Real Indian Butter Chicken
A creamy, aromatic tomato-based curry simmered with butter, spices, and tender chicken for a richly authentic Indian dish. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, diced onion, tomato puree for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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, boneless chicken thighs
- 1, diced onion
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 2 tbsp ghee
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, grated ginger
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until golden. Stir in 1 cup tomato puree, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric, and 1/2 tsp chili powder. Cook for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 tsp salt and 1/2 cup cream. Stir to coat the chicken, then simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Step 5: Serve the chicken with 1/2 cup of the sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of chili powder for authenticity.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Real Indian Butter Chicken 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 Real 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Real 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 Real 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 Real 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
