Classic Indian Butter Chicken

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

A rich and creamy curry featuring tender chicken in a tomato-based sauce, inspired by traditional North Indian cuisine. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken thighs, tomato puree, heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup tomato puree and 1 tsp garam masala. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs and 1 tsp salt. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp yogurt and 1 cup heavy cream. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Indian Butter Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 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 Classic 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 Classic 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 Classic 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 Classic 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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