Craving a restaurant-quality meal that'll transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of India? Get ready to unlock the secret to the most mouthwatering butter chicken rice bowl that will make your dinner guests think you've secretly trained with a professional chef! This creamy, flavor-packed dish combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, and perfectly cooked basmati rice in a way that'll have everyone begging for your recipe. In just 40 minutes, you can create a culinary masterpiece that's both impressive and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the basmati rice by rinsing it thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- While the rice is cooking, season the cubed chicken breast with salt and garam masala. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and pour in the tomato sauce. Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes to develop the flavors. Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the heavy cream, creating a smooth and rich sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the sauce, stirring gently to coat each piece. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors and ensure it's heated through.
- Fluff the cooked basmati rice with a fork and divide it among four serving bowls. Spoon the butter chicken and its creamy sauce over the rice, ensuring an even distribution.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of additional garam masala. Serve hot and enjoy your butter chicken rice bowl.
Tips
- • For the most tender chicken, cut the breast into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. • Use fresh garam masala if possible - it makes a significant difference in the depth of flavor. • When adding cream to the tomato sauce, do it slowly and on low heat to prevent curdling and achieve a smooth, silky texture. • Don't skip rinsing the basmati rice - this removes excess starch and helps create perfectly fluffy grains. • For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices for 30 minutes before cooking. • If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili powder or some finely chopped green chilies to the sauce. • Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to add a bright, fresh element to the rich dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
