Cardamom Butter Chicken & Cumin Rice: Quick & Easy Party Recipe

Updated at: 14/05/2025

Craving a restaurant-quality Indian meal without the restaurant prices or lengthy prep time? Then look no further than this incredibly flavorful Cardamom Butter Chicken and Cumin Rice recipe! This dish is perfect for impressing guests at your next party or enjoying a luxurious weeknight dinner, offering a delicious balance of creamy, subtly sweet, and aromatic spices. The tender chicken, simmered in a rich, buttery sauce infused with warming cardamom, is the star of the show, beautifully complemented by the fragrant and subtly earthy cumin rice.

Forget complicated techniques and endless ingredient lists. This recipe simplifies the classic butter chicken experience, making it achievable for even the busiest home cooks. The vibrant flavors and satisfying textures will leave you feeling delighted, and the quick cooking time means more time to enjoy the delicious results. Ready to transform your kitchen into an Indian spice haven? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!

Tools Needed

  • pan
  • mixer
  • grater

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Cardamom Butter Chicken Sauce

  • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan. Add 3 green cardamoms, 2 chopped onions, and fry until translucent.
  • Add 4 chopped tomatoes, green coriander, ginger garlic paste (1 tbsp), Magaj (1/2 tbsp), cashews (1/2 tbsp), and salt. Cook until tomatoes soften.
  • Add 0.5 cup water, cover, and cook until spices are well done (about 5 mins).
  • Cool the tomato mixture and blend it in a mixer.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan. Add 3 green cardamoms, 2 chopped onions, and fry until translucent.Add 4 chopped tomatoes, green coriander, ginger garlic paste (1 tbsp), Magaj (1/2 tbsp), cashews (1/2 tbsp), and salt. Cook until tomatoes soften.Add 0.5 cup water, cover, and cook until spices are well done (about 5 mins).Cool the tomato mixture and blend it in a mixer.
Prepare the Cardamom Butter Chicken Sauce
  • For smoky flavor, heat coal, add butter/oil/ghee in a bowl, place bowl on top, and cover for 5 mins.
For smoky flavor, heat coal, add butter/oil/ghee in a bowl, place bowl on top, and cover for 5 mins.
Prepare the Cardamom Butter Chicken Sauce

Step 2. Cook the Chicken

  • Marinate the chicken (1/2 kg) with 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste and salt for 30 mins.
  • Heat 1.5 tbsp butter and 1.5 tbsp oil in a pan. Add crushed green cardamoms and saute.
  • Add the marinated chicken and fry until well browned (6-7 mins).
  • Add 3 tbsp beaten curd and fry until the water dries up.
Marinate the chicken (1/2 kg) with 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste and salt for 30 mins.Heat 1.5 tbsp butter and 1.5 tbsp oil in a pan. Add crushed green cardamoms and saute.Add the marinated chicken and fry until well browned (6-7 mins).Add 3 tbsp beaten curd and fry until the water dries up.
Cook the Chicken
  • Add turmeric (0.5 tsp), red chili powder (1 tsp), Kashmiri red chili powder (1 tbsp). Fry for 2 minutes.
  • Add the blended tomato mixture, some water, and cook on high flame until all spices mix well (2-3 mins).
  • Add 0.5 cup water, cover, and cook until chicken is done (10-12 mins).
  • Garnish with 1 tbsp fresh cream, garam masala (0.5 tsp - optional), and kasuri methi (1 tsp - optional).
Add turmeric (0.5 tsp), red chili powder (1 tsp), Kashmiri red chili powder (1 tbsp). Fry for 2 minutes.Add the blended tomato mixture, some water, and cook on high flame until all spices mix well (2-3 mins).Add 0.5 cup water, cover, and cook until chicken is done (10-12 mins).Garnish with 1 tbsp fresh cream, garam masala (0.5 tsp - optional), and kasuri methi (1 tsp - optional).
Cook the Chicken

Step 3. Make the Cumin Rice

  • Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a pan, add 1 tsp cumin seeds, and saute until color changes. Add boiled Basmati rice, mix well, and add salt to taste.
For cumin rice: Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a pan, add 1 tsp cumin seeds, and saute until color changes. Add boiled Basmati rice, mix well, and add salt to taste.
Make the Cumin Rice

Read more: Creamy Cashew Chicken Curry: A Simple Yet Sumptuous Recipe

Tips

  • Using Magaj and cashews (or almonds) makes the gravy richer and thicker.
  • Kashmiri red chili powder provides color without excessive spice.
  • The green cardamom gives a nice flavor, but garam masala can be added for an extra layer of taste.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The chicken and rice can be prepared separately a day in advance and reheated gently before serving. This is great for party prep.

2. What can I substitute for the cardamom?

While cardamom is key to the flavor profile, a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can be used as a partial substitute if needed. However, the unique flavor of cardamom is highly recommended.


This Cardamom Butter Chicken and Cumin Rice recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a sophisticated yet surprisingly simple meal. Enjoy the compliments and savor the delicious flavors – your guests will be begging for the recipe! Happy cooking!