Butter Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe -

Turn your favorite Indian-inspired takeout flavors into an easy, comforting Butter Chicken Rice Casserole made in a single skillet.

Tender chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a creamy tomato-butter sauce come together for a hearty meal with minimal cleanup.

Everything bakes together until the rice is fluffy, the chicken is tender, and the sauce is rich and flavorful. Best of all, this satisfying family dinner is ready in about 40 minutes.

Quick Facts

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

1 jar (12 ounces) prepared butter chicken sauce
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup uncooked basmati rice, thoroughly rinsed and drained
1 cup finely diced yellow onion
1/4 teaspoon salt
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Fresh lime wedges, for serving

How to Make Butter Chicken Rice Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well, then dice the chicken and onion into evenly sized pieces.

2. Heat the Butter Chicken Sauce

Place a large oven-safe skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Add the prepared butter chicken sauce and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

3. Add the Chicken, Rice, and Onion

Stir the diced chicken, rinsed basmati rice, onion, and salt into the hot sauce. Make sure the rice and chicken are spread evenly throughout the skillet. Bring everything back to a light simmer, then remove the skillet from the heat.

4. Bake Until Tender

Cover the skillet tightly with an oven-safe lid or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Transfer it to the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice has absorbed the sauce and broth and is tender.

5. Rest and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and keep it covered. Let the casserole rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the remaining moisture to distribute through the rice and gives the flavors time to settle.

Remove the cover and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Finish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a bright, citrusy contrast to the creamy sauce.

Expert Tips for the Best Casserole

Choose the right rice: Long-grain basmati rice gives the casserole a light, fluffy texture. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice, which can become too soft during baking.
Cut the chicken evenly: Bite-sized pieces of similar size will cook more consistently alongside the rice.
Rinse the rice well: Washing away excess surface starch helps prevent the rice from becoming overly sticky or gummy.
Keep it covered: A tight seal is essential because the trapped steam helps the rice cook properly and prevents the casserole from drying out.
Try a richer variation: For an extra-creamy result, replace the chicken broth with heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor and nutritional values.
Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the casserole to sit covered after baking helps the rice finish absorbing moisture and makes the final texture more consistent.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving:

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	333 kcal	—
Total Fat	4 g	6%
Saturated Fat	1 g	6%
Cholesterol	97 mg	32%
Sodium	502 mg	22%
Total Carbohydrates	36 g	13%
Dietary Fiber	1 g	5%
Total Sugars	13 g	—
Protein	37 g	74%
Vitamin C	15 mg	16%
Calcium	45 mg	3%
Iron	2 mg	11%
Potassium	471 mg	10%