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30-Minute Butter Chicken

30-Minute Butter Chicken

A quick and satisfying butter chicken that comes together in half an hour. Tender chicken simmers in a rich tomato and butter sauce with warm spices, perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something restaurant-quality fast.

2
Servings
10m
Prep
20m
Cook
385
Calories
42g
Protein
This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts for speed. If you prefer thighs, they will take slightly longer to cook through. Serve over rice, naan, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Indianweeknightdate-nightcozy

Ingredients

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
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Steps

  1. 1. Prep

  2. 2. Cook

  3. 3. Finish

Easy Butter Chicken Without Cream

This recipe skips heavy cream entirely and relies on butter, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes for richness. The result is a lighter, brighter sauce that's just as satisfying. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in 0.25 cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream at the end of cooking without affecting the 30-minute timeline.

Butter Chicken for Two

This recipe is perfectly portioned for two servings with leftovers. Double it easily for a small dinner party, or halve it if cooking solo. The sauce freezes well for up to three months, making it ideal for meal prep.

Butter Chicken with Chicken Thighs

Prefer thighs? Use 1.25 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They're more forgiving and stay juicier. Add 2 to 3 extra minutes to the simmering time to ensure they're cooked through. Thighs also have more flavor and are often cheaper than breasts.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this butter chicken without cream?
Yes, this recipe doesn't use cream at all. The sauce gets its richness from butter and tomato paste. For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of yogurt or coconut milk at the very end.
How do I scale this butter chicken for two people?
This recipe is already portioned for two. To serve four, simply double all ingredients and extend the simmering time by 2 to 3 minutes.
Should I use chicken breasts or thighs?
Breasts cook faster and are leaner, making them ideal for the 30-minute timeline. Thighs are more flavorful and forgiving but need an extra 2 to 3 minutes to cook through. Either works well.
What can I serve with 30-minute butter chicken?
Serve over jasmine or basmati rice, with naan bread, or alongside steamed broccoli. A simple cucumber salad or raita on the side balances the richness of the sauce.

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