Slow-Cooked Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice
Tender chicken simmered in a rich, spiced tomato and butter sauce, paired with fragrant basmati rice for an indulgent Indian dinner experience. This indian-inspired quick meals ready in about 65 minutes pairs unsalted butter, medium, finely chopped onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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 1.5-inch pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 14 oz can tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp Garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp, divided salt
- 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
- 3 cups water
- 1/4 cup chopped for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium pot, bring 3 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is fluffy. Remove from heat and let stand.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and sauté for 6-7 minutes until soft and golden.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tsp Garam masala, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Cook spices with onion mixture for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Step 5: Add 14 oz tomato puree and simmer for 8 minutes over medium-low heat until thickened.
- Step 6: Meanwhile, season 1.5 lbs chicken thigh pieces with 1/2 tsp salt. Add chicken to the sauce, cover, and simmer gently for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Step 7: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 2 tbsp unsalted butter, simmering uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce is rich and creamy.
- Step 8: Serve butter chicken over the warm basmati rice, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (20 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 Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice?
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 Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice?
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 Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice 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 Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice?
Indian quick meals 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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