Name: 20-Minute Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 medium onion (diced); 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (finely minced or grated or paste); 2-3 cloves garlic (finely minced or crushed); 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into ¾-inch chunks); 4 tablespoons tomato paste (or 8 oz can of tomato sauce); 1 tablespoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon chili powder (or paprika, adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon fenugreek powder (optional); 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup heavy cream (substitute half & half or yogurt for low fat); Hot cooked basmati rice and naan for serving

There's something instantly comforting about the rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken in a classic Indian dish. This 20-Minute Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe nails that cozy flavor while keeping things quick and simple—perfect for busy nights or when you want a little indulgence without the wait.

A white bowl filled with a layer of white steamed rice at the bottom, topped with a thick, orange creamy sauce mixed with chunks of tender meat evenly spread across the surface. The dish is garnished with scattered fresh green cilantro leaves, adding a pop of color. The bowl sits on a wooden board, with the photo taken against a white marbled background. 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 Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve 20-Minute Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
20-Minute Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This 20-Minute Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to weeknight meals. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser and strikes that perfect balance of simplicity and authentic flavor—without hours of fuss.

Fast and Flavorful: From chopping to plating, it takes just 20 minutes but tastes like you dedicated hours in the kitchen.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with all the cooking happening in a single skillet or saucepan.
Flexible Ingredients: Uses everyday spices and pantry staples that you likely have on hand.
Customizable Creaminess: You can adjust the richness using cream, half & half, or even yogurt!

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe comes together beautifully because the spices and creamy tomato base play off one another perfectly. Each ingredient has its role to bring depth, warmth, and richness without making the prep complicated.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl with golden oil, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy butter, a medium whole yellow onion with smooth skin, a small pile of finely minced fresh ginger root, three peeled garlic cloves, raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into chunk pieces, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich red tomato paste, a small heap of warm-colored garam masala powder, a small white ceramic bowl with bright red chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing pale yellow fenugreek powder, a small white ceramic bowl with brown cumin powder, two whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, 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 mound of fluffy cooked basmati rice, and a few pieces of soft naan bread arranged harmoniously, 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 & Butter: The combo adds richness and helps develop the flavor by sautéing the aromatics.
Onion: Provides sweetness and a tender base; cooking it until golden unlocks that mild caramelized savor.
Fresh Ginger & Garlic: These fresh aromatics punch up the dish with vibrant warmth—you can use paste if pressed for time.
Boneless Chicken Breasts: Quick-cooking and lean; cutting them into chunks ensures juicy bites that absorb the sauce.
Tomato Paste: Thickens the sauce with concentrated tomato flavor without making it too watery.
Garam Masala, Cumin, Chili Powder & Fenugreek: The signature spice blend creates that recognizable butter chicken taste with layers of earthiness and a subtle smoky heat.
Salt & Pepper: Seasoning at every stage ensures every bite sings.
Heavy Cream: This adds the signature creamy texture and mellows the spices just enough; switching with yogurt or half & half works well if you want to lighten it up.

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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 the 20-Minute Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Over time, I've played with different tweaks to match my mood or dietary needs, and you’ll find it just as adaptable!

Variation: I sometimes swap chicken breasts for thighs when I want juicier, more tender bites, especially in colder months.
Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the chili powder or switch it with smoked paprika for a milder, smoky twist.
Dairy Alternatives: For a lighter version, trying plain yogurt instead of heavy cream cuts fat but keeps the tangy richness.
Add Veggies: Peas or spinach stirred in right at the end add a fresh pop and boost the nutrition without changing the essence.

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

A white bowl on a white marbled surface holds a dish with two layers: fluffy white rice on the left side and a creamy orange chicken curry on the right side. The curry is thick with chunks of chicken coated in a smooth sauce, topped with small bright green cilantro leaves. A piece of soft white naan bread with black pepper flakes rests on the right edge of the bowl. A silver spoon lies partially in the curry with some sauce on it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics Until Golden

First, heat a large skillet or medium saucepan over medium-high heat. I add the oil, butter, and diced onions and cook them down until lightly golden—usually about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation, so don’t rush it. Once the onions are translucent and just starting to caramelize, toss in your minced ginger and garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds, and be careful not to burn them. That fragrant aroma? It's your sign to move on.

Step 2: Cook Chicken with Spices and Tomato Paste

Next, add your chicken chunks to the skillet, followed by the tomato paste and all your spices: garam masala, chili powder, fenugreek, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to coat the chicken. Cook this mixture for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the spices bloom beautifully. You’ll notice your kitchen filling with that classic butter chicken scent—it’s what makes this recipe so rewarding!

Step 3: Stir in Cream and Simmer to Perfection

Finally, pour in the heavy cream and gently stir it into the skillet. Let your butter chicken simmer softly for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring every so often. This gentle simmer thickens the sauce and melds all the flavors together, creating that creamy, luscious texture that keeps me coming back for seconds. If the sauce thickens too much before the time’s up, splash in a little water or milk to loosen it slightly.

Top Tip

Over years of making this 20-Minute Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe, I’ve learned a few hacks that take it from good to unforgettable.

Pat the Chicken Dry: Before cooking, drying the chicken pieces helps them brown nicely instead of steaming, locking in flavor and texture.
Use Fresh Spices When Possible: I’ve found freshly ground garam masala and cumin lift the dish with vibrant notes you won’t get from pre-ground blends.
Don’t Skip the Butter: It might sound indulgent, but butter is key for that silky mouthfeel and rich aroma that defines butter chicken.
Simmer Gently: Keep your heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling and preserve the smooth sauce consistency.

How to Serve 20-Minute Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe

creamy butter chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro on top—it adds a fresh, herbal brightness that makes every bite pop. A squeeze of lemon juice or a few slivers of ginger on top can also brighten the richness if you like a little zing.

Side Dishes

Serve it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan to soak up that luscious sauce. Sometimes I add a simple cucumber raita or a crisp salad on the side to balance out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this butter chicken in mini cast iron skillets at the table or over a bed of saffron-tinted rice for a pop of color. Garnishing with edible flowers or a drizzle of cream creates a restaurant-worthy presentation that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal even better!

Freezing

This butter chicken freezes beautifully. Just cool completely, portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and it keeps well for up to 3 months. When you thaw, the sauce might separate slightly but a gentle stir brings it right back.

Reheating

I warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid curdling the cream and add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving works too, but stirring midway helps retain the creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully because they stay juicy and tender, especially if you prefer a richer texture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if pieces are larger.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half & half for a lighter dish or plain yogurt for tang and lower fat. When using yogurt, stir it in off the heat to prevent curdling.

Is fenugreek essential in this recipe?

Fenugreek adds a subtle, unique flavor that rounds out the spices, but it’s optional. If you don’t have it, mustard seeds or fenugreek powder works, or you can leave it out without major flavor loss.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Simmer gently over low heat once the cream is added, and avoid boiling. Stir gently and if reheating, do it slowly with added liquid to maintain smoothness.

Final Thoughts

This 20-Minute Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe is one of those meals that I always recommend to friends who want big flavor without the hassle. It’s foolproof, comforting, and endlessly flexible, making it a hero for last-minute dinners or cozy weekends. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new quick-fix favorite too.