Chicken in Tomato-Cashew Sauce with Fresh Cream
Tender chicken pieces simmered in a fragrant tomato-cashew sauce with aromatic spices and a velvety finish from fresh cream. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs Chicken thighs, medium (200g) Tomatoes, Cashews for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.
Ingredients
- 450g Chicken thighs
- 2 medium (200g) Tomatoes
- 30g Cashews
- 1 small (80g) Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 inch Ginger
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
- 60ml Fresh cream
- to taste Salt
- 2 tbsp Cooking oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add 450g chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
- Step 2: Add 80g finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 inch grated ginger. Cook for 3 minutes until onion softens.
- Step 3: Add 200g chopped tomatoes, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, and 1/4 tsp turmeric. Cook for 7 minutes until tomatoes break down and oil separates.
- Step 4: Stir in 30g cashews and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 60ml fresh cream, salt to taste, and 1/2 cup water. Simmer for 15 minutes on low heat until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and serve hot with naan or steamed rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chicken in Tomato-Cashew Sauce with Fresh Cream take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 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 Chicken in Tomato-Cashew Sauce with Fresh Cream?
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 Chicken in Tomato-Cashew Sauce with Fresh Cream?
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 Chicken in Tomato-Cashew Sauce with Fresh Cream 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 Chicken in Tomato-Cashew Sauce with Fresh Cream?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Perfect for a weeknight dinner and easy to make.
- ★★★★★
This dish was absolutely delicious! My family loved the creamy tomato-cashew sauce on the chicken.
- ★★★★☆
The sauce was rich, but I found it slightly bland. Next time I'll add more spices.