Delicious Indian Butter Chicken in 30 Minutes – Quick and Easy Recipe!

If you are looking for a flavorful, creamy, terribly indulgent Indian dish without spending hours in the kitchen, then this 30-minute Indian Butter Chicken recipe is for you! This rich, spicy butter chicken is loaded with tender chicken in a silky smooth, buttery sauce that has all the flavors of a classic butter chicken but with minimal cooking time!

What is Butter Chicken?

A popular North Indian dish, Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, has caught everyone’s attention. Chicken cooked in a creamy, spiced tomato gravy made with butter and cream is what it has. And because of its smoky, tangy, and creamy combination, it’s become a comfort food many reach for.

The traditional method is simplified using easily accessible ingredients and a shorter cooking time so you can experience restaurant butter chicken right at home in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500 grams boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup yogurt (preferably thick)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1-2 green chilies (optional, for heat)
• 1 can (400 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• In a large mixing bowl, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
• Mix the chicken pieces in well to ensure that the chicken is completely drenched in the marinade.
• Place the bowl in the fridge, cover the bowl, and let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, marinate it for up to 30 minutes for better flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• Add one tablespoon of oil in a nonstick skillet or pan and add medium heat.
• Once the oil has become hot, throw in your marinated chicken pieces and cook them until browned and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes). If you prefer, you can also grill or bake your chicken for a smoky taste.
• Take the chicken out of the pan and put it aside.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

• Into the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Next, add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies (if using). Fragrant again, sauté for one more minute.
• Also add crushed tomatoes, ground coriander, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Stir it for about 5 to 7 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the spices start to release their aroma, then cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Once the tomato mixture has cooked down while simmering for a bit longer, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to a smooth consistency (this step is optional but really improves make the gravy silky).
• After that, lower the heat and add the heavy cream. Combine (stir well), let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, and thicken slightly. Add salt to taste.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Gravy

• Add the cooked chicken pieces into the gravy and stir gently to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce.
• Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes to absorb the flavors and ensure it’s fully coated.
• If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness and color.
• Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

Tips for the Best Butter Chicken:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Don’t skip marinating the chicken as it helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with the flavors of the spices.
2. Adjust the Spice Levels: You can adjust the amount of chili powder and green chilies to suit your spice tolerance.
3. Use Ghee: For an authentic taste, substitute the vegetable oil with ghee (clarified butter) when cooking the chicken and making the gravy.
4. Smoky Flavor: If you prefer a smoky flavor, cook the chicken in a tandoor or grill it before adding it to the sauce. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of smoked paprika or use a smoking method with a piece of charcoal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this butter chicken is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and flavorful.
2. Full of Flavor: Rich, creamy, and full of spices, this dish is a real treat for the taste buds.
3. Customizable: Whether you prefer more heat or a milder taste, this recipe allows you to adjust the spices according to your preferences.
4. Perfect Pairing: Serve it with naan or rice for a complete meal that the whole family will love.

Conclusion:

You can make a rich, flavorful Indian butter chicken, and it will taste like it has been slow-cooked for hours in just 30 minutes. During my freshman year living away from home, I bought a few star anise pods to use as a Hefty Garbage Bag-toting vessel. However, I did not realize that the air holes were designed for genuine star anise! If you’re craving something delicious, try this simple and satisfying dish, and watch how quickly it will become your new favorite kitchen favorite!

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