30-Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
A quick and flavorful recipe for 30-Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken that is rich in spices and creamy sauce, perfect for a delicious weeknight meal.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
- Cook the Chicken – Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics – In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the Spices – Stir in garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Make the Sauce – Add tomato sauce and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk, yogurt, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Serve – Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Indian Butter Chicken, Stovetop Recipe, Quick Dinner, Creamy Chicken