Easy 30-Minute Butter Chicken Recipe (Better Than Takeout!)

                "30-Min Butter Chicken Recipe – Easy & Better Than Takeout!"

"Learn how to make restaurant-style butter chicken in just 30 minutes! Creamy, flavorful, and easy—no takeout needed. Full recipe & tips inside."

Introduction

                                                                

Craving restaurant-style butter chicken but don’t want to order takeout? You’re in luck! This 30-minute butter chicken recipe is creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish is better than takeout and uses simple ingredients you likely already have.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
✅ Step-by-step instructions for foolproof butter chicken
✅ Best spices for authentic flavor
✅ Time-saving tips (including air fryer method!)
✅ Serving suggestions for the ultimate meal

Let’s get cooking!

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Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Recipe

✔ Ready in 30 minutes – Faster than delivery!
✔ Creamy, rich, and aromatic – Just like your favorite Indian restaurant.
✔ Uses pantry staples – No hard-to-find ingredients.
✔ Healthier than takeout – No excess oil or preservatives.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

                                                              

For the Sauce:

• 1 large red onion, sliced

• 4-5 tomatoes, roughly chopped

• 2 tbsp oil (or ghee)

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for color + mild heat)

• ½ tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp cumin powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• Salt to taste

• ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)

• 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)

• 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)

For the Chicken:

                                                     

• 1 lb (500g) boneless chicken, cubed

• ½ cup Greek yogurt

• 1 tsp each: garam masala, cumin, coriander, Kashmiri chili, turmeric

• Salt to taste

(Pro Tip: Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor!)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté Onions & Garlic

• Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.

• Add garlic and onions, sauté until golden and caramelized (~5 mins).

2. Cook the Tomatoes

• Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft (~8-10 mins).

• Stir in spices (garam masala, chili powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, salt).

3. Blend Into a Smooth Sauce

• Let the mixture cool slightly, then blend until smooth.

• Return to the pan, add cream, sugar, and fenugreek leaves. Simmer 5 mins.

4. Marinate & Cook the Chicken

                                                          

• Coat chicken in yogurt + spices, then:

  • Air Fryer Method: 12 mins at 380°F (195°C).

  • Stovetop: Pan-fry until golden (~6-8 mins).

5. Combine & Serve

• Add cooked chicken to the sauce, simmer 2-3 mins.

• Garnish with cilantro and extra cream.

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Pro Tips for the Best Butter Chicken

                                                                

🔥 For Extra Smoky Flavor: Use a charcoal smoke technique (dhungar method).
🌿 Dairy-Free? Swap cream with coconut milk and yogurt with cashew cream.
🍗 Prefer Thighs? They stay juicier than breast meat!

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Serving Suggestions

                                                                        

• With Naan or Basmati Rice – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.

• Side of Cucumber Raita – Cools the palate.

• Pair with Mango Lassi – A classic combo!

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FAQs

Can I make this ahead?

Yes! The sauce freezes well for up to 3 months.

Is Kashmiri chili necessary?

It adds vibrant color without too much heat, but paprika + cayenne work too.

Why fenugreek leaves?

They add a slightly bitter, nutty flavor—key for authenticity!

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Conclusion

This 30-minute butter chicken is a game-changer—faster than delivery and packed with flavor. Whether you are new to Indian cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe guarantees restaurant-quality results every time.

Ready to try it? Tag us on social media with your creations!