There’s something so comforting about rich, creamy butter chicken that comes together in a flash. This 20-Minute Easy Butter Chicken Recipe is a game changer when you need a satisfying meal fast, without sacrificing any of those warm, cozy flavors you crave.

This image shows a close-up of a white metal bowl filled with a dish of white rice topped with an orange creamy sauce containing pieces of cooked meat. The sauce looks thick and rich with a smooth texture, and it is scattered with fresh chopped green herbs. The bowl is placed on a round wooden board, and the background shows a white marbled surface. The photo is sharp and bright, highlighting the vibrant colors and textures of the food 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

I’ve made butter chicken countless times, but this version stands out because it’s so quick and fuss-free. You don’t need any obscure ingredients or hours of simmering—yet it delivers a flavor-packed, creamy curry that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Speedy prep: You can have dinner on the table in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Simple ingredients: No need for hard-to-find spices or pastes—most of what you need is probably in your pantry.
One-pan magic: Everything cooks in one skillet or saucepan, making cleanup a breeze.
Customizable creaminess: Swap heavy cream for lighter options without losing that luscious texture.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this 20-Minute Easy Butter Chicken Recipe plays a role in building layers of vibrant flavor and creamy texture. I love how simple spices transform the dish without overwhelming, and the tomato paste adds just the right tangy depth.

Flat lay of a small pool of golden oil in a white ceramic bowl, a dollop of creamy butter on a white ceramic plate, a medium diced yellow onion neatly arranged, a tiny heap of finely minced fresh ginger root, three peeled whole garlic cloves, raw boneless chicken breast chunks, a small white bowl filled with rich red tomato paste, a neat pile of garam masala powder, a small mound of chili powder, a tiny scoop of pale fenugreek powder, a small heap of ground cumin, two whole clean brown eggs, a pinch of coarse sea salt, cracked black peppercorns scattered delicately, a small white bowl holding thick heavy cream, a cluster of fluffy cooked white basmati rice grains, and a piece of golden naan bread—all 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 helps with sautéing without overpowering the spices.
Butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce—don’t skip it!
Onion: Cooking down to golden adds natural sweetness that balances spices.
Fresh ginger: Gives a bright, zesty kick that lifts the whole dish.
Garlic: Essential for that classic aromatic base in Indian cooking.
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless cuts absorb flavors quickly and cook evenly.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor intensifies the sauce without extra liquid.
Garam masala: This warm, fragrant spice blend is key for authentic butter chicken taste.
Chili powder: Provides gentle heat; swap for paprika if you want milder warmth.
Fenugreek: Adds that slightly sweet, unique flavor often found in classic butter chicken.
Cumin: Earthy undertones that round out the spice profile.
Salt & black pepper: To season and balance the flavors.
Heavy cream: The final touch that makes the sauce decadently smooth and rich.

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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 the reasons I keep coming back to this 20-Minute Easy Butter Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want to turn down the heat, add veggies, or swap cream for something lighter, this recipe handles it all gracefully.

Variation: I sometimes stir in spinach or peas near the end for a pop of green and extra nutrients—totally delicious and colorful.
Low-fat version: Swapping heavy cream for Greek yogurt adds tang and cuts calories, just add it off the heat to avoid curdling.
Spice level: Feel free to use more chili powder or a dash of cayenne if you like things hotter, or use smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
Make it vegetarian: Paneer cubes or tofu work wonderfully instead of chicken for a meat-free meal.

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

A dark bowl contains three main layers: fluffy white rice on the left side, creamy orange curry with chunks of chicken in the middle and right side, topped with fresh green cilantro leaves scattered evenly. A piece of white naan bread with black specks rests on the right edge of the bowl, slightly folded over the curry. A silver spoon is placed on the bottom left side, partially submerged in the rice and curry. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a partial view of another dish at the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté Those Onions and Aromatics

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat—this gives a nice sizzle without burning. Add the oil and butter, then toss in the diced onions. Cook them gently until golden and soft, about 3-4 minutes. The magic happens here, as the onions caramelize and sweeten the base. Next, stir in the minced ginger and garlic, cooking just about 30 seconds until fragrant—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!

Step 2: Add Chicken, Tomato Paste, and Spices

Throw in the chicken chunks, then spoon in that vibrant tomato paste. Sprinkle all your spices—garam masala, chili powder, fenugreek, cumin, salt, and pepper—over everything. Stir it well to coat the chicken in that spiced tomato goodness. Let it cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce starts to thicken.

Step 3: Finish with Cream and Simmer

Pour in the heavy cream to create that irresistible silky sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about 8-10 minutes. Keep stirring once in a while to prevent sticking and to let the flavors mingle beautifully. The sauce will thicken and turn that lovely light orange color that you know and love in butter chicken.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your sauce is luscious and your chicken tender, it’s ready to go. Serve it piping hot over fragrant basmati rice or with warm naan bread to soak up every last bit.

Top Tip

From my many tries with this recipe, I've learned some tricks that really make the butter chicken shine. These tips helped me nail the balance between rich, creamy sauce and bold spices every single time.

Use fresh ginger and garlic: Their fresh aromatic punch can’t be beat and it takes the sauce to another level.
Don’t skip browning the onions: It adds natural sweetness and deep flavor unlike just sautéing lightly.
Stir the cream in off heat if using yogurt: To avoid curdling and keep the sauce silky smooth.
Be patient with the simmer: Letting the sauce slow cook for a few minutes really brings all the spices together.

How to Serve 20-Minute Easy Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are chopped fresh cilantro and a little swirl of cream right before serving—it adds freshness and a beautiful presentation. Sometimes I sprinkle with crushed cashews for a bit of crunch, which my family loves.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice to soak up the sauce, and of course naan bread is a must-have for dipping. I also like a side of cucumber raita or a simple salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this butter chicken in small ramekins with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds on top—they add a lovely burst of color and slight tartness that surprises guests. You can also place it over a bed of saffron rice or alongside roasted cauliflower for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually leave out the cream and add it fresh when reheating to keep the sauce from breaking.

Freezing

This butter chicken freezes well—just let it cool completely, then transfer to a sealed freezer-safe container. It’s great to thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat on low heat in a pan, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce gets too thick or starts sticking. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make the cream separate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just cut them into similar-sized chunks and cook as directed.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in butter chicken?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter option, or stir in plain yogurt off heat to keep the sauce creamy but reduce fat. Coconut milk is also a great dairy-free substitute that adds a subtle sweetness.

How spicy is this 20-Minute Easy Butter Chicken Recipe?

The recipe's spice level is mild to moderate, but you can easily adjust by increasing or decreasing chili powder or swapping it for paprika for less heat. It’s customizable to your taste buds!

Is fenugreek essential for the flavor?

Fenugreek adds an authentic, slightly sweet and nutty note that enhances the curry. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or substitute a small pinch of mustard seeds or a fenugreek seed powder-based spice blend.

Final Thoughts

This 20-Minute Easy Butter Chicken Recipe is one I trust to deliver both comfort and flavor when time is short and hunger is high. It’s helped me turn hectic evenings into cozy dinners without losing that homemade feel. I’m excited for you to try it out—you’ll love how effortlessly it brings those rich, creamy, spiced notes to your table. Just like chatting with a friend, cooking this feels warm and welcoming every time.