Butter Chicken Recipe : A Flavorful 30-Minute Dinner

If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and flavorful dinner, this Butter Chicken Recipe is perfect for you. Ready in just 30 minutes, this stovetop dish features tender chicken cooked in a spiced tomato and butter sauce. It’s a quick and easy version of the classic Indian dish, making it ideal for busy nights or when you want a comforting family dinner. Serve it with naan or rice for a complete meal that’s sure to become a favorite.

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What is Butter Chicken?

Butter Chicken, or “Ayam Mentega”, is a popular Indian dish known for its rich, creamy sauce made with tomatoes, butter, cream, and aromatic spices. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful blend of yogurt and spices, then cooked until tender in the sauce. This recipe delivers all the classic flavors of butter chicken in a quick, stovetop version that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
One-Pot Meal: Everything is cooked in one pot, reducing cleanup time.
Rich and Creamy: The sauce is velvety and packed with flavor.
Family-Friendly: This dish is loved by kids and adults alike.
Customizable Spice Level: You can adjust the heat level to suit your preferences.

Ingredients for Butter Chicken Recipe

To make this Butter Chicken Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

Chicken: 450g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Butter: 3 tablespoons for cooking
Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated
Tomato Puree: 1 cup (240ml)
Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) for a rich, creamy sauce
Yogurt: ¼ cup (60ml) to tenderize the chicken
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
Garam Masala: 1 tablespoon
Cumin: 1 teaspoon
Paprika: 1 teaspoon
Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Coriander: 1 teaspoon
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
Fresh Cilantro: For garnish

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken and sauce.
Mixing Bowls: For marinating the chicken.
Wooden Spoon: For stirring the ingredients.
Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables and chicken.

How to Make Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Tomato Puree and Spices

Pour the tomato puree into the skillet and add garam masala, chili powder, coriander, and black pepper. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.

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Step 5: Add the Cream and Chicken

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and simmer for another 5 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce is creamy.

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Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with naan or rice for a complete meal.

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Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken

Marinate for Deeper Flavor: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight if possible.
Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will enhance the flavor of the dish.
Adjust the Creaminess: Add more or less cream depending on your desired consistency.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for paneer or tofu for a meat-free version.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Add Vegetables: You can add peas, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken: Cook the chicken until just tender to keep it juicy.
Using Low-Quality Tomatoes: Use high-quality tomato puree for the best flavor.
Adding Cream Too Early: Add the cream towards the end to prevent it from curdling.

How to Serve and Present Butter Chicken

With Naan: Serve with warm naan bread to scoop up the sauce.
Over Rice: Pair with basmati rice or jasmine rice for a complete meal.
With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad for a balanced dinner.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze butter chicken for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if needed.

FAQs for Butter Chicken Recipe

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Butter chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Is this recipe spicy?
You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili powder.

What other sides go well with butter chicken?
You can serve butter chicken with naan, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

This Butter Chicken Recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful dinner option that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, a rich tomato-butter sauce, and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Give it a try, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious dinner ideas!