20-Minute Butter Chicken Recipe
The 20-Minute Butter Chicken Recipe is a quick and flavorful version of the classic Indian dish.
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.