True-to-Traditional Butter Chicken

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A restaurant favorite made from scratch with a rich, creamy tomato sauce, tender chicken, and a hint of spice — the authentic way to enjoy this beloved Indian dish. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 80 minutes pairs chicken breasts, yogurt, ginger paste 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.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 35 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 1.5 lbs chicken cubes with 1/2 cup yogurt, 2 tbsp ginger paste, 2 tbsp garlic paste, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1/4 tsp cayenne, and salt. Marinate 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 finely chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and caramelized, stirring frequently.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until darkened. Add 14 oz crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes until sauce thickens and oil separates.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to skillet, add 1/2 cup heavy cream, and simmer on low for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup unsalted butter until melted and incorporated. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does True-to-Traditional Butter Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (35 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 True-to-Traditional 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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in True-to-Traditional 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-to-Traditional 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-to-Traditional Butter Chicken?

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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