Authentic Kashmiri Butter Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant, creamy chicken curry from Kashmir that’s traditionally slow-simmered with saffron and nuts—rich but never heavy, with floral notes. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs chicken breast, plain yogurt, ginger paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 500g chicken breast cubes with 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 1 tbsp garlic paste, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, and 1/2 tsp salt. Marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to deepen flavor.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp garam masala, and 1/4 tsp saffron threads steeped in 1 tbsp warm water. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped almonds and remaining 1 tbsp butter. Cook for 2 more minutes until sauce is glossy and coats the chicken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Kashmiri Butter Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Kashmiri Butter Chicken?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Kashmiri Butter Chicken?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Kashmiri Butter Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Kashmiri Butter Chicken?

Indian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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