True Indian Butter Chicken
Creamy tomato-based curry with tender chicken in a rich butter and cream sauce, served with fragrant basmati rice. This indian-inspired asian ready in about 55 minutes pairs cut into chunks chicken thighs, medium, pureed tomatoes, butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 1.5 lbs, cut into chunks chicken thighs
- 4 medium, pureed tomatoes
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 cups, cooked basmati rice
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 1 tsp cumin to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 4 pureed tomatoes and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 3: Return the chicken to the pot and stir to coat. Add 1 tsp garam masala. Cook for 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is rich and glossy.
- Step 4: Serve the butter chicken over 2 cups basmati rice, garnished with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro and a drizzle of cream if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does True Indian Butter Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 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 True Indian Butter Chicken?
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 medium, pureed tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in True Indian Butter Chicken?
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 True Indian Butter Chicken 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 True Indian Butter Chicken?
Indian asian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
