Half-Paneer Butter Chicken

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

A rich, creamy curry split into two halves: one with buttery paneer and one with a tangy tomato base, perfect for a cozy meal. This indian-inspired quick meals ready in about 40 minutes pairs paneer, chicken thighs, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 2 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes until golden. Stir in tomato puree, garam masala, turmeric, coriander, and cumin. Cook for 10 minutes until thickened.
  2. Step 2: Add chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes until browned. Stir in coconut milk and simmer for 15 minutes until tender.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix paneer cubes with half the chicken curry. Divide the mixture into two halves: one with extra garam masala and the other with a splash of lemon juice.
  4. Step 4: Serve with steamed rice or naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Paneer Butter Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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 Half-Paneer 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 paneer from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Paneer 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 Half-Paneer Butter Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Half-Paneer Butter Chicken?

Indian quick meals 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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