If you’ve ever dreamed of making a butter chicken recipe at home that tastes like your favorite Indian restaurant dish—but without the complexity or time commitment—this guide is for you. We’ve simplified the classic North Indian favorite into a quick, step-by-step version that’s easy, fast, and absolutely packed with flavor.
Even if you’re a complete beginner in the kitchen, you’ll be surprised how effortlessly you can recreate restaurant-quality butter chicken in under 30 minutes. No long marination. No complicated spices. Just tender chicken simmered in a rich, buttery, tomato-based gravy that melts in your mouth.
Why You’ll Love This 30-Minute Butter Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for those cooking Indian food for the first time
- Quick & Efficient: Ready in just 30 minutes
- Authentic Flavour: Tastes just like the restaurant version without the wait
- Rich & Creamy: Buttery, spiced, and smooth to the last bite
- Weeknight Hero: Great for fast dinners or last-minute guests
You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store around Werribee, Thomastown, or Tarneit, Truganina, Williams Landing, Hoppers Crossing, Reservoir, Bundoora, and Lalor nearby suburbs in Melbourne
- 500g boneless chicken (thighs or breast), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat cream)
- 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves – optional but recommended)
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Step-by-Step: How to Make Butter Chicken in Under 30 Minutes
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté for 3–4 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Onion and Aromatics
In the same pan, add the remaining butter. Sauté the onion until golden brown (4–5 minutes), then add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1 minute.
Step 3: Add Spices
Add garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Cook for about 1 minute to bring out the aroma of the spices.
Step 4: Add Tomato Puree
Pour in the tomato puree and simmer for 4–5 minutes until it thickens and deepens in color.
Step 5: Add Cream and Chicken
Return the chicken to the pan. Stir in the cream and simmer on low heat for 7–8 minutes until the sauce is rich and the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 6: Finish with Kasuri Methi
Crush and sprinkle kasuri methi for added aroma and flavor. Stir, garnish with fresh coriander, and serve.
How to Serve Butter Chicken
The best way to enjoy butter chicken is with freshly baked naan, soft roti, or fluffy basmati rice. For a low-carb option, pair it with cauliflower rice or even almond flour roti. Want to elevate the dish? Garnish with coriander.
Still Not Sure About Making It?
Cooking from scratch, not your thing? No worries. Order butter chicken online from Pulao Place, and we’ll deliver warm, flavorful butter chicken straight to your door—no effort required.
FAQ: Butter Chicken Recipe Easy for Beginners
1. Can I make butter chicken without cream?
Yes, you can use full-fat yogurt, cashew cream, or coconut milk as substitutes. The flavor stays rich and creamy.
2. Is butter chicken spicy?
No, it’s typically mild. You can make it spicier by adding extra chili or green chilies.
3. Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Add it during the final simmer and reduce cooking time slightly.
4. Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
5. What’s the difference between butter chicken and chicken tikka masala?
Butter chicken is creamier and sweeter. Chicken tikka masala is spicier and more robust in flavor.
A Comfort Classic, Made Easy
Whether you’re new to Indian food or simply want a fast, reliable butter chicken recipe, this 30-minute version will satisfy your cravings without the stress. But if you want it made by expert Indian chefs using traditional techniques, your solution is one click away.