Simmered Tomato Butter Chicken
Chicken simmered in a creamy tomato sauce with aromatic spices, finished with fresh cilantro and toasted almonds for a balanced Indian-inspired dish. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes chicken thighs, vegetable oil, finely chopped onion 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, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1, finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, grated ginger
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup, slivered and toasted almonds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add 1 cup tomato puree, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp garam masala, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, stirring until well combined. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs chicken cubes to the sauce, stirring to coat. Simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened.
- Step 4: Season with salt to taste, stir in 2 tbsp chopped cilantro and 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds, and serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simmered Tomato Butter Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Simmered Tomato 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 vegetable oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Tomato 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 Simmered Tomato 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 Simmered Tomato 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
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
