Delhi-Style Butter Chicken with Tomato Base

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken simmered in a creamy tomato sauce made with authentic Indian spices and a touch of butter — a dish that captures the heart of North Indian cuisine. This indian-inspired indian ready in about 55 minutes pairs chicken thighs, plain yogurt, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 3.9 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1.5 lbs chicken thighs with 1/4 cup yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala, and salt; marinate for 15-30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add marinated chicken, and cook until browned on all sides (5-6 minutes), then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter, sauté 1 finely chopped onion until golden (8 minutes), then add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1-inch grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until deepened in color, then add 1 cup crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens and oil separates.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to skillet, add 1/2 cup heavy cream, and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce reduces to a creamy consistency.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 tbsp butter and remaining garam masala, then serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Delhi-Style Butter Chicken with Tomato Base take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Delhi-Style Butter Chicken with Tomato Base?

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 Delhi-Style Butter Chicken with Tomato Base?

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 Delhi-Style Butter Chicken with Tomato Base 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 Delhi-Style Butter Chicken with Tomato Base?

Indian indian 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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