Delicious One-Pot Butter Chicken Khichdi Recipe
This One-Pot Butter Chicken Khichdi combines the rich, comforting flavors of butter chicken with the hearty texture of khichdi, a staple in North Indian kitchens. The fusion of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice creates a dish that is not only flavorful but also easy to prepare. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds with every bite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Bay leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 leaf |
| Whole black peppercorns | 4 |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cardamom pods/seeds | 1 |
| Star anise | 1 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 2-inch piece |
| Green chili (slit lengthways) | 2 |
| Garlic (crushed) | 6 cloves |
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 1 medium |
| Tomato (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Homemade tomato puree | ¼ cup |
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | ¼ cup |
| Chicken breasts (cut into strips) | 1 cup |
| Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek) | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Red chili powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Tandoori chicken masala (Everest) | 2 teaspoons |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 2 teaspoons |
| Garam masala powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Rice (washed) | 1 cup |
| Water | 3 ½ cups |
| Coriander leaves (finely chopped) | For garnish |
| Mint leaves (finely chopped) | For garnish |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: One Pot Dish
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken and Aromatics
- Wash and Prepare the Chicken: Begin by washing the chicken thoroughly. Drain it well and cut the chicken breasts into long, bite-sized strips. Set aside.
- Prepare the Spices: In a pressure cooker, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over low flame. Once the butter melts, add the whole spices: bay leaf, cumin seeds, cardamom, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Allow them to sizzle and release their fragrance.
- Saute Aromatics: Next, add finely chopped ginger, crushed garlic, and slit green chilies. Saute these ingredients for about 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to infuse into the butter.
Step 2: Cooking the Base
- Add the Onions: Stir in the thinly sliced onions and cook until they turn translucent. This step will help release the sweetness of the onions, which balances the spices.
- Incorporate Tomatoes: Add the finely chopped tomato and tomato puree. Stir well, cover, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the mixture comes together.
Step 3: Adding Spices
- Mix in the Spices: Once the tomatoes are cooked, add the red chili powder, tandoori chicken masala, cumin powder, garam masala, and kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves). Stir to combine all the spices into the mixture and allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will help the spices release their full aroma.
Step 4: Cooking the Chicken
- Add Chicken and Yogurt: Open the lid of the pressure cooker and reduce the flame to low. Add the yogurt and chicken pieces to the pot. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the chicken is coated with the spiced yogurt mixture. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Adding Rice and Final Cooking
- Add Rice and Water: Now, add the washed and drained rice to the cooker, followed by 3 ½ cups of water. Stir gently to combine everything. Season with salt to taste.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook the mixture for 3 whistles on medium heat. After 3 whistles, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
Step 6: Garnishing and Serving
- Garnish: Open the lid of the pressure cooker once the pressure has released. Fluff the khichdi gently with a fork. Garnish with finely chopped coriander and mint leaves for added freshness and flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve your One-Pot Butter Chicken Khichdi hot with a dollop of butter or ghee for an extra indulgent touch. For a special dinner, pair it with Tomato Onion Tadka Raita and Papad on the side.
Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken Khichdi:
- Adjust the Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chili powder and green chilies used. Conversely, for a spicier kick, feel free to add extra chili powder or fresh green chilies.
- Rice Texture: If you prefer your rice to be less mushy, use a little less water and reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Yogurt Substitute: If you don’t have yogurt, you can substitute it with a bit of cream to give the dish a rich, creamy texture.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with paneer (cottage cheese) or mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and beans.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
Enjoy this wholesome, delicious One-Pot Butter Chicken Khichdi as a perfect fusion of comfort food and flavorful spices. It’s an ideal dish for those who love rich, hearty meals with a touch of Indian authenticity.
