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Basmati Rice and Butter Chicken Casserole

Basmati Rice and Butter Chicken Casserole
65min Total Time
6 people Servings
Medium Difficulty
Moderate Cost
550 kcal Calories

Elevate your dinner with this deliciously creamy Basmati Rice and Butter Chicken Casserole, combining the rich flavors of butter chicken with the fluffy goodness of basmati rice!


Ingredients

6
  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, diced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear; set aside.

3

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

4

Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until the onion is translucent.

5

Stir in the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, butter, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

6

In a large casserole dish, layer the rinsed rice and pour the butter chicken sauce over the top.

7

Add 3 cups of water to the casserole, stir gently to combine, and cover with aluminum foil.

8

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.

9

Let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.

Kitchen Tools

  • Large skillet
  • Casserole dish
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Chef's Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for a few hours before cooking.
You can substitute boneless chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner option.
Feel free to add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for added nutrition.

Troubleshooting

If the rice is undercooked, add a little more water and return to the oven for a few more minutes.
If the casserole is too dry, add more cream or broth.
For a richer flavor, let the dish sit longer before serving.

Recipe Variations

Try using paneer for a vegetarian version.
Add spinach or kale to the sauce for a nutritious boost.
Incorporate different spices like coriander or fennel for unique flavors.

Healthy Alternatives

Use brown basmati rice for added fiber.
Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Opt for skinless chicken breast to reduce fat content.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with naan or pita bread on the side.
Pair it with a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
Add a dollop of yogurt or raita for added creaminess.

Nutrition Facts

550
Calories
32g
Protein
60g
Carbs
20g
Fat
3g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
450mg
Sodium
85mg
Cholesterol

Dietary Info

Gluten-free
Lactose-free
High-protein

Garnish Ideas

Fresh cilantro or parsley
Sliced red onions
Lemon wedges

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Leftover Ideas

Transform leftovers into a wrap with lettuce and hummus.
Add the casserole to a soup base for a comforting meal.
Use it as a filling for stuffed peppers or zucchini.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not rinsing the rice properly, which can lead to a gummy texture.
Overcooking the chicken, resulting in dry pieces in the casserole.
Not allowing the casserole to rest, which can affect the texture of the rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and cut it before cooking for even cooking.

Is this casserole spicy?

It's mildly spiced, but you can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it and store it in the refrigerator, then bake when ready to serve.

What can I do if my rice is soggy?

Let it sit uncovered for a few minutes to help absorb excess moisture.

Can I add different proteins?

Yes, shrimp or turkey work well as alternatives to chicken.

Reviews

Sophie
Mar 10, 2026
Absolutely delicious! My family went back for seconds!
Daniel
Apr 5, 2026
Very tasty, but I added more spices for extra kick!
Mia
Mar 24, 2026
It was good, but I think I overcooked the rice a bit.
Jordan
Mar 27, 2026
Really creamy and comforting, perfect for a cold night.
Liam
Mar 27, 2026
Made this for a gathering. Everyone loved it!
Emma
Mar 29, 2026
I love how simple it is to make, and it's so filling!
Ava
Mar 31, 2026
A bit on the heavier side, but full of flavor!
Noah
Apr 7, 2026
It was decent but needed more seasoning for my taste.
Samantha
Mar 23, 2026
So easy and delicious! Great for meal prep.
Oliver
Mar 28, 2026
Tasted great! Will definitely make again.
Isabella
Mar 26, 2026
Family favorite! Everyone asks for it on repeat.
Ethan
Mar 12, 2026
Really enjoyed it, especially with the cilantro garnish.
Lily
Mar 20, 2026
Good overall, but I felt it was missing some crunch.
Mason
Mar 18, 2026
Perfect for a weeknight dinner. So satisfied!
Chloe
Mar 23, 2026
Really nice comfort food, just what I needed!
Aiden
Mar 11, 2026
I added some peas, and it turned out perfect!
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