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Basmati Rice and Butter Chicken Casserole

Basmati Rice and Butter Chicken Casserole
60min Total Time
6 people Servings
Medium Difficulty
Moderate Cost
450 kcal Calories

Basmati Rice and Butter Chicken Casserole is a comforting dish that perfectly combines fragrant rice with rich, creamy butter chicken for an irresistible family dinner!


Ingredients

6
  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.

3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until transparent.

4

Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.

5

Stir in the curry powder and garam masala. Cook for 1 minute.

6

In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, coconut milk, chicken broth, and drained rice.

7

Add the sautéed onion mixture and frozen peas. Stir well.

8

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9

Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and cover with foil.

10

Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the rice is tender.

11

Allow to cool for a few minutes, then stir in yogurt and sprinkle cilantro on top before serving.

Kitchen Tools

  • Large skillet
  • Casserole dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Chef’s knife for chopping

Chef's Tips

Ensure the rice is thoroughly rinsed to prevent stickiness.
You can substitute chicken with chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Adjust the level of spices according to your preference.

Troubleshooting

If the rice is undercooked, add a little more broth and return to the oven covered.
If it’s too dry, add more coconut milk or broth when reheating.

Recipe Variations

Swap chicken with turkey for a leaner option.
Add different vegetables like zucchini or carrots.
Incorporate spices like saffron for a luxurious flavor.

Healthy Alternatives

Use brown basmati rice for more fiber.
Replace coconut milk with low-fat yogurt for fewer calories.
Add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with naan or pita bread.
Offer a side salad with fresh greens and lemon dressing.
Pair with a spicy mango chutney.

Nutrition Facts

450
Calories
25g
Protein
55g
Carbs
15g
Fat
3g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
600mg
Sodium
50mg
Cholesterol

Dietary Info

Lactose-free
High-protein

Garnish Ideas

Chopped green onions
Sliced almonds or cashews
Fresh cilantro leaves

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Leftover Ideas

Make a burrito wrap with leftover rice and chicken.
Turn it into a stir-fry with extra vegetables.
Add to omelets for a protein-packed breakfast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t skip rinsing the rice, as it helps to achieve fluffy grains.
Ensure the chicken is completely cooked before mixing it with the rice.
Avoid overcooking in the oven to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown basmati rice instead of white?

Yes, but be sure to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly since brown rice takes longer to cook.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it the night before and bake it just before serving.

What can I serve as a side dish?

A simple cucumber salad or a mix of roasted vegetables pairs well with this casserole.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reviews

Emma
Mar 20, 2026
This casserole was a hit at dinner! So creamy and flavorful.
Liam
Mar 14, 2026
I enjoyed the combination of spices. Will make it again!
Olivia
Mar 13, 2026
A delightful twist on traditional butter chicken. Loved it!
Noah
Mar 26, 2026
It was good, but I found it a bit too rich for my taste.
Ava
Mar 27, 2026
Perfect balance of flavors! My family devoured it!
Sophia
Mar 12, 2026
So easy to make and absolutely delicious.
Mason
Mar 30, 2026
I loved the creamy texture, but I think it needs a bit more spice.
Isabella
Mar 20, 2026
Fantastic dish! I will definitely make this again.
Ethan
Apr 6, 2026
Very satisfying meal. I’ll be sharing this recipe!
Mia
Mar 13, 2026
Comfort food at its best. So hearty and filling!
Lucas
Mar 25, 2026
I expected more flavor but it was still decent.
Charlotte
Apr 3, 2026
This is now one of my favorite dishes to make!
James
Mar 19, 2026
A great recipe for busy weeknights. Very filling!
Amelia
Mar 17, 2026
Super tasty and easy to put together!
Liam
Mar 12, 2026
A comforting meal that my kids loved!
Grace
Mar 17, 2026
I added some extra veggies, and it turned out great!
Daniel
Mar 16, 2026
It was okay, but I prefer my butter chicken without rice.
Zoe
Apr 1, 2026
Such a wonderful family meal; we all enjoyed it!
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