Authentic Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce with butter, cream, and aromatic spices, served with fragrant basmati rice. This indian ready in about 60 minutes pairs cubed chicken thighs, basmati rice, large, pureed tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1.5 cups basmati rice, soak 20 minutes, then drain. In a pot, bring 3 cups water to a boil, add rice, and cook 12-15 minutes until tender. Keep warm.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs and cook 5 minutes until browned. Add 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp turmeric, and 1 tbsp sugar. Stir 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 4 pureed tomatoes, 1.5 tsp garam masala, and 1.5 tsp salt. Simmer 10 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 2 tbsp butter. Cook 5 minutes until sauce thickens. Serve over rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cubed chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice?

Indian indian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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