The Ultimate Comfort Food: Rice with Butter Chicken

Craving comfort food? This easy rice with butter chicken​ recipe blends tender marinated chicken, creamy spiced tomato sauce, and fragrant jasmine rice. Perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners—simple, flavorful, and family-approved!

Rice with butter chicken​ is more than just a dish—it’s a warm hug on a plate. The rich, creamy tomato sauce swirled with tender, spiced chicken, all nestled over fragrant jasmine rice? Absolute heaven. It’s the kind of comfort food that turns any ordinary night into something special.

This recipe is a lifesaver in our household. Quick enough for a weeknight, fancy enough for guests, and flexible enough to suit picky eaters (and I’ve got three of ‘em!). If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that irresistible Indian restaurant experience at home—this is your golden ticket.

So, grab a spoon and get comfy. Let’s dive into how to make rice with butter chicken that’s easy, irresistible, and guaranteed to impress. For other delicious weeknight options, don’t miss my cozy southern chicken and rice recipe or this flavorful one pot chicken and rice.

Main Ingredients (with Love!)

To make this dish shine, you’ll want to gather these essential goodies:

Chicken Marinade

• 1 cup plain yogurt: Adds tang and tenderness.
• 1 tsp garam masala: Warm, earthy, slightly sweet spice blend.
• 1/2 tsp chili powder: A little kick to balance the creaminess.
• 1 tsp cinnamon: Gives a warm, cozy depth.
• 1/2 tsp cumin: For a subtle nuttiness.

Butter Chicken Sauce

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Diced for quicker cooking.
• 2 tbsp butter: Can’t skip the star!
• 1 tsp garlic, minced: Aromatic and flavorful.
• 1 tsp ginger, minced: Adds brightness.
• 2 shallots, minced: Milder than onions, but packed with taste.
• 1/2 cup onion, minced: Balances out the sweetness.
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste: Rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
• 1/4 cup water: Helps everything simmer smoothly.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Adds that luxurious, silky texture.
• 1 tsp garam masala: Reinforces the spice blend.
• 1/2 tsp cumin & 1/2 tsp chili powder: More layers of flavor.
• 1 tsp lemon juice: Brightens everything up.
• Salt & pepper to taste: Season to your heart’s content.

Jasmine Rice

• 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice: Floral, aromatic, and fluffy.
• 1 tbsp butter: Adds richness.
• 2 1/4 cups water: The perfect ratio for soft rice.
• 1 star anise & 2 cardamom pods: Perfume the rice like a dream.
• 1/2 tsp salt & 1/4 tsp black pepper: Balance and seasoning.

Additional Ingredients (and Substitutes) for Rice with Butter Chicken​

Let’s say your pantry’s missing a few bits—don’t worry, I’ve got you:

• No heavy cream? Try half-and-half, or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
• Swap chicken breasts with boneless thighs for juicier bites.
• No jasmine rice on hand? Basmati is a beautiful backup.
• Add a pinch of turmeric for a little extra color and warmth.
• Want to sneak in veggies? Stir in some peas or spinach just before serving.

Little swaps like these make the recipe flexible and fridge-friendly. Plus, they’re great if you’re cooking for someone with dietary needs.

Angela’s Expert Tips for Success

Over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two from both flops and triumphs in the kitchen. Here are my go-to secrets for nailing rice with butter chicken​:

• Marinate ahead: Give the chicken at least 30 minutes to soak up those spices. Overnight? Even better.
• Don’t rush the sauce: Let it simmer until it thickens slightly. You want a luxurious, cling-to-your-rice kind of sauce.
• Toast the rice lightly: Before adding water, toast the rice in butter for 1–2 minutes. It brings out a warm, nutty aroma.
• Layer flavors: Use spices at multiple steps. That’s how you get those complex, restaurant-style results.
• Adjust heat levels: Not a fan of spice? Dial back the chili powder. Love the heat? Add a chopped green chili or more chili powder.
• Use fresh garlic and ginger: Freshly minced beats jarred every time—trust me.
• Cream goes in last: Don’t add the cream too early or you risk curdling. Always finish with it.

And here’s my bonus tip: Double the batch and freeze half. Future you will thank you!

Recommended Techniques for Rice with Butter Chicken​

To make things even smoother, keep these kitchen habits in mind:

• Mise en place: Fancy French for “get your stuff ready.” Chop, measure, and prep before cooking starts.
• Low and slow: Let flavors develop gradually—no need to rush!
• Cover and steam the rice: Keep the lid on. No peeking!
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet: Helps avoid burnt bits and spreads heat evenly.
• Taste as you go: Adjust spices, salt, and acid to your liking.

Step-by-Step Instructions​

1. Marinate the chicken: Mix yogurt and marinade spices in a bowl. Add diced chicken. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Cook the rice: Rinse rice until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, melt butter. Add rice, spices, and stir for 2 minutes. Pour in water, bring to boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Let sit off heat for 5 minutes. If you’re new to stovetop grains, you can also start with our beginner-friendly rice cooker recipes chicken collection.
3. Make the sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter. Sauté shallots, onion, garlic, and ginger until golden. Add chicken and cook until browned.
4. Simmer: Add tomato paste and water. Stir well and simmer for 7 minutes.
5. Creamy finish: Lower heat. Stir in cream, remaining spices, and lemon juice. Simmer gently until sauce thickens.
6. Serve: Plate up fluffy rice and top with generous ladles of butter chicken. Sprinkle fresh cilantro if you’d like!

Additional Guide: Variations & Twists

There’s more than one way to love this dish! Here are a few fun takes:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for paneer or roasted cauliflower.
• Spicy Lovers: Add chopped green chilies or a dash of cayenne.
• Low Carb: Serve the butter chicken over cauliflower rice.
• Instant Pot Friendly: Cook the chicken and sauce on sauté mode, then pressure cook for 5 minutes.

Looking for something with a little island flair? Try this comforting Puerto Rican chicken soup recipe for a twist on traditional comfort food.

If you love the flavors of Southeast Asia, you’ll adore this Hainanese chicken rice recipe—another rice-and-chicken classic.

And don’t forget the sides! Naan bread, cucumber raita, or mango chutney make this meal extra special.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rice with Butter Chicken​

Conclusion: A Recipe to Remember

So there you have it—your new favorite recipe for rice with butter chicken​. Whether you’re cooking for the family on a Wednesday night or having friends over for a weekend dinner, this dish hits the spot every time.

Food is about more than flavor. It’s about connection, comfort, and creating memories—something I’ve come to appreciate more with every meal shared at our table here in sunny Florida.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your home as it does to mine. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out. And hey—don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to comfort food too.

Warmly, Angela

Rice with Butter Chicken

This easy rice with butter chicken recipe blends tender marinated chicken, creamy spiced tomato sauce, and fragrant jasmine rice. Perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners—simple, flavorful, and family-approved!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 560 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Saucepan

Ingredients

  

Chicken Marinade

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp cumin

Butter Chicken Sauce

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic minced
• 1 tsp ginger minced
• 2 shallots minced
• 1/2 cup onion minced
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• salt and pepper to taste

Jasmine Rice

• 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 1/4 cups water
• 1 star anise
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

 

• In a bowl, combine plain yogurt, garam masala, chili powder, cinnamon, and cumin. Add diced chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
• In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, ginger, shallots, and onion. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.
• Add marinated chicken and cook until browned and nearly cooked through.
• Stir in tomato paste and water. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add heavy cream, garam masala, cumin, chili powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.
• Meanwhile, prepare the jasmine rice: rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear.
• In a saucepan, combine rice, water, butter, star anise, cardamom pods, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15–18 minutes until water is absorbed.
• Remove the rice from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
• Serve butter chicken over jasmine rice. Garnish with cilantro if desired.

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred. For a spicier version, add extra chili powder or fresh green chilies.

Keyword rice with butter chicken

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