30-Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken: A Quick and Flavorful Dish

When you’re craving a rich, creamy, and flavorful meal but don’t have much time to spare, 30-Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken is the answer. This dish is a comforting blend of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a luscious tomato-based sauce. Paired with basmati rice or naan, it’s a restaurant-quality meal you can easily whip up at home.

This recipe brings the classic flavors of Indian cuisine to your stovetop in a way that’s quick, approachable, and satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner with friends, butter chicken is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why 30-Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken is perfect for your next meal:

• Quick to Make: Ready in just half an hour, this recipe fits into even the busiest schedules.
• Rich and Flavorful: The blend of warm spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken creates an irresistible dish.
• Customizable Heat Level: You can adjust the spice to suit your preferences.
• Kid-Friendly: The mild creaminess of the sauce makes it a hit with kids, too.
• Pairs with Anything: Serve it with rice, naan, or even a fresh salad—it’s versatile and delicious.

Ingredients for 30-Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken

Here’s what you need to make this mouthwatering dish:

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs	1 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Unsalted butter	2 tbsp
Onion (finely chopped)	1 small
Garlic (minced)	3 cloves
Fresh ginger (minced)	1 tbsp
Tomato sauce	1 cup
Heavy cream or coconut milk	½ cup
Plain yogurt	¼ cup
Lemon juice	1 tbsp

Spices

Ingredient	Quantity
Garam masala	1 tbsp
Ground cumin	1 tsp
Ground coriander	1 tsp
Ground turmeric	½ tsp
Ground paprika	½ tsp
Cayenne pepper (optional)	¼ tsp
Salt and pepper	To taste

For Serving

Step-by-Step Instructions for 30-Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken

1. Prep the Ingredients

1. Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate or mince the ginger.

2. Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

4. Add the Spices

1. Sprinkle in the garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Stir for about 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors.

5. Build the Sauce

1. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well to combine with the spices.
2. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Finish the Sauce

1. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and the plain yogurt.
2. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, along with any juices from the plate.
3. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.

7. Add Lemon Juice and Garnish

1. Stir in the lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

8. Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the butter chicken hot with cooked basmati rice, warm naan, or both.
2. Offer extra cilantro and lemon wedges on the side for added freshness.

Tips for Perfect Butter Chicken

1. Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness

Chicken thighs stay tender and flavorful, even with high-heat cooking.

2. Adjust the Spice Level

• If you like it mild, skip the cayenne pepper.
• For extra heat, add more cayenne or a pinch of red chili flakes.

3. Make It Dairy-Free

Substitute heavy cream and yogurt with coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free option.

4. Don’t Rush the Sauce

Letting the sauce simmer allows the spices to develop and blend into a rich, aromatic base.

5. Prep Ahead

Chop your ingredients and measure your spices beforehand to make cooking seamless and stress-free.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350
Protein	28 g
Carbohydrates	10 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	2 g

Creative Variations of Indian Butter Chicken

1. Vegetarian Butter Chickpeas

Replace the chicken with chickpeas for a plant-based twist.

2. Butter Paneer

Swap the chicken for paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to make a vegetarian version.

3. Spicy Butter Chicken

Add extra cayenne pepper or stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce for a fiery kick.

4. Butter Chicken Pasta

Mix the butter chicken sauce with cooked pasta for a fusion dish.

5. Low-Carb Butter Chicken

Serve the butter chicken over cauliflower rice instead of basmati rice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make butter chicken ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors develop even more when it’s reheated. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze butter chicken for up to 2 months.

3. Can I use store-bought butter chicken sauce?

While homemade sauce tastes fresher, store-bought versions can save time. Adjust spices for a personalized touch.

4. What side dishes go well with butter chicken?

Serve with naan, basmati rice, cucumber salad, or roasted vegetables.

5. How can I thicken the sauce?

Simmer the sauce longer or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken it.

6. Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the chicken, onion, garlic, and spices first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.

A Final Bite: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

With its creamy texture, bold spices, and tender chicken, 30-Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken is a quick yet indulgent meal that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s a delicious way to bring the flavors of Indian cuisine to your kitchen without the need for hours of preparation.

Ready to Cook?

Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the satisfying taste of homemade butter chicken in just 30 minutes. Your family will thank you for it!

Print