Genuine Indian Butter Chicken

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

A creamy, spiced curry of tender chicken in a rich tomato-based sauce, served with fragrant basmati rice and naan. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs chicken thighs, yogurt, garam masala 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix chicken with yogurt, garam masala, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp turmeric. Marinate for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until golden.
  3. Step 3: Stir in cumin, turmeric, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add tomato puree and cook for 10 minutes until sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Add marinated chicken and 1/2 cup water. Simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in cream and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook for 5 minutes until sauce is glossy. Serve with rice and naan.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Genuine 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 Genuine 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 Genuine 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 Genuine 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 Genuine 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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