Quick Indian Butter Chicken

Hey there, fellow foodies! If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals that come together quickly—especially on those busy nights when you’re craving something warm and comforting, but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen. Well, I have the perfect recipe for you: 30-Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken.

I’m sure you’ve had Indian butter chicken at your favorite local restaurant, and let me tell you—it’s one of my absolute favorites! The rich, creamy sauce, the tender chicken, the combination of bold spices… it’s simply irresistible. But here’s the best part: this stovetop version is incredibly easy to make, and you can have it ready in just 30 minutes. That’s right—no need for a long simmering process or complicated steps. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty stovetop, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal right at home in no time.

I make this dish often for my family, and it’s always a hit. Whether we’re having a cozy weeknight dinner or I’m prepping for a casual dinner with friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s so easy to make, and the flavors are just amazing—you’ll be craving this dish over and over again. Let me show you how to make it!

Ingredients You’ll Need for a Flavorful Butter Chicken

One of the things I love most about this dish is that the ingredients are simple and easy to find. I’m not using anything too exotic here—just a handful of pantry staples, a few fresh ingredients, and the magic of spices to bring everything together. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (I love thighs because they stay juicy and tender, but you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (yogurt helps tenderize the chicken and gives it that wonderful creamy texture)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a touch of tanginess)
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala (this is the spice blend that makes butter chicken so flavorful)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (this gives it a little heat, but don’t worry—it’s not too spicy)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (because butter makes everything better, right?)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (for that rich, tomato base)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (the creaminess in the sauce is what makes it butter chicken, after all)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for more heat)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (this adds a subtle, warm depth to the sauce)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish, but highly recommended—it adds a fresh, bright flavor)

How to Make It: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s talk about how to put it all together. Don’t worry—it’s a simple process, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together. The best part? You only need one skillet for everything. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

The first step is to get that chicken marinating. This step is essential because it helps infuse the chicken with all those amazing spices. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, chili powder, salt, garlic, and ginger. Stir everything together until you get a smooth paste.

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and mix it all around so the chicken is well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, you can let it marinate for a few hours—or even overnight—for even better flavor. I usually try to give it at least 30 minutes if I’m in a rush, and it still turns out delicious!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to cook it. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil (vegetable oil or olive oil works well). When the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken thighs to the pan. You should hear that satisfying sizzle when the chicken hits the skillet—always a good sign!

Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe. If your skillet is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry if the chicken looks a little crispy on the outside—this adds extra flavor and texture to the final dish.

Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce

Now, we get to the magic part—the sauce! In the same skillet (we don’t want to lose those flavorful brown bits left from the chicken), melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 4-5 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. This is when the aroma of onions and butter fills the kitchen—absolutely irresistible!

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. At this point, you’ll be dreaming of the deliciousness that’s coming next. Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, garam masala, chili powder (if using), and cinnamon. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.

Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken up and all the flavors to blend together. This is when your kitchen is going to smell so good, you won’t be able to wait to dive in.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have had time to come together, it’s time to add the chicken back in. Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces (I like to do this with kitchen shears—so easy!). Add the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up all the deliciousness of the sauce.

If you find that the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. I like my butter chicken to be nice and saucy, but you can adjust it to your preference.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is simmered and perfectly combined, it’s time to plate up! Garnish your butter chicken with fresh cilantro to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness that balances out the richness of the sauce.

Serve this butter chicken with some fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. The rice is perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce, and the naan is essential for sopping up every last drop. You can also serve it with a side of roasted veggies for an extra dose of nutrients.

Tips for Making the Best Butter Chicken

• Marinate the Chicken: Don’t skip the marinating step—it’s the key to getting that rich flavor. If you have the time, letting the chicken sit in the marinade for a few hours or overnight will really take the flavor to the next level.
• Use Bone-In Thighs for Extra Flavor: While boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe, using bone-in thighs will give you even more flavor. If you decide to use bone-in, just make sure to adjust the cooking time.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Not everyone loves spicy food, and that’s totally okay. If you want to tone down the heat, you can cut back on the chili powder, or leave it out entirely. You can always add a little heat at the end with cayenne pepper if you want more spice.
• Make It Vegetarian: You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping the chicken for tofu or even paneer (Indian cheese). The sauce is so flavorful that it pairs perfectly with other proteins or vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 30-Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken has quickly become one of my favorite recipes to make when I want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The flavors are absolutely amazing, and the fact that it comes together in just 30 minutes makes it perfect for busy nights. It’s creamy, flavorful, and so satisfying—you won’t even believe it’s homemade!

If you’re looking for a dinner that will wow your family or guests, this is the one. It’s also great for meal prep, as it stores well in the fridge for a few days, so you can enjoy leftovers later in the week. I hope this becomes one of your go-to recipes just like it is for me!

Let me know how it goes if you give it a try, and feel free to drop any questions you might have in the comments. Happy cooking!