Sautéed Chicken with Fresh Mint and Tomato-Onion Gravy

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

Juicy chicken pieces simmered in a rich tomato and onion gravy, brightened with fresh mint for a refreshing twist on a classic Punjabi favorite. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs vegetable oil, large, finely chopped onion, medium, finely chopped tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season with 1 tsp salt and let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 large onion, finely chopped, and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add 1 tbsp minced ginger, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1/2 tsp red chili powder. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped, and cook for 7 minutes until tomatoes break down and oil separates from the mixture.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet, add 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 1/2 cup water, and 1 tsp cumin powder. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh mint and cook for 2 more minutes until mint is wilted but vibrant. Adjust salt if needed and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Fresh Mint and Tomato-Onion Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 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 Sautéed Chicken with Fresh Mint and Tomato-Onion Gravy?

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 Sautéed Chicken with Fresh Mint and Tomato-Onion Gravy?

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 Sautéed Chicken with Fresh Mint and Tomato-Onion Gravy 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 Sautéed Chicken with Fresh Mint and Tomato-Onion Gravy?

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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