Gaana Butter Chicken
A creamy, aromatic Indian curry with tender chicken in a rich tomato-based sauce, inspired by the vibrant energy of Bollywood music. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs vegetable oil, finely chopped medium onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless chicken breast
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1, finely chopped medium onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant—do not let garlic brown.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp ginger paste and cook for 1 minute until raw smell dissipates.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup tomato puree, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin powder, and 1/2 tsp salt, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and bubbles, about 4-5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 1.5 lbs cubed chicken and 1/2 cup heavy cream, bringing to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp garam masala and simmer uncovered for 2 more minutes. Garnish with 2 tbsp fresh cilantro.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gaana Butter Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Gaana 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 vegetable oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Gaana 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 Gaana 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 Gaana 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
