Nothing beats the comfort of a rich, creamy dish that comes together fast—that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this 20-Minute Easy Butter Chicken Recipe with you. It’s a surefire way to enjoy all the classic butter chicken flavors in a flash, perfect for busy nights or when you just want something cozy without fuss.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with two layers: the bottom layer is fluffy white rice with distinct grains, and the top layer is thick, creamy orange curry with tender pieces of meat mixed in. The curry has a rich, smooth texture with visible chunks, and it is garnished with bright green chopped herbs scattered on top. The bowl is placed on a round wooden board, and the background shows a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make 20-Minute Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve 20-Minute Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
20-Minute Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This 20-Minute Easy Butter Chicken Recipe is one of those meals I keep returning to when I want something flavorful but quick. It’s creamy and comforting yet comes together so quickly that it’s become my go-to when time is tight.

Speedy Prep: Ready in just 20 minutes, making weeknight dinners a breeze without sacrificing taste.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup—always a win!
Authentic Flavors Made Easy: Uses classic spices like garam masala and fenugreek without needing hours of marinating or complicated steps.
Customizable Creaminess: Switch up the cream options to fit your dietary needs—rich and indulgent or lighter on the calories.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this recipe lies in the simple yet harmonious ingredients. Each one plays a special role—whether it’s building depth of flavor, adding richness, or a touch of spice. You don’t have to hunt for anything too fancy, and I’ll share a few tips to pick the best versions when you shop.

Flat lay of a few cloves of fresh garlic, a small mound of finely minced fresh ginger, a medium diced yellow onion, three raw boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl with golden oil, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy pale yellow butter, a small white ceramic bowl with deep warm brown garam masala powder, a small white ceramic bowl of reddish chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown cumin powder, a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow fenugreek powder, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white salt, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick heavy cream, a neat pile of uncooked white basmati rice grains, and a piece of fresh naan bread, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Oil: A neutral oil like vegetable or canola works best to sauté without overpowering the spices.
Butter: Adds that luxurious creaminess and a slightly nutty richness essential to butter chicken.
Onion: Diced finely, it’s the base that softens and sweetens the dish.
Fresh Ginger: Freshly grated or minced ginger brightens and cuts through the richness with a gentle zing.
Garlic: Adds depth and warmth; freshly minced always tastes best.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated to give the sauce its signature tangy richness.
Garam Masala: This spice blend brings signature warm and aromatic Indian flavors.
Chili Powder: For mild heat—feel free to adjust or swap with paprika for less spice.
Fenugreek: A secret ingredient for authentic flavor; powder works great and is usually easy to find.
Cumin: Adds earthiness and balances the other spices.
Salt & Pepper: To season and enhance flavor—don’t skip!
Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce luscious and silky; you can use half & half or yogurt for lighter versions.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this 20-Minute Easy Butter Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to adjust based on what you’ve got or your flavor preference. I often toss in extra garlic or swap the cream for coconut milk when I want a dairy-free twist.

Mild or spicy: I usually start with a teaspoon of chili powder but love adding a dash of cayenne when I want a little heat kick.
Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with paneer or cauliflower chunks for a tasty meatless version that still soaks up all that buttery goodness.
Make it lighter: Use plain yogurt or half & half instead of heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative without losing creaminess.

Step-by-Step: How I Make 20-Minute Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

A white bowl is filled with three main layers: on one side, there is a pile of fluffy white rice with some green herb leaves sprinkled on top; next to the rice, bright orange chunks of chicken coated in a creamy sauce form the second layer, garnished with fresh green cilantro leaves; the third layer is a piece of light beige naan bread with small black herb specks resting on the edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a silver spoon placed inside, partially resting on the rice and chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté Onions, Butter & Spices

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add your oil, butter, and diced onions. Cook the onions until they’re just golden and soft—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. If they start browning too quickly, lower the heat a bit. Next, toss in the fresh ginger and garlic. Stir it constantly for about 30 seconds so nothing burns—this quick step releases those amazing aromas that fill the kitchen and get your taste buds ready.

Step 2: Add Chicken, Tomato, & Spices

Now, add the chicken pieces straight into the skillet, followed by the tomato paste and all your spices—garam masala, chili powder, cumin, fenugreek if you’re using it, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well so the chicken gets nicely coated. Cook the mixture for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the tomato paste thickens into a rich sauce. This is where the magic really starts happening.

Step 3: Finish with Cream & Simmer

Pour in the heavy cream and give everything a good stir. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it smooth and silky. The cream melds with the spices, creating that iconic buttery texture that makes this dish unforgettable. Keep an eye on it to avoid boiling, which can cause the cream to separate.

Top Tip

From all my attempts, here are a few things that really helped me nail this recipe every single time—and they might just help you too.

Don’t rush the onions: Taking the time to cook onions until golden sets the sweet and savory base you want in butter chicken.
Fresh spices matter: Using fresh garam masala and freshly ground cumin makes a huge flavor difference. Pre-ground and old spices can taste flat.
Use heavy cream for true silkiness: I tried lighter substitutes, but the cream’s richness really creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Simmer gently: A gentle simmer prevents the cream from curdling and lets the flavors marry perfectly.

How to Serve 20-Minute Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish my butter chicken with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes a drizzle of extra cream or a squeeze of lemon over the top brightens things up just right.

Side Dishes

This dish really shines served over fluffy basmati rice, which soaks up all that buttery sauce perfectly. I also love serving it with warm naan bread to scoop up every last bit. Some lightly steamed green beans or a crisp cucumber salad balance the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to spoon the butter chicken into pretty bowls, garnish with toasted pine nuts and finely chopped mint in addition to cilantro. Serving it with a side of mango chutney adds a sweet contrast guests adore. It’s a simple upgrade that makes it feel extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the butter chicken taste even better the next day! Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this butter chicken successfully, just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 2 months frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the butter chicken over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Add a splash of water or cream if it looks too thick. This keeps the texture smooth and luscious, just like fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and tend to stay juicier. Just cut them into similar-sized chunks for even cooking.

What if I don’t have fenugreek?

Fenugreek adds a unique flavor but is optional. If you don’t have it on hand, the recipe will still be tasty without it. Sometimes I use mustard seeds as a substitute for a similar aromatic note.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this 20-Minute Easy Butter Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve with gluten-free naan or rice to keep it that way.

How spicy is this butter chicken?

The recipe is mildly spiced, but you can easily turn up the heat by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust to your taste!

Final Thoughts

This 20-Minute Easy Butter Chicken Recipe has become a little comfort tradition in my kitchen—simple enough to make after a long day but special enough that everyone looks forward to it. I’m confident you’ll enjoy how quickly it comes together and how deeply flavorful it is. Go ahead, give it a try tonight and savor every creamy, spiced bite like you’re sharing it with good friends over coffee.