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Fluffy white rice is served beside bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a thick, glossy orange-brown sauce, with a light swirl of cream on top.

Rice and butter chicken Calories

Classic Indian creamy butter chicken with rice

In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter

CALORIES · 100 G

170kcal

GI

65medium

POTASSIUM · 100 G

170mg

FIBER · 100 G

1.1g

Quick answer

1 serving (medium) of Rice and butter chicken (250 g) has 425 calories. That works out to 170 calories per 100 g. It contains 51.3 g of carbs, 18 g of protein, 15 g of fat and 2.8 g of fiber. Its 5.3 mg of B3 covers 33% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 65 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.

Rice and butter chicken Nutrition Facts

Selected: 1 serving (medium) · 250 g

425

KCAL / 250G

Carbs

51.3g

· 19% DV

Protein

18g

· 36% DV

Fat

15g

· 19% DV

Fiber

2.8g

· 10% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 50% · Protein 17% · Fat 33%

Rice and butter chicken nutrition facts table · 1 serving (medium) (250 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories425 kcal
Total fat15 g19%
Saturated fat5.5 g28%
Trans fat0.15 g
Sodium650 mg28%
Total carbohydrate51.3 g19%
Fiber2.8 g10%
Protein18 g36%

Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.

Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.

Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.

Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.

Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.

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How Many Calories in 1 Serving of Rice and butter chicken?

ServingAmountCalories
1 serving (medium)250 g425 kcal
100 g100 g170 kcal
1 serving (small)150 g255 kcal
1 cup (medium)200 g340 kcal
1 piece (large)300 g510 kcal
1 serving (large)350 g595 kcal
1 bottle (jumbo)400 g680 kcal
1 pack (jumbo)500 g850 kcal

Calculated from 170 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rice and butter chicken

What is Rice and butter chicken?

Rice and butter chicken is a meal of rice served with chicken in a rich, mildly spiced tomato sauce. Butter chicken, also called murgh makhani, is typically made with butter and cream; recipes vary in how the chicken is marinated and cooked.

How do you make Rice and butter chicken at home?

Make Rice and butter chicken by browning marinated chicken, simmering it in a tomato-based sauce, then finishing the sauce with butter and cream. Serve it with cooked rice, ideally basmati. Browning the chicken first adds flavor and helps it hold its texture in the sauce.

What is the difference between Rice and butter chicken and chicken tikka masala?

Rice and butter chicken usually has a richer, creamier, butter-forward sauce than chicken tikka masala, which is often more tomato-forward and strongly spiced. The dishes overlap, and restaurant recipes vary, so the distinction is not fixed everywhere.

What does Rice and butter chicken taste like?

Rice and butter chicken tastes creamy, savory, and gently tangy from its tomato sauce, with warmth from spices such as garam masala. It is often mild rather than very hot, though the amount of chili varies by recipe and restaurant.

What kind of rice goes best with Rice and butter chicken?

Basmati is a classic choice for Rice and butter chicken because its long, separate grains pair well with the thick sauce without becoming heavy. Plain steamed basmati lets the buttery tomato flavor stand out; lightly seasoned rice works too.

Where did Rice and butter chicken come from?

Rice and butter chicken combines rice with butter chicken, a dish associated with Punjabi cuisine and commonly traced to Delhi, India. Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, is widely linked to the restaurant cooking of post-partition Delhi; the rice is a serving accompaniment.

Why is the sauce in Rice and butter chicken sometimes grainy or split?

The sauce in Rice and butter chicken can split if cream or yogurt is added to a very hot pan, or if the sauce boils hard after the dairy goes in. Lower the heat, add cream near the end, and stir gently rather than letting it boil.

Can you make Rice and butter chicken less rich?

Yes, you can make Rice and butter chicken less rich by using less butter and cream and relying on tomato, spices, and a little yogurt for body. Add yogurt off the heat or over low heat to reduce the chance of curdling.

How long does Rice and butter chicken last in the fridge?

Rice and butter chicken is generally best eaten within three to four days when promptly refrigerated in a covered container. Cool and store the rice and chicken without leaving them at room temperature for long, then reheat until steaming hot throughout.

Can you freeze Rice and butter chicken?

Yes, Rice and butter chicken can be frozen in airtight portions, though the creamy sauce may separate slightly after thawing. Thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring the sauce; freezing the rice separately can help preserve its texture.

Rice and butter chicken Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B3

5.25mg · 33% DV

B5

1.5mg · 30% DV

B6

0.45mg · 26% DV

Biotin

6.25µg · 21% DV

Minerals

Phosphorus

213mg · 30% DV

Sodium

650mg · 28% DV

Selenium

15µg · 27% DV

Manganese

0.55mg · 24% DV

Potassium ⭐

425mg · 13% DV

Rice and butter chicken Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

65
Medium
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

32.5
High

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Rice and butter chicken

To burn the 425 calories in 1 serving (medium) (250 g):

🚶

105min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

43min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

58min

Cycling

🏊

50min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

What is Rice and butter chicken?

Rice and butter chicken pairs plain rice with butter chicken, a dish associated with North Indian cuisine. Chicken is simmered in a gently spiced tomato sauce enriched with butter and cream, then served alongside rice to soak up the sauce. The dish is often linked to Delhi and is also widely found in Indian restaurants around the world.

The sauce is creamy, mildly tangy and warmly spiced, while the rice makes the meal filling without competing with its flavour. It works well as a substantial lunch or dinner; naan, a crisp salad or lightly cooked vegetables are common accompaniments. It provides some protein, though the rich sauce contributes fat, so serving a little less rice with extra vegetables is an easy way to make the plate feel lighter.

How Nutritious Is Rice and butter chicken?

Nutrient density

Medium

38/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

39/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Is Rice and butter chicken Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Rice and butter chicken Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten free
Dairy yes
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Rice and butter chicken Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Rice and butter chicken Fat Profile

SATURATED

5.5g

MONOUNSATURATED

4.75g

POLYUNSATURATED

1.25g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 8:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (8:1).

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.