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Chicken Recipes Butter Chicken with Rice

I’ll be honest, butter chicken holds a soft spot in my kitchen. The smell alone makes me pause whatever I’m doing and hover near the stove like a curious cat. This dish isn’t just food, it’s the kind of comfort meal you want after a long day when cooking feels like a chore but you still want something that tastes like a warm hug. When I first tried making butter chicken curry at home, I worried I’d end up with a bland mess. But I learned that with the right mix of spices and a touch of patience, you get that creamy, tomato-rich sauce that clings to tender chicken pieces in the best way. I love serving it over steamy rice because it soaks up all that flavor—plus, it keeps cleanup simple, which is always a win. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, testing new recipes for dinner chicken nights, or making a meal for 2, this recipe works like a charm. It sits happily alongside other chicken curry recipes, but it keeps its own crown when it comes to taste and ease. If you’ve been searching for a recipe for rice that feels anything but plain, this is it. Trust me, once you spoon this onto your plate, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for takeout.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: butter chicken curry recipe, chicken curry recipes, chicken recipes, recipe for rice, recipes for 2, recipes for dinner chicken
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Linda

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Cooked basmati rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until golden.
  2. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
  3. Add garam masala, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Stir well to coat onions with spices.
  4. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes.
  6. Lower the heat, stir in cream, and let it cook gently for another 10 minutes.
  7. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot over rice.