Simmered Chicken in Tomato-Cream Sauce

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

Chicken simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with creamy spices, served with warm basmati rice for an aromatic, comforting meal. This indian ready in about 55 minutes blends chicken thighs, tomato puree, heavy cream into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 610 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 610 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 medium onion into 1/4-inch dice, mince 3 garlic cloves and 1 tsp ginger.
  2. Step 2: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to deepen flavor. Stir in 1 cup tomato puree, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp garam masala.
  4. Step 4: Add 1.25 lbs chicken thighs, turning to coat. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and simmer for 5 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Meanwhile, cook 1.5 cups basmati rice according to package instructions.
  6. Step 6: Serve chicken and sauce over rice, garnishing with extra garam masala if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Chicken in Tomato-Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Simmered Chicken in Tomato-Cream Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Chicken in Tomato-Cream Sauce?

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 Simmered Chicken in Tomato-Cream Sauce 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 Simmered Chicken in Tomato-Cream Sauce?

Indian indian 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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