30 Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that brings the rich, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine to your kitchen, this 30-Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is the perfect choice. It’s creamy, spicy, and wonderfully fragrant, making it an ideal dish for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes, providing a restaurant-quality meal without the wait!

Ingredients for Indian Butter Chicken

Chicken Marinade

• 2-3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, fat trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 ½ teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)
• 2 tablespoons ghee (or butter)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 ½ teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 14 oz tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
• ½ teaspoon dried fenugreek (crushed kasoori methi)
• Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Whisk
• Tongs

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Butter Chicken

1. Marinating the Chicken

Begin by preparing the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, minced ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, red chili powder, and sea salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they form a smooth paste. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them to coat evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For a deeper flavor, marinate for up to 24 hours.

2. Browning the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to achieve a good sear on the chicken. Discard any remaining marinade. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until it is browned and slightly crispy. The chicken will finish cooking in the sauce later, so it does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove the chicken from the pan, cover, and set aside.

3. Making the Butter Chicken Sauce

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of ghee or butter. Let it melt over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic and ginger are fragrant and lightly browned.

Next, add the cumin, garam masala, ground coriander, red chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir the spices continuously for about 30 seconds to toast them, which will enhance their flavor.

Pour in the tomato sauce and add the sea salt. Using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, gently scrape the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits of chicken or spices, incorporating them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Slowly pour in the heavy cream or coconut milk, whisking as you pour to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency. Add the dried fenugreek or crushed kasoori methi and stir well to combine.

Return the browned chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Stir to coat the chicken pieces in the sauce. Simmer the dish on low heat for about 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. If the sauce seems too thick, add an extra tablespoon of ghee or butter and stir to combine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: When browning the chicken, do not overcrowd the pan. This will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, leading to a lack of that rich, browned flavor.
• Skipping the Marinade Time: Marinating is key to achieving tender and flavorful chicken. Make sure to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
• Not Toasting the Spices: Toasting the spices before adding the tomato sauce is essential to release their oils and enhance their flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken

• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices will make a big difference in flavor. Replace your ground spices every 6-12 months for the best taste.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or skip it entirely.
• Creaminess Choices: For a lighter version, use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serve this delicious stovetop Indian butter chicken with warm naan bread or fluffy basmati rice. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and added flavor. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to complement the richness of the sauce.

Storing Leftovers

To store any leftovers, transfer the cooled butter chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for thighs, but keep in mind that thighs tend to remain juicier and more flavorful in this recipe.

Q: What can I use instead of Greek yogurt for the marinade?
A: You can use regular plain yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt.

Q: How do I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and substitute ghee with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.

Conclusion

This 30-Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is a simple, quick, and delicious meal that brings a taste of India to your home kitchen. With a rich, creamy sauce and tender, flavorful chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family and subscribe to our blog for more delicious and easy recipes!

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