Comforting, Reliable, and Made for Real Life

When you need a dinner that feels comforting, dependable, and family-friendly without turning into a long kitchen project, this Easy Creamy Tomato Chicken is exactly the kind of recipe that delivers. Tender pieces of chicken simmer gently in a rich tomato-based sauce finished with cream and warm spices, creating a meal that’s cozy, satisfying, and balanced in flavor. The sauce is smooth and velvety without being heavy, making it appealing for both adults and kids at the table.

Creamy tomato chicken cooked in a skillet with tender chicken pieces and rich tomato sauce.

What makes this dish especially practical is how effortlessly it comes together in one skillet. With simple ingredients and controlled heat, the chicken stays juicy, the sauce stays silky, and cleanup stays minimal. It reheats beautifully, works well for leftovers, and pairs naturally with rice or naan. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed family dinner, this recipe is reliable, comforting, and easy to return to again and again.

Why This Recipe Works & Why You’ll Love It

This recipe is built on layered flavor and controlled heat.

Marinating the chicken briefly with yogurt and spices adds seasoning directly to the meat while helping it stay tender during cooking. Browning the chicken first creates depth, and cooking the aromatics in the same pan carries those flavors into the sauce.

The tomato sauce simmers just long enough to mellow its acidity before the cream is added. Keeping the heat low at this stage is what creates a smooth, velvety sauce instead of a broken one.

You’ll love this recipe because it uses simple ingredients, reheats well, and delivers consistent results. It’s rich without being overwhelming and flexible enough to adapt to what you already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
½ teaspoon curry powder
1 tablespoon plain yogurt

For the Sauce

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons butter, divided
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper

For Creaminess and Finish

2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon garam masala
½ teaspoon curry powder

Optional: chopped parsley
For serving: steamed rice or naan

Equipment & Tools

Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Easy Creamy Tomato Chicken

Before You Begin
Prepare and measure all ingredients before cooking. Cooking times and results may vary depending on pan size, heat level, and chicken thickness. Cook the chicken until it is fully cooked through and the sauce is smooth and evenly blended.

Marinate the Chicken
Combine chicken with salt, garlic powder, paprika, curry powder, and yogurt. Mix well and rest for at least 15 minutes.
Brown the Chicken
Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove and set aside.
Build the Sauce Base
Add remaining butter. Sauté garlic and onion until soft and fragrant.
Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Add Cream and Spices
Reduce heat. Stir in cream, garam masala, and curry powder. Simmer gently until smooth.
Finish
Return chicken to the skillet and simmer 5–10 minutes until fully coated.

Skillet creamy tomato chicken simmering in a smooth tomato cream sauce.

How to Serve

Serve over steamed rice or alongside warm naan. A simple cucumber salad or yogurt-based side balances the richness well.

Variations

Vegetarian: Paneer or firm tofu
Spicier: Red chili flakes or extra curry powder
Extra Vegetables: Bell peppers or peas
Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead

Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days
Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop or microwave
Freezing: Freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the marination step
Boiling after adding cream
Overcooking the chicken early

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of chicken is best for creamy tomato chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best because they stay tender and juicy even after simmering in sauce. Chicken breasts can be used, but they should be cooked carefully to avoid drying out.

Is this recipe spicy?
No. This dish is mildly seasoned and family-friendly. The spices add warmth rather than heat, making it suitable for all ages.

Can I make creamy tomato chicken ahead of time?
Yes. This recipe actually tastes better the next day. As it rests, the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors deepen.

Can I freeze creamy tomato chicken?
Yes. Let the dish cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Why is my sauce too thin or too thick?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes. If too thick, add a splash of cream or water while reheating.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the chicken.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe itself is gluten-free when served with rice.

Conclusion

This Easy Creamy Tomato Chicken for Family Dinner is a practical, comforting recipe designed for real kitchens and real schedules. It’s simple to prepare, flexible with ingredients, and reliable enough to make again and again.

Creamy tomato chicken served over rice on a dinner plate.

Creamy tomato chicken served over rice with smooth tomato cream sauce

Isaac blogger