Slow-Simmered Butter Chicken with Fenugreek and Cream
Tender chicken pieces cooked slowly in a spiced tomato and butter sauce enriched with fenugreek leaves and cream for a rich North Indian classic. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs unsalted butter, medium onion, finely chopped, ginger paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- to taste salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat until melted and foaming. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and sauté for 7-8 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp ginger paste and 1 tbsp garlic paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and raw smell dissipates.
- Step 3: Add 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp red chili powder; stir continuously for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup tomato puree and 1/2 cup water, mix well, and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and deepens in color.
- Step 5: Add 1 lb chicken thigh pieces and 1 tsp salt, stirring to coat. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Step 6: Crush 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves between your palms and sprinkle into the pan, stirring gently.
- Step 7: Lower heat to very low and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and remaining 2 tbsp butter, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and coats the chicken.
- Step 8: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro leaves and serve hot with basmati rice or naan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Butter Chicken with Fenugreek and Cream 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-Simmered Butter Chicken with Fenugreek and Cream?
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-Simmered Butter Chicken with Fenugreek and Cream?
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-Simmered Butter Chicken with Fenugreek and Cream 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-Simmered Butter Chicken with Fenugreek and Cream?
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.
