02/08/2026
🍛 30-Minute Butter Chicken Recipe
🧄 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
• 500g boneless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
• 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp sugar or honey
• Salt to taste
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp butter (to finish)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
👨🍳 Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, coriander, cumin, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
2. Heat a pan over medium-high heat with a little oil. Cook the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes until lightly charred and almost cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and lightly golden.
4. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and release their juices.
6. Add Kashmiri chili powder, paprika, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, sugar, and salt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Blend the sauce until completely smooth, then return it to the pan.
8. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce becomes rich and silky.
9. Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and coated in the creamy gravy.
10. Finish with 1 tablespoon butter and fresh chopped cilantro.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with butter naan, garlic naan, paratha, or steamed basmati rice. Garnish with a swirl of fresh cream and extra cilantro for a restaurant-style finish.
