Creamy Butter Chicken with Chickpeas & Rice
Indian-inspired skillet dish featuring tender butter chicken, protein-packed chickpeas, and fluffy rice. Creamy tomato sauce with butter, garam masala, and a bright finish comes together in one pan over a bed of saffron rice for a weeknight crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
Servings:
2 servings
(originally 4 servings)Ingredients(scaled)
- ¾ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ tablespoon ghee or clarified butter
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ tablespoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- ½ cup canned crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup basmati rice
- ¾ cups chicken broth
- ½ Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- ½ Pinch saffron threads (optional, for rice aroma)
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup basmati rice; simmer in 1.5 cups chicken broth with a pinch of saffron (if using) until fluffy, about 15 minutes; cover and keep warm.
- Heat 1 tbsp ghee and 1 tsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add chicken, season with salt, and cook until lightly browned, 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In same skillet, add onion; sauté 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in garam masala, coriander, paprika, and chili flakes; cook 30 seconds to bloom spices.
- Add crushed tomatoes; simmer 3 minutes, then return chicken with any resting juices; stir in cream and chickpeas; simmer 6–8 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Finish with lemon juice; adjust salt and pepper. Serve over saffron rice and garnish with cilantro.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Brown the chicken well for depth of flavor.
- Finish with a splash of lemon to brighten the sauce.
- For extra richness, swirl in 1 tbsp butter at the end.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a simple cucumber raita and a side of roasted vegetables for a complete plate.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutritional Estimates
Per serving · 2 servings total
| calories | 520 |
|---|---|
| protein | 38 |
| carbs | 58 |
| fat | 18 |
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