If you re craving something rich, comforting, and downright delicious without spending hours in the kitchen, this Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this dish comes together quickly, yet delivers those creamy, spiced flavors that make butter chicken such a beloved favorite. Whether it s a busy weeknight or last-minute dinner guest situation, you ll find that this recipe feels like a special treat that doesn t require special effort.
When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the combination of simple ingredients-like tomato paste and garam masala-came alive in just a few minutes. Plus, using both butter and cream gives it that indulgent texture we all crave. This Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken Recipe is perfect anytime you want restaurant-quality flavor at home without the fuss, and I m excited to share all my personal tips so you can nail it every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick And Easy: You can have dinner ready in just 20 minutes, perfect when time is tight.
- Comfort Food Classic: Rich, creamy sauce with warm spices hits the spot any day of the week.
- Simple Ingredients: No need for long lists or specialty items-likely you already have most in your pantry.
- Family Approved: My family goes crazy for this recipe, which means yours probably will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken Recipe lies in combining fragrant spices with creamy elements like butter and heavy cream to get that signature sauce. Here s what you ll want for the best flavor balance-don t worry, it s all straightforward stuff!
- Oil: Helps sauté the onions and spices gently without burning-vegetable or canola oil works great.
- Butter: Adds richness and a velvety finish to the sauce, the star of the butter in butter chicken.
- Onion: Diced finely to melt down and add a natural sweetness to the base of the sauce.
- Fresh Ginger: Provides that warm, zesty kick that brightens the rich sauce-you can use paste for convenience too.
- Garlic: Essential for depth and aromatic complexity-fresh minced or crushed is best.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized chunks-they cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Tomato Paste or Sauce: Tomato paste offers a concentrated flavor; tomato sauce is a handy substitute if that s what you have.
- Garam Masala: This classic Indian spice blend brings warm earthiness and complexity.
- Chili Powder or Paprika: Adjust based on how spicy or smoky you like your butter chicken.
- Fenugreek Powder: Optional but highly recommended for that authentic mild bitterness and aroma.
- Cumin: Adds smoky undertones and balances the spices well.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To enhance and round out the flavors.
- Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its signature luxuriously creamy texture-you can substitute half & half or yogurt for a lighter option.
- Hot Cooked Rice and Naan: The perfect vehicles to soak up every last bit of that gorgeous sauce.
Variations
I love that this Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken Recipe is so versatile-you can make it your own depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Sometimes, I like to tweak it slightly to keep it fresh and exciting.
- Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat, chicken thighs work beautifully and hold up well in the sauce.
- Spice Level: For a milder version, reduce the chili powder and skip fenugreek. To kick it up, add fresh chopped chili or extra paprika.
- Dairy-Free: Swap cream and butter for coconut milk and oil to make a luscious vegan-friendly version.
- Vegetarian Option: Try replacing chicken with paneer or tofu cubes-just be mindful to avoid overcooking so they stay tender.
How to Make Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Onions, Ginger, and Garlic
Heat a large skillet or medium saucepan over medium-high heat and add the oil, butter, and diced onions. I like to let the onions soften and turn a light golden color, about 3 to 4 minutes-this sweetness really builds the flavor base. Stir often so they don t burn. Then, add the fresh ginger and minced garlic, cooking just about 30 seconds until fragrant. Trust me, not letting the garlic burn is key to avoiding any bitterness.
Step 2: Add Chicken, Tomato Paste, and Spices
Next, toss in your chicken chunks, then stir in the tomato paste and all the spices-garam masala, chili powder, fenugreek, cumin, salt, and pepper. Using tomato paste instead of fresh tomatoes or sauce thickens the sauce nicely and packs in concentrated tomato flavor. Cook this mixture for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through. You ll notice the chicken getting tender and coated evenly in the fragrant spice blend.
Step 3: Stir in Heavy Cream and Simmer
Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream-this is the secret to that creamy, dreamy sauce. Stir well and let it simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes. This lets the flavors meld and the sauce thicken just the right amount. I always give it a few stirs here and there to keep things silky smooth. By the time you re done, you ll have a rich sauce that s just begging to be spooned over steaming rice or wrapped in warm naan.
Pro Tips for Making Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken Recipe
- Don t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter, so add it right before the chicken and ginger, cooking briefly.
- Use Fresh Spices: Garam masala and cumin lose punch over time, so fresh spices really elevate flavor here.
- Simmer Gently: Heavy cream can separate if boiled too hard; keep the heat low during the final step.
- Bite-sized Chicken: Cutting chicken into even chunks ensures quick, uniform cooking and tender results.
How to Serve Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro over the top just before serving-it adds a pop of color and bright freshness that balances the creamy sauce. Sometimes I add a little squeeze of lemon juice as well for an extra zing. If I m feeling indulgent, a dollop of plain yogurt on the side is amazing too.
Side Dishes
This butter chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy Basmati rice-I always cook mine with a bit of cardamom for extra aroma. Warm, buttery naan bread is my go-to for scooping up the sauce. For veggies, simple roasted cauliflower or sautéed greens make for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to layer the butter chicken over rice in elegant bowls and garnish with toasted cashews and a drizzle of cream to create a pretty finish. Serving alongside a cucumber raita brightens things up. It s such a crowd-pleaser and looks beautiful on the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover butter chicken tastes fantastic and stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I make this ahead, I wait to add the cream until reheating to keep the sauce fresh and silky.
Freezing
I ve frozen this recipe successfully by portioning into freezer-safe containers without the cream, which I add fresh after thawing and reheating. Just freeze the chicken and sauce base separately, and it thaws beautifully for quick dinners down the line.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring to loosen the sauce. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, a splash of water or extra cream helps bring it back to that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I make this Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken Recipe spicy?
Absolutely! You can adjust the chili powder or paprika to your liking, or add some fresh green chilies when cooking the onions for extra heat. Just remember to balance the spice with the creamy elements so it stays rich and smooth.
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What if I don t have fenugreek powder?
Fenugreek powder adds a subtle bitterness and unique aroma, but if you don’t have it, you can leave it out or substitute with a pinch of mustard seeds or skip it altogether. The dish will still taste amazing thanks to the garam masala and other spices.
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Can I use yogurt instead of heavy cream?
Yes, using yogurt is a lighter alternative that still adds creaminess, but be sure to add it at the end of cooking on low heat to prevent curdling. I usually mix the yogurt with a bit of water or cream before stirring it into the sauce.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken Recipe reheats beautifully and freezes well, making it a great choice for meal prep. Just keep the cream separate if freezing to maintain texture when reheating.
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What sides should I serve with butter chicken?
Basmati rice and naan are classic and my favorites for soaking up the sauce. You can also add roasted vegetables, a fresh cucumber salad, or simple sautéed greens to complete the meal.
Final Thoughts
This Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken Recipe has become my go-to for those nights when I want to impress without the stress. It s straightforward, quick, and uses ingredients most of us have on hand-plus it tastes like you spent hours simmering it. Give it a try and I promise you ll be hooked just like my family is. It s one of those cozy dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and sharing it with friends or loved ones always makes it taste even better.
Print
Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken is a quick and flavorful Indian-inspired dish made with tender chunks of chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it combines aromatic spices, garlic, ginger, and rich cream served over hot cooked rice or naan.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced or grated (or use paste)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced or crushed
- 1 1/2 pounds (about 2-3) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch chunks
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste or 8 oz can of tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or paprika, adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon fenugreek powder (optional; seeds or mustard seeds can be used)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream (substitute half & half or yogurt for low fat)
- Hot cooked rice and naan for serving
Instructions
- Cook onions: Heat a large skillet or medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add oil, butter, and diced onions. Cook onions until lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the fresh ginger and garlic, cooking for 30 seconds while stirring to prevent burning.
- Cook chicken with spices: Add chicken chunks, tomato paste, garam masala, chili powder, fenugreek, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook and stir for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Simmer in cream: Pour in the heavy cream and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken the sauce and blend flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy butter chicken over hot cooked basmati rice or naan bread. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half & half or yogurt to reduce fat content.
- Fenugreek powder is optional but adds authentic flavor; substitute with seeds if preferred.
- Adjust chili powder or paprika to suit your spice tolerance.
- This recipe serves 4 people.
- Use fresh ginger for best flavor but paste works well in a pinch.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on chicken chunk size.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
