Slow-Simmered Indian Butter Chicken with Fenugreek and Cream
Tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich, buttery tomato sauce infused with fenugreek leaves and aromatic spices for a comforting Indian classic. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 110 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, plain yogurt, garlic cloves, minced 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 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 boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 2 tsp ground garam masala
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium finely chopped onion
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-size pieces with 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 2 tsp ground garam masala, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp red chili powder, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ginger paste, and 1 tsp salt. Mix well and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup tomato puree and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomato thickens and the oil slightly separates from the sauce.
- Step 4: Add the marinated chicken pieces along with all the marinade to the skillet. Cook uncovered over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) over the chicken and pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Stir gently and simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter for richness. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Indian Butter Chicken with Fenugreek and Cream take to make?
Total time is about 110 minutes (75 min prep + 35 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 Indian 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Indian 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 Indian 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 Indian 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.
