I gotta say, butter chicken is one of my all-time favorite dishes.
And let me tell you, finding the perfect rice to complement that rich and creamy gravy is a game-changer.
So, after some serious rice research, I’ve rounded up the top 10 types that pair beautifully with butter chicken.
From fragrant Basmati to sticky Jasmine, these rice varieties will take your butter chicken experience to a whole new level.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is a popular choice for butter chicken because of its long grains and fragrant aroma. When I cook butter chicken, I always reach for a bag of Basmati rice.
The long grains of Basmati rice perfectly complement the rich and flavorful butter chicken dish. As I simmer the chicken in a creamy tomato sauce, the aroma of the Basmati rice fills my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.
The grains of Basmati rice are fluffy and separate when cooked, creating a light and delicate texture that pairs well with the creamy butter chicken. The nutty flavor of Basmati rice also adds a wonderful depth to the overall dish, making it a truly satisfying meal.
Jasmine Rice
If you’re looking for a fragrant rice to pair with your butter chicken, you can’t go wrong with jasmine rice. Its delicate aroma and fluffy texture make it the perfect companion to this rich and flavorful dish.
I love how the fragrant jasmine rice enhances the flavors of the butter chicken, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal. The grains are slightly sticky, which allows them to soak up the delicious sauce and spices of the butter chicken, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or simply looking to elevate your dinner, jasmine rice is a must-try. Trust me, once you taste this combination, you’ll keep coming back for more.
Saffron Rice
When cooking saffron rice, I enhance its vibrant color and subtle flavor by steeping the saffron threads in warm water before adding them to the rice. This simple step allows the saffron to release its beautiful golden hue and infuse the rice with its distinct taste.
I start by heating some water until it is warm, but not boiling. Then, I add a pinch of saffron threads to the water and let them steep for about 10 to 15 minutes. The warm water helps to intensify the color and flavor of the saffron, giving the rice a rich and aromatic quality.
Once the saffron has steeped, I strain the water and use it to cook the rice, resulting in a stunning and delicious saffron rice dish.
Wild Rice
Cooking wild rice is a great way to add a nutty and earthy flavor to your dishes. I love using wild rice in my recipes because it adds a unique taste and texture that can’t be replicated with other types of rice.
To cook wild rice, I start by rinsing it thoroughly to remove any impurities. Then, I bring a pot of water to a boil and add the rice. I let it simmer for about 45 minutes until it’s tender and has absorbed all the water.
The result is a delicious and nutritious grain that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. Whether I’m making a hearty soup or a flavorful stir-fry, wild rice always adds a delightful twist to my meals.
Arborio Rice
Arborio rice, commonly used in risotto, has a creamy texture that adds richness to any dish. I love how this type of rice absorbs flavors and releases starch while cooking, creating a velvety consistency. It’s perfect for making a delicious butter chicken.
The creamy nature of Arborio rice complements the spicy and aromatic flavors of the butter chicken sauce, creating a harmonious balance of taste and texture. As I take a bite of the tender chicken and flavorful sauce, the creamy Arborio rice adds a comforting element to the dish. Each grain of rice is plump and soft, providing a delightful contrast to the bold flavors of the butter chicken.
Arborio rice truly elevates this classic Indian dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Brown Rice
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, brown rice is a great choice. I love incorporating brown rice into my meals because it offers numerous health benefits.
Unlike white rice, brown rice is a whole grain that hasn’t been stripped of its bran and germ. This means it contains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Brown rice is also low in calories and fat, making it a great option for those trying to watch their weight.
Additionally, brown rice has a lower glycemic index compared to white rice, which means it helps regulate blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture make it a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
Red Rice
When you’re looking for a unique and flavorful option, red rice is a fantastic choice to add variety to your meals. I love cooking with red rice because it not only tastes delicious, but it also has numerous health benefits.
The beautiful reddish color of the rice adds a vibrant touch to any dish, making it visually appealing. Red rice has a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture, which adds a delightful contrast to other ingredients.
It is packed with antioxidants, fiber, and minerals, making it a nutritious option for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether I’m making a stir-fry, a salad, or a pilaf, red rice always brings a unique and satisfying element to my meals.
Black Rice
Black rice, also known as forbidden rice, is a nutritious and versatile option that adds a rich flavor and unique texture to a variety of dishes.
I love using black rice in my cooking because it not only provides a beautiful visual contrast to other ingredients, but it also offers a host of health benefits. This rice variety is packed with antioxidants, fiber, and minerals like iron and magnesium.
It has a slightly nutty taste and a chewy texture, making it a great addition to salads, stir-fries, and even desserts. I find that black rice pairs particularly well with Asian-inspired flavors, such as soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
Whether I’m making a hearty grain bowl or a colorful rice salad, black rice always adds a touch of elegance and deliciousness to my dishes.
Calrose Rice
Calrose rice, also known as medium-grain rice, is a popular choice for sushi and other Asian dishes due to its sticky texture and ability to absorb flavors.
I love using Calrose rice when making sushi at home because it creates the perfect consistency for rolling and holds all the ingredients together. The grains are shorter and wider compared to long-grain rice, giving it that characteristic stickiness that is essential for sushi.
Not only does it provide a great texture, but Calrose rice also has a subtle flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in Asian cuisine. When cooked, it absorbs the flavors of the seasonings and sauces, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Whether it’s sushi or a stir-fry, Calrose rice is my go-to choice for an authentic Asian dining experience.
Sticky Rice
After learning about Calrose Rice, now let’s talk about another fantastic option for butter chicken: Sticky Rice.
I absolutely love the sticky texture of this rice, which pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the dish. Sticky Rice, also known as glutinous rice or sweet rice, is commonly used in Asian cuisine. It has a natural stickiness that makes it easy to pick up with chopsticks, and it absorbs the flavors of the butter chicken sauce beautifully.
The sticky rice adds a wonderful chewiness to each bite, creating a delightful contrast to the tender chicken. Whether you’re enjoying butter chicken at a restaurant or making it at home, using sticky rice will elevate your experience to a whole new level.
