The 20-Minute Butter Chicken Recipe is a quick and flavorful version of the classic Indian dish. It features tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with aromatic spices.
Many people love the 20-Minute Butter Chicken Recipe because it’s fast, easy and perfect for weeknight dinners. If you want to learn How to make 20-Minute Butter Chicken, this guide will help.
I will share all the Ingredients for 20-Minute Butter Chicken and simple step-by-step instructions.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret behind this delicious butter chicken is using pre-cooked chicken and a creamy tomato sauce enhanced with spices.
Butter, cream and a touch of yogurt give the sauce a silky texture. Quick cooking ensures tender chicken and a balanced, flavorful sauce.
This 20-Minute Butter Chicken Recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want restaurant-quality food at home.
Recipe Card
- Recipe Name: 20-Minute Butter Chicken Recipe
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Indian / Fusion
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large skillet or pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients You Need for 20-Minute Butter Chicken Recipe
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
These are the main Ingredients for 20-Minute Butter Chicken.
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop onions, garlic and ginger. Set aside. - Cook Onion, Garlic, Ginger
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and ginger for 1–2 minutes. - Add Spices
Stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt and pepper. Cook 30 seconds to release aroma. - Add Chicken
Add chicken pieces to the skillet. Sear on all sides for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. - Add Tomato Sauce
Pour in tomato sauce and mix well with spices and chicken. - Add Yogurt and Cream
Stir in yogurt and heavy cream. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Simmer
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through. - Check Seasoning
Taste and adjust salt, pepper or spices as needed. - Garnish
Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving. - Serve
Serve hot with rice, naan or steamed vegetables.
Now you know How to make 20-Minute Butter Chicken step by step.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken for even faster prep.
- Substitute coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust chili powder for desired spice level.
- Add a teaspoon of sugar to balance acidity of tomato sauce.
- Serve with basmati rice or garlic naan.
- Add peas or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
These tips make the 20-Minute Butter Chicken Recipe even better.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Values are approximate.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro for color and aroma.
- Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warm.
- Do not overcook when reheating to maintain tender chicken.
20-Minute Butter Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
- 1 can 14 oz tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder optional, for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop onions, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
Cook Onion, Garlic, Ginger
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and ginger for 1–2 minutes.
Add Spices
- Stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt and pepper. Cook 30 seconds to release aroma.
Add Chicken
- Add chicken pieces to the skillet. Sear on all sides for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned.
Add Tomato Sauce
- Pour in tomato sauce and mix well with spices and chicken.
Add Yogurt and Cream
- Stir in yogurt and heavy cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Simmer
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Check Seasoning
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper or spices as needed.
Garnish
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving.
Serve
- Serve hot with rice, naan or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken for even faster prep.
- Substitute coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust chili powder for desired spice level.
- Add a teaspoon of sugar to balance acidity of tomato sauce.
- Serve with basmati rice or garlic naan.
- Add peas or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
FAQs about 20-Minute Butter Chicken Recipe
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and sauce, then refrigerate up to 2 days before serving. - Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, thaw fully before cooking for best results. - Can I make it spicier?
Add more chili powder, cayenne or fresh chopped chili to taste. - Can I make it creamy without dairy?
Yes, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and yogurt. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger skillet and adjust cooking time slightly for more chicken.
Conclusion
The 20-Minute Butter Chicken Recipe is quick, creamy and full of flavor. Now you know How to make 20-Minute Butter Chicken at home.
With simple Ingredients for 20-Minute Butter Chicken, you can create a restaurant-quality Indian dish in under half an hour. Try this recipe today and enjoy rich, aromatic butter chicken in just 20 minutes.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.