Authentic North Indian Butter Chicken

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

A rich, creamy tomato curry with tender chicken, slow-simmered to capture the true essence of Delhi's kitchens. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs chicken thighs, plain yogurt, tablespoon ginger paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 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: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 500g chicken thighs with 1/4 cup yogurt, 1 tablespoon ginger paste, 1 tablespoon garlic paste, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, and salt. Marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown marinated chicken pieces for 5-6 minutes until golden on all sides, then set aside.
  3. Step 3: Cook 1 large finely chopped onion in the same skillet until golden (5 minutes), then add 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until darkened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup tomato puree and simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens. Add browned chicken and simmer for 15 minutes on low heat.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons butter until melted and glossy. Add 1 teaspoon garam masala and simmer for 5 more minutes until sauce coats the back of a spoon. Adjust salt if needed and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic North Indian Butter Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 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 North Indian 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 thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic North Indian 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 North Indian 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 North Indian 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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