Onion, finely diced
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Green chilies, finely chopped
• Garam masala
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Paprika
• Tomato sauce
• Heavy cream
• Basmati rice, rinsed and drained
• Chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions:

• Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
• Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice for a keto butter chicken version.
• Substitute chicken breast for thighs, but be mindful of the cooking time to prevent dryness.
• Swap the chicken for paneer or extra-firm tofu to make a vegetarian option.
• Replace basmati rice with brown rice, keeping in mind it will need a longer cooking time.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and salt.
2. Add chicken pieces, coat evenly, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Start the Sauce and Cook the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and sauté onions until soft (3-4 minutes).
2. Add garlic, ginger, green chilies, and all spices, stirring for 30 seconds to toast.
3. Add marinated chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until no longer pink outside.
4. Pour in tomato sauce, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.

Prepare the Rice

1. Rinse basmati rice until water runs clear.
2. In a separate pot, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter, add rice and stir to coat.
3. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Finish and Serve

1. Stir heavy cream into the chicken mixture and simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Let stand for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve the butter chicken over the rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Hints & Expert Cooking Tips

• When it comes to mastering a truly unforgettable butter chicken rice recipe, a few small details can make a world of difference. First off, don't skip the marinade , even just 15 minutes helps the chicken soak up deep flavors, making your butter chicken rice recipe that much more tender and delicious.

• Next, toast your spices before adding liquids. Warming them gently in the pan releases essential oils, unlocking rich layers of aroma that set your butter chicken rice recipe apart from the rest.
• Always use fresh ginger and garlic whenever possible. The pre-minced stuff just doesn’t deliver that same bold, fresh punch you want in a standout butter chicken rice recipe.
• If your sauce feels a little too thin, let it reduce by simmering uncovered for a few extra minutes. This concentrates the flavor beautifully.
• Finally, rest your dish before serving. Giving your butter chicken and rice just five minutes to settle allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, making every bite absolutely irresistible.

Recipe Variations & Dietary Modifications

One of the best things about a great butter chicken rice recipe is how easily you can tweak it to match your mood, your diet, or whatever you have in the pantry. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch things up while still keeping the heart of this butter chicken rice recipe intact.

• One-Pot Butter Chicken Rice
  If you’re after maximum flavor with minimum cleanup, you’ll love this version. After cooking the chicken for about 5 minutes in the sauce, simply add the rinsed rice and chicken broth directly into the same pot. Bring it all to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender. One pot, one superstar butter chicken rice recipe!
• Keto Butter Chicken
  For a low-carb spin on your favorite butter chicken rice recipe, skip the rice entirely and double up on the creamy sauce. Serve it over cauliflower rice for a meal that's still hearty and incredibly satisfying without the extra carbs.
• Instant Pot Butter Chicken and Rice
  Short on time? Use the Instant Pot! Sauté the aromatics using the sauté function, then add all your ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release. This way, you can enjoy a cozy, comforting butter chicken rice recipe with almost no effort.
• Vegetarian Butter "Chicken"
  Looking for a meat-free twist? Swap the chicken for cubed paneer or extra-firm tofu. It soaks up the buttery, spiced sauce beautifully — and only needs about 5 minutes of simmering.
• Spicier Version
  If you like things with a little more kick, add 1–2 teaspoons of red chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade. Your butter chicken rice recipe will have just the right amount of fiery heat without losing that luscious, creamy base.

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate spice measurements.
• Dutch oven or deep skillet: A heavy-bottomed pan distributes heat evenly and prevents burning.
• Sharp knife: For cutting chicken into even pieces that cook uniformly.
• Microplane grater: Makes quick work of fresh ginger and garlic.
• Rice cooker: If you have one, it's perfect for cooking the rice while you focus on the chicken.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

One of the reasons I adore this butter chicken rice recipe is because it’s not just delicious fresh, it’s also a total champion when it comes to leftovers and meal prep!

• Fridge Storage
  Your butter chicken rice recipe will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, store the butter chicken and rice in separate airtight containers. Fun fact: the flavors get even better overnight as the spices have more time to meld together. Trust me, day-two leftovers might just steal the show!
• Freezing Instructions
  Want to save your butter chicken rice recipe for a rainy day? Freeze just the butter chicken sauce (without the rice) in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of cream if the sauce looks a little thick to bring it right back to that luscious, silky texture. Make a fresh batch of basmati rice when serving — it’s worth it.
• Meal Prep Idea
  If you love having ready-to-go meals during the week, double your butter chicken rice recipe and portion it into meal prep containers. Spoon the rice on one side and the butter chicken on the other. You’ll have rich, comforting lunches lined up for days — no sad desk lunches here!

FAQ

Ready to Bring Restaurant Flavor Home?

If you’ve ever wished you could recreate that cozy, rich, restaurant-style comfort food at home, this butter chicken rice recipe is your golden ticket. It brings the bold, creamy flavors of your favorite Indian spot right to your own kitchen table , no complicated techniques, no fuss. With tender chicken, fluffy basmati rice, and that luscious spiced tomato sauce, this meal feels special enough to impress guests but simple enough to throw together on a busy weeknight.

And hey, if you love this butter chicken rice recipe, I’ve got even more delicious ideas to keep your meal rotation exciting. You should definitely check out my Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe for a sweet and savory twist, or try my easy Chicken Breakfast Sausage for a protein-packed start to your day. They’re both packed with flavor and just as friendly for busy schedules as this butter chicken rice recipe.

So go ahead, give it a try! I’d absolutely love to hear how your butter chicken rice recipe turns out. Did you stick to the classic, or did you put your own creative spin on it? Drop me a comment and tell me what you served it with, maybe naan, raita, or even a bold salad on the side? Can’t wait to hear about your kitchen adventures!

Related

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Butter Chicken Rice Recipe :