A vibrant, flavor-packed dinner that’s easier than it looks
This Butter Chicken with Garlic Turmeric Rice and Mint Yogurt Sauce is all about balance—spiced, tender chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a cooling herbed yogurt sauce to tie it all together. It’s a complete, satisfying meal that doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, making it a go-to for anyone looking for easy nutritious recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor.
The whole dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for easy weeknight recipes, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. And thanks to the bold spices and fresh herbs, it holds up beautifully for leftovers or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1.25 lbs chicken breast, cubed
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt, to taste
For the Garlic Turmeric Rice
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 ¾ cups water
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 tablespoons oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
For the Yogurt Mint Sauce
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 small bunch fresh mint, chopped (about 2–3 tablespoons packed)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat well. Let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours if you have time.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and cook the chicken for 7–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned. Set aside and keep warm.
3. Make the Garlic Turmeric Rice
In a medium saucepan, heat oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the rice and stir to coat with the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in 1¾ cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and rice is fluffy. Let rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
4. Prepare the Yogurt Mint Sauce
In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, chopped mint, minced garlic, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
To Serve
Spoon the garlic turmeric rice onto plates, top with tender butter chicken, and drizzle generously with the mint yogurt sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon if you’d like, and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love It
This dish layers flavor in all the right ways: warm spices in the chicken, aromatic rice with a garlicky kick, and a creamy, herby sauce that cools and balances every bite. It’s hearty but not heavy—making it a standout among summer dinner recipes or anytime you want a comforting, complete meal with a little freshness on the side.
It’s also flexible. Swap chicken for tofu, use brown rice, or serve with flatbread or salad—it adapts easily while still hitting all the right notes.
Pro Tips
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor, but even 30 minutes makes a difference.
- Use fresh mint—it brightens the yogurt sauce and balances the spices.
- Meal prep friendly: Store each component separately for easy reheating throughout the week.
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