Introduction
If you’ve ever craved that rich, creamy, flavorful Indian restaurant classic but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this 30-Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken is your perfect solution. It delivers all the bold spice, buttery tomato sauce, and tender chicken goodness in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re a beginner in Indian cooking or just need a quick and cozy weeknight dinner, this stovetop wonder will satisfy your cravings fast.
Why You’ll Love Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
- Quick & easy: Done in 30 minutes, no tandoor or fancy gadgets required.
- One-pan recipe: Less mess and super simple cleanup.
- Creamy & flavorful: Classic butter chicken flavors with everyday ingredients.
- Better than takeout: Save time and money while eating better at home.
- Perfect for leftovers: The flavors deepen and taste even better the next day.
Looking to perfect your chicken cooking timing? Don’t miss this guide to Mastering the Cooking Time for Thin Sliced Chicken Breast.
📋 Ingredients Notes for Indian Butter Chicken
Chicken:
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts both work well. Thighs give a richer flavor, while breasts cook quickly.
Butter:
Use unsalted butter to control the salt level. This gives the dish its signature richness.
Aromatics & Spices:
Fresh garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder these build the iconic butter chicken flavor.
Tomato Sauce:
Canned tomato puree or crushed tomatoes form the base of the sauce.
Cream:
Heavy cream adds velvety smoothness. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free twist.
Yogurt (optional):
Marinating the chicken in yogurt adds extra tenderness and tang, but can be skipped for speed.
Garnishes:
Fresh cilantro, a swirl of cream, or even a squeeze of lime for brightness.
👨🍳 How to Make Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: (Optional) Quick Marinade
If you have 10 minutes, toss your chicken in yogurt, salt, chili powder, and lemon juice. Let it sit while you prep.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add another tablespoon of butter. Sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute, then stir in all the spices: garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the flavors.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes
Pour in the tomato puree and stir. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Cream It Up
Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and a final tablespoon of butter. Add chicken back in, coating it in the sauce. Simmer 5 more minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with chopped cilantro and a swirl of cream. Serve hot with naan, rice, or both!
🔥 Expert Cooking Tips
- Bloom your spices: Always sauté your ground spices briefly in butter or oil to enhance their flavor.
- Use chicken thighs: For more juiciness and rich flavor, thighs are king.
- Want it smoother? Blend the tomato sauce before adding cream for that restaurant-style finish.
- Taste as you go: Balance is key. Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes are too acidic.
Want another cozy slow-cooked option? Check out these Delicious and Easy Ground Beef Slow Cooker Recipes.
🌿 Variations and Substitutions
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
- Swap protein: Try paneer for a vegetarian version or tofu for vegan.
- Add veggies: Spinach or peas make tasty additions to the sauce.
- Lower fat option: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream for a lighter take.
If you love dishes with rich, sweet-savory profiles, try these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Beef Tacos.
🍽 What to Serve with Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
Indian Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Basmati rice – Soaks up that luscious sauce.
- Naan or roti – Perfect for scooping every last bit.
- Cucumber raita – A cooling contrast to the spices.
- Fried rice twist? Try this Perfect Fried Rice with Egg, Chicken, and Shrimp if you’re feeling fusion.
🎯 FAQs for Indian Butter Chicken
Can I make Indian Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Store cooled butter chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Is it spicy?
You control the heat! Add more chili powder for extra kick or reduce it for a mild version.
Can I use jarred tomato sauce?
Yes, but make sure it’s unseasoned or low-sodium to avoid altering the flavor too much.
Can I skip cream?
You can use coconut milk or Greek yogurt as alternatives, or skip it for a lighter tomato-based curry.
📝 Conclusion for Indian Butter Chicken
And just like that, you’ve mastered Indian Butter Chicken in just 30 minutes all on the stovetop! Rich in flavor, cozy in texture, and shockingly easy to make, this is the kind of recipe that turns a regular evening into something special. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a lifelong fan, this one’s a keeper.
💡 Pro tip: Make a double batch and freeze the extra future you will thank you!
Explore more comfort-food gems like our Creamy Salmon Quiche Recipe to expand your weeknight menu with ease.
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
Print
30-Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This 30-minute stovetop Indian butter chicken is rich, creamy, and spiced to perfection with tomato puree, garlic, ginger, and garam masala for a quick, comforting dinner.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1.5 teaspoons garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter and sauté chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
Pour in tomato puree and stir well. Simmer for 5–6 minutes to thicken slightly.
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 3–4 minutes.
Return the chicken to the pan and mix until fully coated in sauce. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until heated through.
Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for extra richness.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or sugar as needed.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with naan or rice.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute coconut milk or Greek yogurt for the cream. You can use chicken breast for a leaner option, though thighs give more flavor. Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes are overly acidic. Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices beforehand adds even more depth, though it’s optional for quick prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch or Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Indian butter chicken, easy butter chicken recipe, stovetop chicken curry, 30-minute Indian dinner