Warm your heart and belly with this comforting butter chicken dish. Tender chicken thighs are seasoned with garam masala and curry powder, then simmered in a buttery tomato cream sauce. Served over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, it’s a satisfying meal that comes together quickly.
Drizzle with yogurt and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a tangy, herbaceous finish. Pair it with cheesy garlic naan on the side for the ultimate Indian-inspired dinner.
Log in to save recipes and build weekly shopping lists.
Recipe details
Nutrition per serving
Dietary labels
Allergen check
Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and dry produce. In a medium pot, combine rice, 2¼ cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a low simmer. Cook until rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
- While rice cooks, place 2 tablespoons butter in a small microwave-safe bowl; cover with plastic wrap. Microwave until melted, 30 seconds. Add half the garlic powder and stir to combine. Set aside. Roughly chop cilantro.
- Open package of chicken and drain off any excess liquid. Heat a large drizzle of oil in a large, preferably high-sided, pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, 6-8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium.
- Add garam masala, curry powder and remaining garlic powder to pan with chicken. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add tomato paste, Vidalia onion paste, veggie stock concentrates and chicken stock concentrates. Cook, stirring, until chicken is evenly coated, 30 seconds. Add cream sauce base and ¾ cup water. Stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce has thickened, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. Add 3 tablespoons butter and ½ teaspoon sugar; stir until butter has melted. Cover to keep warm.
- Adjust rack to top position and heat broiler to high. Place naan on a baking sheet. Spoon garlic butter over tops and sprinkle with mozzarella. Broil until cheese melts and naan are toasted, 3-4 minutes. TIP: The broiler is powerful; keep an eye on the naan to prevent burning.
- Quarter cheesy garlic naan. Fluff rice with a fork. Divide rice between bowls and top with butter chicken. Drizzle with yogurt. Garnish with cilantro. Serve with cheesy garlic naan on the side.
Recipe Tips
For extra richness, use full-fat yogurt for drizzling.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a minute longer.
The naan can be toasted in a toaster oven if you don’t have a broiler.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breast instead of dark meat?
Yes, but dark meat stays juicier and adds more flavor to the sauce. If using breast, reduce cooking time slightly to avoid drying out.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut cream instead of cream sauce base and skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese.
How do I store leftovers?
Store butter chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
































Recipe comments
0 DandyRecipes comments
Log in to comment on this recipe.
No DandyRecipes comments yet.