Creamy Butter Chicken with Fragrant White Rice
There’s something undeniably soul-soothing about a big bowl of creamy butter chicken nestled next to fluffy, fragrant rice. It’s the kind of comfort food that fills the house with warm spice and makes everyone linger at the dinner table just a bit longer. This butter chicken recipe blends aromatic spices, tomatoes, cream, and yogurt to create a velvety sauce that clings to juicy, tender chicken. Served with buttery rice, it’s a complete meal that hits every craving.
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, is a beloved Indian-inspired dish that’s become a global favorite for a reason. But what makes this version special is its gentle South African twist—using spices from trusted brands like Rajah and Mère Parman, plus familiar staples like All Gold tomatoes and Danone yogurt. It’s a fusion of authenticity and pantry-friendly simplicity.
Best of all, this dish comes together in under 45 minutes, making it a weeknight winner that feels like a weekend treat.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Butter Chicken:
- 500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
- 30g unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2.5cm fresh ginger, grated
- 15ml garam masala or sel masala
- 5ml ground cumin (Mère Parman)
- 5ml ground coriander (Mère Parman)
- 2.5ml turmeric (Rajah)
- 2.5ml chili powder (Rajah)
- 410g can crushed tomatoes (e.g. All Gold)
- 125ml fresh cream
- 60ml plain yogurt (e.g. Danone)
- 15ml honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
For the Fragrant White Rice:
- 200g long-grain white rice (e.g. Tastic)
- 400ml water
- 15g butter
- Salt to taste
🔁 Ingredient Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Boneless thighs are juicier, but breasts work just as well.
- Cream: Swap with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds tang, but plain yogurt keeps it classic.
- Spice Level: Adjust chili powder to your preferred heat.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance acidity, but it’s optional.
- Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice can be used for even more aroma.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a pot, bring 400ml water to a boil with a pinch of salt.
- Add rice, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15–18 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and stir in 15g of butter for extra flavor.
2. Make the Butter Chicken:
- In a large skillet, melt 30g butter over medium heat.
- Sauté chopped onion for 4 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in all the spices: garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili.
- Add the chicken cubes and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, stir, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Lower the heat, add cream, yogurt, and optional honey. Stir well.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Serve It Up:
- Spoon hot rice onto plates or into bowls.
- Top with generous helpings of creamy butter chicken.
- Garnish with chopped fresh coriander.
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t rush the onions: Let them get soft and golden to build flavor.
- Simmer gently after adding cream and yogurt to avoid curdling.
- Make ahead: The sauce gets even better after a day in the fridge.
- Double the rice: It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This creamy butter chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic naan or roti for dipping
- Cucumber raita for a cooling contrast
- A side of sautéed green beans or spinach
- For drinks, try a mango lassi or a refreshing strawberry mojito.
🧊 Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Butter chicken freezes well—cool completely before freezing in portions.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much.
🍗 More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this dish, check out these reader favorites from the ChefManiac kitchen:
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole – another comforting rice and chicken combo
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders – party-perfect and packed with flavor
- These Easy Turkey Wings – a cozy Sunday favorite
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – crowd-pleasing, melty, and simple
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo – a warm hug in a bowl
🥄 Final Thoughts
This butter chicken recipe is one of those meals that turns an ordinary night into something a little magical. It’s fragrant, flavorful, and made with love—exactly the kind of dish that gets requested again and again.
Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it went! Leave a comment, share a photo, or follow me on ChefManiac.com for more cozy, flavor-packed meals like this one.
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