Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice

  

The Ultimate Guide to Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice

Introduction

Indian Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is a beloved dish known for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken pieces. Paired with aromatic Basmati rice, this dish delivers a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This guide provides a detailed overview of how to prepare this classic dish, including ingredient details, preparation steps, and expert tips to ensure a delicious result every time.

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients Overview

   • Chicken and Marinade
   • Sauce Ingredients
   • Basmati Rice Ingredients

2. Preparation Steps

   • Marinating the Chicken
   • Preparing the Sauce
   • Cooking the Rice

3. Cooking the Butter Chicken

   • Sautéing and Simmering
   • Combining Ingredients

4. Serving Suggestions

   • Garnishes
   • Accompaniments

5. Tips for Perfection

   • Marinade Tips
   • Sauce Adjustments
   • Rice Cooking Techniques

6. Conclusion

Ingredients Overview

Chicken and Marinade

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Chicken Thighs	2 pounds (900g)	Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
Greek Yogurt	1 cup (240ml)	For tenderizing and marinating
Lemon Juice	2 tablespoons	Adds acidity and flavor
Garam Masala	1 tablespoon	Essential spice blend
Cumin	1 teaspoon	Adds warmth and depth
Coriander	1 teaspoon	Adds a citrusy note
Turmeric	1/2 teaspoon	For color and subtle flavor
Chili Powder	1 teaspoon	Adjust to taste for spiciness
Garlic	4 cloves	Minced
Ginger	1 tablespoon	Freshly grated
Salt	1 teaspoon	To taste

Graphic: Spice Blends for Marinade

Sauce Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Butter	4 tablespoons	For a rich, creamy base
Onion	1 large	Finely chopped
Garlic	3 cloves	Minced
Ginger	1 tablespoon	Freshly grated
Tomato Puree	1 cup (240ml)	For a tangy, tomato-based sauce
Heavy Cream	1 cup (240ml)	For creaminess
Kasuri Methi	1 tablespoon	Dried fenugreek leaves, for authentic flavor
Garam Masala	1 tablespoon	To enhance the spice blend
Sugar	1 teaspoon	Balances the acidity of the tomatoes
Salt	1 teaspoon	To taste
Black Pepper	1/2 teaspoon	Freshly ground, to taste

Table: Key Ingredients for Sauce

Ingredient	Flavor Contribution
Butter	Rich and creamy
Tomato Puree	Tangy and slightly sweet
Heavy Cream	Adds richness and smoothness
Kasuri Methi	Adds a distinct, earthy aroma

Basmati Rice Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Basmati Rice	1.5 cups (300g)	Rinsed thoroughly to remove excess starch
Water	3 cups (720ml)	For cooking the rice
Salt	1/2 teaspoon	To taste
Bay Leaves	2 leaves	Adds aromatic flavor
Whole Spices (optional)	2-3 cloves, 2 cardamom pods, 1 small cinnamon stick	Adds extra flavor to the rice

Graphic: Basmati Rice Cooking

Preparation Steps

Marinating the Chicken

1. Preparing the Marinade:

   • In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
   • Add salt and mix well.

2. Marinating:

   • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated.
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, for best results.

Table: Marinade Time and Temperature

Marinade Time	Refrigeration	Flavor Development
1 hour	Chilled	Basic flavor infusion
Overnight	Chilled	Deep, well-developed flavor

Preparing the Sauce

1. Cooking the Base:

   • In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Add finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.

2. Building the Sauce:

   • Stir in tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened.
   • Add heavy cream, garam masala, kasuri methi, and sugar. Stir well and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Graphic: Sauce Preparation

Cooking the Rice

1. Rinsing the Rice:

   • Rinse the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

2. Cooking the Rice:

   • In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt, bay leaves, and optional whole spices if using.
   • Add rinsed rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
   • Fluff with a fork before serving.

Table: Rice Cooking Times

Rice Type	Cooking Time	Water Ratio
Basmati Rice	15-20 minutes	1.5 cups water per 1 cup rice

Cooking the Butter Chicken

Sautéing and Simmering

1. Cooking the Chicken:

   • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
   • Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
   • Remove the chicken and set aside.

2. Combining Ingredients:

   • Add the cooked chicken to the prepared sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken with the sauce.
   • Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Graphic: Butter Chicken Cooking

Serving Suggestions

Garnishes

1. Fresh Herbs:

   • Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.

2. Additional Butter:

   • Drizzle a little extra melted butter over the chicken just before serving for added richness.

Accompaniments

1. Rice:

   • Serve the butter chicken over a bed of fluffy Basmati rice.

2. Naan Bread:

   • Complement with warm naan bread or parathas for a complete meal.

Table: Accompaniment Options

Accompaniment	Description
Basmati Rice	Fluffy and aromatic
Naan Bread	Soft, leavened flatbread
Raita	Cooling yogurt-based side dish

Tips for Perfection

Marinade Tips

1. Marinating Time:

   • Longer marination allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

2. Yogurt Consistency:

   • Use thick Greek yogurt for the marinade to ensure it adheres well to the chicken and tenderizes effectively.

Sauce Adjustments

1. Creaminess:

   • Adjust the amount of heavy cream to your preferred level of richness.

2. Spice Level:

   • Modify the amount of chili powder and garam masala to suit your taste.

Rice Cooking Techniques

1. Rinsing Rice:

   • Properly rinsing the rice helps prevent it from becoming too sticky.

2. Fluffing:

   • Fluffing the rice with a fork after cooking helps to separate the grains and improve texture.

Table: Spice Adjustments

Spice	Adjustment	Effect
Chili Powder	Increase for more heat	Spicier flavor
Garam Masala	Adjust for depth of flavor	Adds warmth and complexity
Heavy Cream	Increase for creaminess	Richer and smoother texture

Conclusion

Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce and aromatic rice. This detailed guide provides everything you need to create an authentic and delicious meal, from marinating the chicken to perfecting the rice. Enjoy this classic Indian dish and savor the rich flavors and satisfying textures!