Name: Easy Butter Chicken (30 Minute Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 2 yellow onions, roughly chopped; 3 tablespoons chopped ginger; 6 cloves garlic, crushed; 28 ounce can of crushed or diced tomatoes; 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup water; ½ cup whipping cream (or plain yogurt or coconut milk); 2 tablespoons almond butter; 2-4 tablespoons coconut sugar (can substitute brown sugar); Sea salt, to taste (about 2 teaspoons); Cilantro, to serve; 1 tablespoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 4 cardamom pods, seeds only (discard pods)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 7 reviews

If you are on the hunt for a comforting, rich, and truly satisfying dish that comes together in no time, this Easy Butter Chicken (30 Minute Recipe) Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with warm spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, it’s a dish that never fails to impress both family and friends. The best part? You get restaurant-quality flavor without the wait, making weekday dinners feel a little more special, and a lot more delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round silver pan filled with one layer of cooked chopped onions. The onions are soft with a mix of white and golden brown colors, showing some caramelized parts. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s bringing depth, color, or that buttery creaminess you crave. Let’s dive into the essentials and their purpose in this culinary masterpiece.

2 tablespoons butter: Adds a rich, velvety base and brings all the flavors together beautifully.
2 yellow onions, roughly chopped: When browned well, they create a sweet, caramelized flavor foundation.
3 tablespoons chopped ginger: Offers a fresh, zesty kick that balances the creaminess.
6 cloves garlic, crushed: Delivers that classic aromatic punch you expect from Indian curries.
28 ounce can of crushed or diced tomatoes: Provides a tangy, luscious body to the sauce.
1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender protein absorbs spices wonderfully for juicy bites.
1 cup water: Helps simmer the chicken and create the perfect saucy consistency.
½ cup whipping cream, plain yogurt, or coconut milk: Adds smooth richness, adjust based on your creaminess preference.
2 tablespoons almond butter: Introduces a subtle nuttiness while thickening the sauce elegantly.
2-4 tablespoons coconut sugar (can sub brown sugar): Brings just the right touch of sweetness to balance acidity and spice.
Sea salt, to taste: Enhances every flavor and rounds out the dish perfectly.
Cilantro, to serve: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness as a finishing touch.
1 tablespoon garam masala: The aromatic soul of the dish with earthy, warm notes.
1 teaspoon ground turmeric: Gives vibrant color and a mild, earthy flavor.
1 teaspoon ground coriander: Adds citrusy, nutty undertones.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings a smoky depth.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Introduces gentle heat without overwhelming.
4 cardamom pods, seeds only: Imparts unique floral sweetness (discard pods after use).

How to Make Easy Butter Chicken (30 Minute Recipe) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating butter in a large frying pan on medium-high heat. Toss in the yellow onions, chopped ginger, and crushed garlic. Cook these together for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the onions to become deeply browned and fragrant — this caramelization builds the flavor foundation that makes the curry so special.

Step 2: Toast the Spices

While your aromatics are cooking, mix all your ground spices (garam masala, turmeric, coriander, cumin, chili powder) and cardamom seeds in a small bowl. Once the onions, ginger, and garlic are perfectly browned, sprinkle in the spices. Stir continuously for about one minute to transform them from raw powder to fragrant warmth that will infuse the curry with its signature taste.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Blend

Pour the entire can of crushed or diced tomatoes into the pan, scraping the bottom to lift all those lovely browned bits. Allow it to heat through briefly, then pour the sauce mixture into a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth — this step creates the silky, luscious base that so defines butter chicken.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken

Return the blended sauce to the pan, then stir in your chicken pieces and a cup of water. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the chicken cook through for about 10 minutes until tender and fully cooked. This gentle cooking ensures the chicken soaks up all those delectable flavors.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Almond Butter

Once your chicken is cooked, stir in whipping cream (or your preferred alternative), almond butter, and coconut sugar. These ingredients round out the sauce with creaminess, a hint of nutty sweetness, and balance against the spices. Taste and adjust the sea salt until every bite sings with satisfying flavor.

How to Serve Easy Butter Chicken (30 Minute Recipe) Recipe

A shiny silver pan holds thick, bright orange sauce with small soft chunks inside. The sauce looks smooth and creamy, covered lightly with small green herb bits scattered on top. A black spatula rests in the pan, partially dipped in the sauce and leaning on the pan’s edge. The pan sits on a white cloth with fringed edges, all placed on a white marbled surface. Nearby, there is a black bowl filled with white rice and part of a white tortilla with some char marks on the edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top adds that irresistible burst of greenery and herbaceous flavor. If you like a little extra indulgence, a dollop of cream or a squeeze of lemon complements the dish beautifully, brightening up the richness.

Side Dishes

This butter chicken shines alongside fragrant basmati rice, which soaks up the sauce perfectly. Warm naan bread is also a traditional and beloved option, great for scooping up every last bit of the curry. For a lighter touch, consider pairing it with a simple cucumber raita or crisp salad to harmonize the flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the butter chicken over cauliflower rice or within a warm pita pocket as a fusion dish. Alternatively, offering a DIY bowl with rice, butter chicken, and various toppings like toasted nuts or pickled onions turns dinner into an interactive experience everyone will enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Easy Butter Chicken (30 Minute Recipe) Recipe keeps incredibly well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, ensuring the flavors deepen further while staying fresh and ready to reheat.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warmth. You can add a splash of water, cream, or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwave can work in a pinch, but slow reheating preserves the creamy consistency better.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and will stay tender throughout the cooking process. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces, just like breasts.

What can I substitute for almond butter?

If you don’t have almond butter on hand, you can substitute with cashew butter, peanut butter, or even tahini. Each will lend a slightly different nutty flavor but still add that creamy texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check the spice labels to be sure.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes, swap out the chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas and use coconut milk instead of cream. Vegan butter or oil can replace the butter for a plant-based version that’s just as comforting.

How spicy is this butter chicken?

This recipe offers mild to moderate heat thanks to chili powder, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your preference. Adding a bit more chili powder or fresh green chilies will kick up the spice level nicely.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Easy Butter Chicken (30 Minute Recipe) Recipe, it’s hard to imagine ever going back to takeout. It captures the heart of traditional butter chicken in a fraction of the time, making every family dinner feel special and satisfying. Trust me, this meal will quickly become one of your weeknight staples—full of flavor, comfort, and all the cozy vibes you want from home cooking.