Royal Butter Chicken

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A luxurious Indian dish with tender chicken in a creamy tomato-based sauce. This authentic recipe uses whole spices and fresh ingredients for deep, complex flavor. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs Chicken breast, large Onion, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 440 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.

★ 3.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 440 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1 lb cubed chicken breast with 1/2 cup yogurt, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp cumin. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch minced ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 chopped medium tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes break down and mixture thickens.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp coriander, and 1/2 tsp cumin, then add marinated chicken. Cook for 5 minutes until chicken is no longer pink.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is tender.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1/2 tsp salt to taste, then garnish with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Royal Butter Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (30 min prep + 20 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 Royal 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 breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Royal 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 Royal 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 Royal 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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