Imagine a cozy evening where the air is filled with the mouthwatering aroma of spices dancing together cumin, coriander, and a hint of ginger. This 20-Minute Butter Chicken is your ticket to a warm, creamy delight that’s ready in a flash! Tender chicken pieces simmer in a luscious sauce made from rich coconut milk and fragrant tomato puree, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Serve it over fluffy rice or with warm naan, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a big hug on a plate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 20 minutes perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor—trust me, you’re going to love this!
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand—no last-minute grocery runs!
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters—this one’s a game-changer!
- Pairs beautifully with rice or naan for a complete meal—dinner just got a whole lot easier!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and cheesy right off the cob! |
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast – ideal for quick cooking and tender texture.
- Butter – adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- Onion – enhances flavor; finely chop for faster cooking.
- Garlic – brings aromatic goodness; use fresh for best results.
- Ginger – adds a warm, spicy note; fresh is preferred.
- Tomato Puree – provides a rich base for the sauce.
- Coconut Milk – a creamy, dairy-free alternative for richness.
- Garam Masala – a blend of spices that adds warmth and complexity.
- Salt – enhances all the flavors; adjust to taste.
- Fresh Cilantro – for garnish; adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready for a delicious adventure in your kitchen! Follow these simple steps to whip up your 20-Minute Butter Chicken.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect boneless chicken, butter, onion, garlic, ginger, tomato puree, cream, and spices like garam masala, cumin, and paprika.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant and golden.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add bite-sized pieces of chicken to the skillet. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
Step 4: Add the Tomato Puree
Pour in 1 cup of tomato puree. Stir well to combine with the chicken and aromatics. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Spice It Up
Add 1 teaspoon of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Mix everything together and let the spices bloom for a minute.
Step 6: Creamy Finish
Pour in 1/2 cup of cream and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Give your butter chicken a taste! Adjust seasoning with salt or a pinch of sugar if needed. Make it just right for you!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your 20-Minute Butter Chicken over fluffy rice or with warm naan. Garnish with fresh cilantro for that extra touch!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use boneless chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor.
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream.
- Don’t skip the marination; even 10 minutes makes a difference!
- Serve with warm naan or rice to soak up that delicious sauce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve
- Serve over fluffy basmati rice for a classic pairing.
- Pair with warm naan bread for dipping and scooping.
- Add a side of cucumber raita to cool down the spices.
- Top with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy twist.
- Enjoy with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
- For a fun twist, serve in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Accompany with mango chutney for a sweet contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your butter chicken fresh:
- Allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
For long-term storage:
- Cool the dish completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy your butter chicken again:
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs
What can I use instead of heavy cream in this recipe?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt. Both alternatives will provide a creamy texture while adding a unique flavor to your butter chicken.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
What can I serve with 20-Minute Butter Chicken?
This quick butter chicken pairs wonderfully with basmati rice, naan, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—your very own 20-Minute Butter Chicken! This dish is not just quick; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that’s perfect for any day of the week. So, gather your loved ones, serve it over fluffy rice, and watch their faces light up with joy. Enjoy the simplicity and the deliciousness, and remember, cooking can be fun and rewarding!
20-Minute Butter Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet For sautéing the ingredients.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound Chicken Breast Ideal for quick cooking and tender texture.
Fats
- 2 tablespoons Butter Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
Vegetables
- 1 medium Onion Enhances flavor; finely chop for faster cooking.
- 2 cloves Garlic Brings aromatic goodness; use fresh for best results.
- 1 tablespoon Ginger Adds a warm, spicy note; fresh is preferred.
Sauce Base
- 1 cup Tomato Puree Provides a rich base for the sauce.
- 1/2 cup Coconut Milk A creamy, dairy-free alternative for richness.
Spices
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala A blend of spices that adds warmth and complexity.
- to taste teaspoon Salt Enhances all the flavors; adjust to taste.
Garnish
- to taste tablespoons Fresh Cilantro For garnish; adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Collect boneless chicken, butter, onion, garlic, ginger, tomato puree, cream, and spices like garam masala, cumin, and paprika.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant and golden.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Add bite-sized pieces of chicken to the skillet. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
Step 4: Add the Tomato Puree
- Pour in 1 cup of tomato puree. Stir well to combine with the chicken and aromatics. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Spice It Up
- Add 1 teaspoon of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Mix everything together and let the spices bloom for a minute.
Step 6: Creamy Finish
- Pour in 1/2 cup of cream and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
- Give your butter chicken a taste! Adjust seasoning with salt or a pinch of sugar if needed. Make it just right for you!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your 20-Minute Butter Chicken over fluffy rice or with warm naan. Garnish with fresh cilantro for that extra touch!