Craving a quick butter chicken recipe that tastes like your favorite Indian restaurant dish? This easy butter chicken comes together in just 30 minutes, using everyday ingredients for rich, creamy, homemade flavor. If you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal that feels indulgent and authentic, this is the go-to recipe.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This 30-Minute Recipe Works
The secret to building deep flavor quickly comes down to three smart steps. First, we marinate bite-sized chicken pieces in yogurt, lemon juice, and spices. Even a short marinade tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor while you prep the sauce. Second, blooming spices in butter activates their essential oils, giving the sauce a warm, complex aroma. Third, tomato paste adds an instant layer of concentrated richness without a long simmer.
A sprinkle of kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves) at the end is the restaurant’s secret. It adds a subtle sweetness and depth that turns a good sauce into a great one. With these techniques, you get all the layered flavor of a traditional butter chicken in a fraction of the time.
Homemade Butter Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cubed
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp kasoori methi optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, and paprika in a bowl. Add chicken and marinate for 15 minutes.
- 2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from pan.
- 3. Add garlic and ginger to the pan. Cook for 30 seconds.
- 4. Add spices and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute.
- 5. Pour in tomato puree. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- 6. Stir in cream. Return chicken to pan. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until thickened.
- 7. Sprinkle kasoori methi if using. Adjust salt and pepper.
- 8. Serve with rice or naan.
Notes
Easy Butter Chicken Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
Even though this is a quick & easy homemade butter chicken, ingredient choice makes a big difference. Garam masala is your essential spice blend, and while pre-mixed versions work well, you can make a quick substitute from ground coriander, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon. Heavy cream gives the richest texture, but you can use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. If you can find kasoori methi in the international aisle or online, add it to your pantry. It adds a warm, slightly sweet aroma that is the signature of authentic butter chicken.
| Ingredient | Substitutions |
| Heavy Cream | Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or full-fat coconut milk |
| Garam Masala | Mix of coriander, cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon |
| Kasoori Methi | Optional, but adds authentic flavor, omit if unavailable |
What Makes This the Best Quick & Easy Butter Chicken Recipe?
This dish is more than just fast, it’s full of bold, layered flavor thanks to quick tricks like a yogurt marinade, blooming spices, and a splash of cream. Whether you call it 30-minute butter chicken or simple homemade butter chicken, the result is always comforting and restaurant-quality.
How to Make Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, and paprika. Add chicken and coat well. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove to a plate.
3. Build the sauce: In the same skillet, melt a bit more butter. Sauté finely chopped garlic and freshly grated ginger for about 30 seconds, just until their aroma fills the air. Sprinkle in the spices, let them bloom for a minute, then stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
4. Simmer: Add tomato puree and cook for 3–4 minutes. Stir in cream, return chicken to the pan, and reduce heat. Let it simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened.
5. Finish: Sprinkle kasoori methi, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
For the most authentic experience, pair this dish with [fluffy, fragrant basmati rice] or [soft, homemade garlic naan] to soak up every drop of sauce. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a cucumber and tomato salad. If you like to mix cuisines, a side of roasted vegetables adds both texture and nutrition. For more inspiration, explore [10 other quick dinners ready in 30 minutes] to keep your weeknight cooking exciting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan: This traps steam and stops browning. Cook chicken in batches if needed.
- Adding cream too early: It can curdle if the heat is too high. Lower the heat first.
- Skipping spice blooming: Without it, the sauce will taste flat.
- Ignoring kasoori methi: It’s optional, but worth finding for that restaurant touch.
Your Butter Chicken Questions Answered
What are some interesting facts about butter chicken?
It was created in Delhi in the 1950s at the famous Moti Mahal restaurant, originally as a way to use leftover tandoori chicken. Its mild spice level and creamy texture made it a global favorite.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Swap the butter for a neutral oil and the cream for full-fat coconut milk. The flavor stays rich and satisfying.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens.
How can I adjust the spice level?
For milder flavor, reduce paprika or skip chili powder. For more heat, add cayenne or Kashmiri chili powder to taste.
Conclusion
This quick & easy homemade butter chicken proves you can have rich, restaurant-style flavor without hours in the kitchen. The combination of a short yogurt marinade, blooming spices, and a touch of kasoori methi creates a sauce that’s unforgettable. Serve it with naan or rice, and you’ve got a meal that will impress any night of the week.
If you’re looking for more delicious ideas to keep your dinner rotation exciting, try our healthy weeknight meals with tofu for a plant-based twist, or explore one-pot egg dinners for another quick and satisfying option. These dishes bring variety while keeping prep time short, just like this butter chicken.
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