Slow-Cooked Butter Chicken with Spiced Tomato Gravy

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

Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, buttery tomato sauce infused with traditional North Indian spices, perfect for a comforting meal. This indian-inspired curry ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 45 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat until melted and shimmering. Add 1 cup finely chopped onion and sauté for 7-8 minutes until soft and golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, and 1.5 tsp salt. Cook the spices with the aromatics for 1 minute to release their flavors.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1.5 cups tomato puree and 1 cup water, stirring well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, cut 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs into 1.5-inch pieces. Add the chicken pieces to the simmering sauce, cover, and cook over low heat for 20 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 3/4 cup heavy cream and the remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter, simmering gently for another 5 minutes until the sauce is rich and creamy.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving with basmati rice or naan.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Butter Chicken with Spiced Tomato Gravy 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 Slow-Cooked Butter Chicken with Spiced Tomato 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 unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Butter Chicken with Spiced Tomato 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 Slow-Cooked Butter Chicken with Spiced Tomato 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 Slow-Cooked Butter Chicken with Spiced Tomato Gravy?

Indian curry 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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