Description
A rich, creamy butter chicken paired with bold and savory dirty rice, blending Indian and Southern comfort flavors into one unforgettable dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 cup tomato puree
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 bay leaf
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and get your saucepan ready for the rice.
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken and coat well. Let it marinate at least 30 minutes (overnight is best).
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in your skillet. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add remaining butter. Sauté garlic and ginger, then add tomato puree and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in cream and spices. Return chicken to the pan.
- Let the butter chicken simmer gently for 15 minutes until thickened.
- In your saucepan, sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper in a little oil. Add rice, bay leaf, and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Check rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork. Adjust salt and spice levels in your curry if needed.
- Plate a scoop of dirty rice and spoon butter chicken over top. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for best flavor.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the most aromatic result.
- Simmer sauce slowly for maximum richness.
- Bay leaf in rice adds depth—don’t skip it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: butter chicken, dirty rice, creamy curry, Indian fusion, comfort food