Slow-Cooked Indian Butter Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce

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

Tender chicken simmered in a rich, spiced tomato and cream sauce, slowly cooked to develop deep, authentic Indian flavors. This indian-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 60 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, plain yogurt, garlic paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs cut into 1.5-inch pieces with 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tbsp garlic paste, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tsp garam masala. Mix well and marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil and 3 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for 8-10 minutes until golden and soft.
  3. Step 3: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until chicken is lightly browned.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Indian Butter Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce 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 Indian Butter Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce?

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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Indian Butter Chicken with Creamy Tomato 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 Slow-Cooked Indian Butter Chicken with Creamy Tomato 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.

Is Slow-Cooked Indian Butter Chicken with Creamy Tomato Sauce gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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