Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken

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This 30-minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken brings the beloved flavors of traditional butter chicken to your table in a fraction of the time. The recipe features tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic Indian spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander. The combination of heavy cream, yogurt, and butter creates a luxuriously smooth sauce, while fresh ginger and garlic add depth of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this simplified version maintains the authentic taste while being quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both Indian cuisine enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
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Updated on Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:05:01 GMT
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Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Transform your kitchen into an aromatic Indian restaurant with this simplified version of the beloved butter chicken. This recipe captures the essence of traditional murgh makhani while making it accessible for busy home cooks, delivering rich, complex flavors in just 30 minutes. The combination of warming spices and creamy tomato sauce creates a dish that's both comforting and exotic.

When I first started making butter chicken at home, discovering that properly toasting the spices was the secret to restaurant-quality flavor changed everything. Now the aroma of blooming garam masala tells me dinner will be spectacular.

Essential Components

  • Chicken Choice: Thighs offer more flavor and stay tender throughout cooking
  • Butter Quality: Use unsalted butter to control salt levels
  • Spice Freshness: Fresh, aromatic garam masala makes a significant difference
  • Tomato Base: Choose high-quality tomato sauce for best flavor
  • Cream Selection: Heavy cream creates the richest sauce texture
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Easy Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken Recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Creating Your Masterpiece

Build The Base:
Melt butter until foamy but not browned. Add onions and cook until translucent, allowing natural sugars to develop.
Bloom The Spices:
Add aromatics and spices to the butter, stirring constantly until fragrant. This crucial step releases essential oils.
Develop The Sauce:
Pour tomato sauce slowly, scraping up any browned bits. Let it reduce slightly before adding cream and yogurt.
Perfect The Chicken:
Cook chicken pieces until just done, avoiding overcooking. They'll finish gently in the simmering sauce.
Marry The Flavors:
Simmer everything together, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to absorb the rich flavors.

Making butter chicken became my Friday night tradition after learning the technique from an Indian neighbor. She taught me that patience when developing the base flavors results in that authentic restaurant taste we all crave.

Perfect Pairings

Transform this dish into a complete Indian feast. Fluffy basmati rice scented with cardamom soaks up the rich sauce perfectly. Fresh naan bread, slightly charred, provides the ideal vehicle for sauce. A simple cucumber raita adds cooling contrast. For extra color and nutrition, serve with sautéed spinach seasoned with cumin.

Creative Variations

Adapt this versatile dish to various dietary needs. Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version that maintains richness. Create a vegetarian adaptation with paneer or cauliflower florets. Make it extra indulgent by finishing with a drizzle of cream and a pat of butter. For a smoky twist, add a touch of smoked paprika.

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Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken Recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Storage Success

Keep leftovers fresh in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep. When reheating, add a splash of cream or water to maintain the sauce's consistency. Garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving.

Through years of perfecting this recipe, I've found that success lies in respecting the traditional techniques while adapting them for modern kitchens. The careful layering of flavors, combined with proper spice blooming and gentle simmering, creates a butter chicken that rivals any restaurant version. This dish proves that authentic Indian cuisine is achievable at home with just a little care and attention to detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with oil, heavy cream with coconut milk, and use dairy-free yogurt.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it actually tastes better the next day. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
→ What can I serve with this?
Serve with basmati rice, naan bread, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
→ How can I make it less spicy?
Omit the cayenne pepper and reduce the amount of garam masala used.
→ Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Quick Indian Butter Chicken

A quick version of classic Indian butter chicken featuring tender chicken pieces in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with aromatic spices, ready in just 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Indian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

→ Spices

06 1 tablespoon garam masala
07 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 1 teaspoon ground coriander
09 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
10 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
11 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

→ Sauce and Serving

12 1 cup tomato sauce
13 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
14 1/4 cup plain yogurt
15 1 tablespoon lemon juice
16 Salt and pepper to taste
17 Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
18 Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving

Instructions

Step 01

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.

Step 02

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.

Step 03

Stir in garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 04

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.

Step 05

Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

Notes

  1. For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free yogurt.
  2. Adjust the spice level by modifying or omitting the cayenne pepper according to your taste preference.
  3. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cream, yogurt)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~