Buttery Bliss: The Dreamy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Whipping up a delectable butter chicken in mere 30 minutes sounds like a culinary magic trick.

Instant magic happens when aromatic spices dance together in a simmering pan.

Succulent chicken pieces absorb rich, creamy tomato-based sauce with incredible depth.

Home cooks discover how simple ingredients create restaurant-quality magic right on their stovetop.

Warm Indian flavors blend seamlessly, promising a meal that feels both comforting and exotic.

Fragrant herbs and carefully balanced spices transport you to vibrant street markets of delhi.

Prepare to impress with this quick, foolproof recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Every single bite promises a delicious adventure you won’t want to miss.

Butter Chicken Stovetop Storage

• Store leftover butter chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Keep frozen for 2-3 months.
• Gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore sauce consistency and prevent drying out.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What to Serve With Butter Chicken

• Spice-Matched Wine Pairing: Select a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to balance the rich, spicy butter chicken flavors and cool down the aromatic heat.
• Refreshing Beverage Complement: Choose a cold Indian Kingfisher beer or a crisp wheat ale that cuts through the creamy sauce and provides a light, malty contrast.
• Rice Texture Enhancer: Serve fluffy basmati rice with buttered naan bread to soak up the luxurious sauce and provide a perfect textural companion to the tender chicken.
• Herbal Flavor Booster: Sprinkle fresh cilantro and add a side of cool cucumber raita to brighten the dish's richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Indian Butter Chicken Quick Versions

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, paneer, or chickpeas, marinating and cooking using the same method for a plant-based butter chicken experience.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, creamy sauce.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and replace butter with coconut oil or olive oil for those with dairy sensitivities.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Increase cream ratio, use extra butter, and serve with low-carb side like roasted cauliflower to align with ketogenic dietary requirements.

FAQs

• How spicy is this butter chicken recipe?

The heat level is mild to medium, depending on the amount of chili powder you add. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the chili powder quantity to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly fine. Just ensure you cut them into similar-sized pieces and don’t overcook them to maintain tenderness and prevent dryness.

• Is marinating necessary for this recipe?

While 15-20 minutes of marinating helps develop flavor, it’s not mandatory. Even a quick 10-minute marination will infuse the chicken with aromatic spices and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

No special equipment is required. A large skillet or frying pan, basic kitchen utensils, and standard measuring tools are all you need to prepare this delicious butter chicken.

Butter Chicken Ready in 30 and Full of Spice

• Quick Weeknight Warrior: Whip up this delectable butter chicken in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving restaurant-quality Indian cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Minimal ingredients create an incredibly rich and complex taste profile, transforming basic chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal culinary expertise required.
• Family-Friendly Fusion: Appeals to both adventurous and mild palates, offering a mild yet flavorful introduction to Indian cuisine that kids and adults will eagerly devour together.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamlines cooking process by using a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and making this recipe an effortless meal solution for hectic weeknights or spontaneous dinner gatherings.

Spicy Butter Chicken – Just 30 Minutes Away

• Chicken: Tender meat that absorbs rich marinade flavors, best with boneless skinless thighs or breasts for maximum tenderness.

• Yogurt: Helps tenderize chicken and adds creamy tang, full-fat Greek yogurt works best.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavor and helps break down chicken proteins.
• Cumin, Turmeric, Coriander, Chili Powder, Salt: Spice blend that creates deep, complex marinade flavor profile.

• Onion: Provides sweet foundational flavor for the sauce, yellow onions recommended.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add warmth and depth to the sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates rich, smooth sauce base with natural sweetness.

• Butter: Adds richness and traditional Indian butter chicken flavor, unsalted preferred.
• Heavy Cream: Gives luxurious, silky texture to the sauce, full-fat version recommended.

• Garam Masala: Traditional Indian spice mix that adds warm, complex flavor.
• Cinnamon, Cumin, Chili Powder: Additional spices that enhance sauce complexity.

• Fresh Cilantro: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and herbal note to final dish.

Butter Chicken Indian Stovetop Method

Step 1: Prepare Flavor-Packed Chicken Marinade

• Ground cumin
• Turmeric
• Coriander
• Chili powder
• Salt

Massage the mixture into chicken pieces, allowing the spices to penetrate deeply for maximum flavor.

Let the chicken rest and absorb the marinade for 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Sear the Marinated Chicken

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place marinated chicken pieces into the sizzling pan.

Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until golden brown and perfectly cooked through.

This process takes about 5-7 minutes.

Transfer the beautifully seared chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Tomato Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt additional butter.

Sauté finely chopped onions until they become soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and grated ginger, releasing their intense aromatics.

• Crushed tomatoes
• Heavy cream
• Garam masala
• Ground cinnamon
• Additional cumin
• Chili powder

Stir the ingredients together and let the sauce simmer, allowing it to thicken and develop rich, complex flavors.

Step 4: Marry Chicken with Velvety Sauce

Gently return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating each piece in the luscious sauce.

Let the chicken and sauce intermingle for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to harmonize completely.

Step 5: Present the Culinary Masterpiece

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the dish for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve piping hot alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan bread.

Enjoy your homemade Indian butter chicken!

Quick Prep Tips for Indian Butter Chicken

• Let chicken soak in yogurt mixture for at least 20 minutes to help tenderize and infuse rich, complex spices into every bite.
• Maintain medium-high heat when cooking chicken and sauce to achieve perfect browning without scorching the delicate spices.
• Stir sauce constantly and simmer on low heat to prevent cream from separating and ensure a smooth, velvety texture.
• Customize heat by reducing or increasing chili powder, making the dish mild or fiery based on personal preference.
• Store butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify overnight.

30-Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky butter chicken brings Mumbai’s rich culinary magic to kitchens worldwide, delivering complex spices and creamy tomato sauce in mere minutes. Quick preparation and bold flavors make this classic Indian dish an irresistible meal you can confidently create at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Sauce and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 (14 ounces/400 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Immerse the chicken in a flavor-rich marinade of yogurt, lemon juice, and a symphony of spices including cumin, turmeric, coriander, chili powder, and salt. Allow the proteins to absorb these aromatic seasonings for 15-20 minutes, enhancing depth and tenderness.
2. Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a golden searing environment for the marinated chicken. Cook the pieces methodically, rotating occasionally to achieve an even caramel-like exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking. Carefully transfer the beautifully bronzed chicken to a separate plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to build a robust sauce foundation. Sauté finely chopped onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and ginger, releasing their intense aromatics. Stream in crushed tomatoes and luxurious heavy cream, complemented by garam masala, cinnamon, additional cumin, and chili powder.
4. Gently simmer the sauce, allowing it to thicken and concentrate its complex flavors. This reduction process intensifies the sauce’s richness and creates a velvety texture that will magnificently coat the chicken.
5. Reintroduce the cooked chicken into the sauce, ensuring each piece is lavishly enrobed. Let the components harmonize for a few minutes, allowing the spices to intermingle and create a cohesive, tantalizing dish.
6. Finalize the preparation by scattering freshly chopped cilantro across the surface. Serve immediately alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan bread to complete this vibrant culinary experience.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
• Use full-fat yogurt to ensure rich, creamy texture and prevent sauce from splitting.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder for personal heat preference.
• For dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use plant-based butter alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg