Tomato-Cream Simmered Chicken with Fresh Coriander

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

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato-cream sauce with aromatic spices, finished with a bright burst of fresh coriander. This indian ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken thighs, vegetable oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.2 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large chopped onion and cook until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon minced ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 cup tomato puree, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until oil separates from the mixture.
  3. Step 3: Add 1.5 pounds cubed chicken thighs and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Season with salt to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until chicken is tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh coriander and 1 tablespoon butter. Cook uncovered for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato-Cream Simmered Chicken with Fresh Coriander take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Tomato-Cream Simmered Chicken with Fresh Coriander?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato-Cream Simmered Chicken with Fresh Coriander?

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 Tomato-Cream Simmered Chicken with Fresh Coriander 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 Tomato-Cream Simmered Chicken with Fresh Coriander?

Indian indian 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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