Butter Chicken Rice

Nigerian jollof rice falls in love with Indian butter chicken, this is the delicious result.

📝 Ingredients

• 700 g boneless (skinless chicken thighs, chicken breast, or a combination of both)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (110 g)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
• 2 tablespoons butter (28 g)
• 1 small onion (finely diced (150 g))
• 4 cloves garlic (minced (20 g))
• 1 tsp grated ginger (15 g)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (65 g)
• 2 cans tomato puree or passata (16oz or 450 g)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup chicken stock (240 ml)
• 1 1/2 cups water (360 ml)
• 1 cup heavy cream or double cream (240 ml)
• 4 cups washed long grain sella basmati rice (780g)
• Chopped cilantro or parsley

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Remove the skin and bones from the chicken if needed, then cut it into bite sized pieces.
2. 2In a large bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and salt. Mix until every piece is well coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
3. 3Make the Chicken Stock (Optional): If making homemade chicken stock, add the reserved chicken bones and skin to a pot with the onion, garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 hour. Strain and set aside.
4. 4Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
5. 5In the same pot, melt the butter. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the onions softened.
6. 6Pour in the tomato sauce (or passata) and stir well.
7. 7Add the paprika, cayenne pepper, curry powder, cumin, garam masala, chicken bouillon, salt, and sugar. Mix.
8. 8Pour in the chicken stock and water, stir to combine, then cover and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes.
9. 9Stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
10. 10Add the washed rice and gently stir until the rice is evenly coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
11. 11Cover with a tight fitting lid and cook over low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
12. 12Once the rice is cooked, stir well to let some of the steam escape. This helps keep the grains fluffy and separate.
13. 13Return the cooked chicken to the pot and gently fold it into the rice until evenly distributed.
14. 14Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley, then serve warm.