Slow-Simmered Indian Butter Chicken with Fresh Tomato Gravy

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

Tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich, buttery tomato gravy infused with warm spices and finished with cream for a velvety texture. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, plain yogurt, ginger-garlic 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces with 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp salt. Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and 1 medium finely chopped onion; sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp coriander powder, 1 tsp garam masala, and 1 cup fresh pureed tomatoes. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and deepens in color.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/2 cup heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes until the gravy is rich and creamy.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and 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-Simmered Indian Butter Chicken with Fresh Tomato Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Fresh 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Indian Butter Chicken with Fresh 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-Simmered Indian Butter Chicken with Fresh 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-Simmered Indian Butter Chicken with Fresh Tomato Gravy?

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.

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