Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is one of those recipes that can transport you straight to a cozy Indian eatery, with its rich, creamy sauce and tender chunks of chicken. The best part? You can whip it up in just 20 minutes! This Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting meal but don’t have hours to spare. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why It’s My Go-To

Whenever I find myself in a dinner rut, this Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken comes to the rescue. It’s not only quick and straightforward, but it also delivers on flavor, making it a favorite among family and friends. The combination of spices creates a mouthwatering sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken, and when served with hot, fluffy rice or warm naan, it becomes an irresistible meal. Plus, it’s versatile; you can easily adjust the spice levels to suit your taste buds.

What You’ll Gather

• 1 tablespoon oil – for sautéing the onions
• 1 tablespoon butter – to create that rich, creamy flavor
• 1 medium onion, diced – the base of your sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced or grated (or use paste)
• 2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced or crushed
• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste, or 8 oz can of tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon garam masala – for that authentic flavor
• 1 teaspoon chili powder or paprika, adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek (optional) – I use powder, but seeds or mustard seeds can be used too
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream – substitute for half & half or yogurt for a lighter option
• Hot cooked rice and naan – for serving

Before You Start: Equipment

• Large Skillet or Pan – for cooking the chicken and sauce
• Cutting Board and Knife – for prepping the chicken and vegetables
• Measuring Spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon – for stirring

Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken Cooking Guide

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the oil and butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced ginger and garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Add the chicken chunks to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through.

Step 3: Stir in the Sauce Ingredients

Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the tomato paste (or sauce), garam masala, chili powder, fenugreek (if using), cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken over hot cooked rice and with warm naan for dipping. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and the comforting texture!

Smart Substitutions

• Chicken: Use tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Cream: Substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Tomato Paste: If you don’t have tomato paste, canned tomato sauce works well.
• Spices: Adjust the spices based on what you have; curry powder can replace garam masala.

Method to the Madness

This Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken is all about simplicity and flavor. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This way, you can move quickly through each step without feeling rushed. The combination of spices is what truly elevates the dish, giving it that authentic taste you crave. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the spices to make it your own!

Make Ahead Like a Pro

If you want to make this dish even easier on a busy weeknight, consider prepping the ingredients ahead of time. You can dice the onion, mince the garlic and ginger, and cut the chicken into chunks a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge, and when you’re ready to cook, everything will be within reach. You can even make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days; just add the cooked chicken when you’re ready to serve!

Quick Q&A

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

While fresh chicken is ideal, you can use frozen chicken if you thaw it first. However, cooking time may vary slightly, so ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.

What can I serve with butter chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with hot cooked rice and naan. You can also serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free yogurt alternative for a lighter, dairy-free version.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. Use less chili powder or replace it with paprika for a milder flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an easy, flavorful dish that can be made in under 20 minutes, look no further than this Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table. The best part? You can customize it to fit your dietary preferences and spice levels. Get ready to indulge in a comforting meal that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to prepare! Happy cooking!

Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken

This Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken is a quick, creamy delight! Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s full of flavor and ready in no time!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon oil for sautéing the onions
• 1 tablespoon butter to create that rich, creamy flavor
• 1 medium onion diced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger finely minced or grated (or use paste)
• 2-3 cloves garlic finely minced or crushed
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch chunks
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste or 8 oz can of tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon garam masala for that authentic flavor
• 1 teaspoon chili powder or paprika, adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek (optional) - I use powder, but seeds or mustard seeds can be used too
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream - substitute for half & half or yogurt for a lighter option
• Hot cooked rice and naan for serving

Equipment

• Large skillet or pan
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring Spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Method

 

1. In a large skillet, heat the oil and butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced ginger and garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Add the chicken chunks to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the tomato paste (or sauce), garam masala, chili powder, fenugreek (if using), cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the sauce thicken slightly.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken over hot cooked rice and with warm naan for dipping. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and the comforting texture!

Notes

• Prep ingredients ahead of time for a quicker cooking process.
• Use tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Substitute coconut milk for a dairy-free version.