🍗 Butter Chicken Casserole 🥘 (Ready in 45 Minutes!) | Comfort Food Made Easy!
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and fuss-free dinner? This Butter Chicken Casserole is here to save the day! Tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a creamy tomato sauce are baked to perfection with rice and veggies for a complete one-dish meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this casserole is easy, healthy, and totally delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💛
✅ One-dish wonder – fewer dishes, more flavor!
✅ Kid-approved – mild, creamy, and packed with flavor! 👨👩👧👦
✅ Meal-prep friendly – make ahead for easy lunches or dinners! �
✅ Gluten-free & dairy-free adaptable – suits most diets!
✅ Perfect for leftovers – tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients 🛒
(Serves 6)
For the Butter Chicken Layer
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or ghee)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
- ½ tsp salt + ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Casserole Base
- 1.5 cups basmati rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions 📝
1️⃣ Prepare the Butter Chicken Layer
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 3-4 mins until softened.
- Stir in garam masala, turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat in spices.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer for 10 mins.
- Stir in heavy cream (or coconut milk) and honey. Set aside.
2️⃣ Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13 baking dish, spread uncooked rice evenly.
- Pour chicken broth over the rice.
- Add frozen peas and carrots on top.
- Spoon the butter chicken mixture over the rice and veggies.
3️⃣ Bake the Casserole
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 mins.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, and bake for another 10-15 mins, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is bubbly.
4️⃣ Garnish & Serve!
- Top with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts 🥗
(Per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
Cook’s Notes 🌟
🔹 Extra flavor: Add 1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) to the butter chicken layer.
🔹 Spice it up: Add ½ tsp cayenne or chili flakes to the chicken mixture.
🔹 Vegetarian option: Use chickpeas or paneer instead of chicken.
🔹 Make it cheesy: Add a sprinkle of parmesan or cheddar before baking.
🔹 Freeze leftovers: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Serving Ideas 🍽️
- Classic Pairing: Serve with garlic naan or roti.
- Low-carb option: Use cauliflower rice instead of basmati rice.
- Side Salad: Add a fresh cucumber-tomato salad with lemon dressing.
- Party Platter: Pair with samosa bites and mango lassi.
Why Butter Chicken Casserole? 🥘
This recipe is the perfect way to enjoy butter chicken in a hearty, one-dish format! The creamy, spiced chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy rice and veggies, creating a dish that’s fun, flavorful, and easy to make. Plus, it’s versatile—swap in your favorite proteins, grains, or toppings to make it your own.
#ButterChickenCasserole on Instagram! 📸
Butter Chicken Casserole Recipe, One-Dish Dinner Ideas, Healthy Indian Fusion Food, Gluten-Free Casserole, Meal Prep Recipes, Dairy-Free Butter Chicken
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