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30 Minute Spicy Indian Butter Chicken…the perfect bowl of warming comfort food that’s incredibly delicious. Indian inspired butter chicken made with plenty of spice and creamy coconut milk for a slight twist. It’s cozy, creamy, a little spicy, and filled with warming Indian flavors. Finish each bowl off with steamed rice and serve with fresh naan. You’ll have the perfect dinner that can be enjoyed any night of the week. Bonus? This is quickly made on the stove, with one skillet, and in just about 30 minutes. And…the leftovers are even more delicious the next day.
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I’ve said this before I’m sure, but the reason I love to cook so much is because I really love cooking for others. I find so much enjoyment in creating meals for the people I love most. It’s really what inspires me to keep cooking away every day. There’s nothing I love more than having a friend or family member inspire a recipe.
I love the opportunity to make something for someone with the hope that it will be a dish they’ll truly love…one of those dishes my brothers would say is, “fire”. Those are the words I strive for when creating a recipe, but especially when a recipe is created with a specific person in mind.
That was the case with today’s Butter Chicken. This one was inspired by my oldest brother, Creighton. He’s here in Colorado working remotely right now, and the one thing about Creighton?
He loves to eat…like really loves to eat. And one of his favorites foods? Anything Indian inspired and anything spicy. This leads me right into today’s recipe. With Creighton in town, I excitedly have been testing out a new Butter Chicken recipe, and last week I finally got it just right.
Creighton’s exact words…”it’s fire!”
What Is Butter Chicken?
For any of you who are are not familiar, Butter Chicken it’s one of the most popular Indian curries served around the world. I’ve made a few variations in the past, but aside from the coconut milk, today’s recipe is the most traditional.
Butter chicken is made with spices, tomato, butter, and cream. It’s rich and warming, but the spice blend is really what makes this dish. Using a mix of Garam Masala, turmeric, garlic, and plenty of ginger is key to getting an authentic flavor.
Traditionally, Butter Chicken is marinated for many hours in yogurt and spices, but I’ve adjusted that slightly to create a quicker but still super flavorful recipe!
Here’s how to make this 30 Minute Spicy Indian Butter Chicken.
With such a quick cook time, I’m sure you guessed, but this is pretty simple, quick, and easy.
Start with the chicken. Just like in a traditional butter chicken recipe, we’re first tossing the chicken with yogurt and spices. But instead of marinating overnight, I found that a quick ten-minute soak in the spices really does the trick.
While the chicken is sitting, I like to start in on the prep for everything else, chop the onion, garlic, and ginger, grab that coconut milk and tomato paste and get everything for the remainder of the recipe ready to go.
Once the chicken has had some time to sit, pan-sear it in a skillet until crisp.
To that same skillet, add the onion and all those remaining spices and a whole can of tomato paste. Just like my pasta alla vodka, I like to cook the tomato paste together with the spices for a bit to really help intensify the flavors in the sauce.
Then just stir in the coconut milk, or if you don’t enjoy coconut milk, use cream. Either is truly delicious and just as creamy. But I love the subtle coconut flavor paired with these Indian spices, they’re delicious.
Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, then just stir in a bit of butter and plenty of fresh chopped cilantro. And that’s it, super simple, so delicious.
As this cooks, the aroma in the kitchen is truly incredible. It’s just like your favorite Indian spot in town…but maybe just a touch better. I always find anything made at home to be even more delicious.
I like to serve my butter chicken over steamed rice with some fresh naan for scooping up the creamy, coconutty sauce. Absolutely DELICIOUS. You can’t skip the naan either. It’s reason enough to make a good butter chicken.
So how are the leftovers?
I swear they taste even better the following day. The flavors have time to mend and the sauce is just that more intense.
I can’t tell you how much I love this recipe and how much Creighton loved this recipe. I already know he’s looking forward to it for dinner tonight. This butter chicken is SO flavorful, SO full of color, and a nice switch up from the usual cheesy December pasta dishes I’m always sharing (don’t worry, they’ll be back soon). The best part, well aside from all the deliciousness, is that this requires only one pot and is ready in just about 30 minutes. Perfect for these crazy busy cold December days.
Looking for other Indian inspired dinners? Here are my favorites:
30 Minute Butter Chicken Meatballs
Super Simple Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala
Gingery Coconut Sweet Potato and Rice Stew with Chili Oil
Lastly, if you make this 30 Minute Spicy Indian Butter Chicken, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
30 Minute Spicy Coconut Butter Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size chunks
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 6 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, use to your taste
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes, use to your taste
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1 (14 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk , (or sub 1 cup cream)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro roughly, chopped
- steamed rice and naan, for serving
Instructions
- 1. in a bowl, toss together the chicken, yogurt, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon ginger, 2 teaspoons garam masala, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt. Let sit 5-10 minutes. 2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides until browned, about 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon butter and toss to coat the chicken. Remove the chicken from the skillet to a plate. 3. To the skillet, add the onion and cook 5 minutes, until softened. Add 2 tablespoons butter, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon ginger, 1 tablespoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and the chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until very fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and continue cooking another 3-4 minutes. 4. Reduce the heat to low. Add 1 cup water and the coconut milk. Stir to combine, bring the sauce to a simmer, cook 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter. If the sauce seems thick, thin with 1/2 to 1 cup additional coconut milk. Add the chicken and any juices on the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.5. Serve the chicken and sauce over bowls of rice with fresh naan. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
I made this earlier this week and it is a keeper. Spicy and flavoured. My husband said it was better then where we order from…that’s high praise. And the leftovers were even better. Thank you
Hey Cindy,
Awesome!! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks a bunch for giving it a go! Have the best weekend! xxT
This recipe will become a go – to for dinner with friends. I made the chicken the day before so I just had to reheat, and throw rice in the rice maker. I always like recipes that allows me to entertain and not spend time cooking. The Butter Chicken recipe also inspired me to try making Naan for the first time.
Hi Cindy,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan
Finally made this for Valentine’s Day dinner! It was delicious and the leftovers were too! I think it got a little hotter (spicier), but we both loved it!
Hey Karen,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan
I’m normally not a “substitute” kinda girl. BUT I got all of the ingredients and bought plain whole milk yogurt by mistake. Would that work or should I go back to the store?
lol.
THANKS
SIDE NOTE: I’ve made this recipe twice now and it’s a hit every time!!
ooops,I just reaad through the comments and this has already been answered. Sorry. Thank you still!!!!
Hey Rebecca,
That will be just fine for you to use! Let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xTieghan
I served this with a side of Indian Saag and warm naan and watched my family nearly lick their plates clean. I even delivered some to my neighbor and shared your recipe. Can’t wait to make it again! Thanks!
Hey Rachel,
Happy Friday!! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed!! xxT
OMG!!! this is THE BEST butter chicken recipe eveeer! We loved every single bite! It took us a little more than 30 min to make it but it was sooo worth it!!! Thank you and hugs from Norway!!
Hey Corina,
Happy Friday!! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed!! xxT
Loved this recipe. I’ve already made it 2x. My husband is a fan of it. Such a easy recipe. But to make it fully authentic definitely add dried fenugreek leaves. Those are green specks you usually see in the dish. But thank you again for sharing.
Hey Samantha,
Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a go, I love to hear that it was a winner!! xTieghan
This was one of my favorite HBH meals I’ve ever made (and I’ve made a LOT)! It’s seriously restaurant quality. I love how much sauce there is and it’s such a unique and easy dinner to make!
Hey Alyssa,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xxT
Absolutely loved it! Perfect for an easy indian dish when you have the craving
Hey Christina,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xxT
I thought I made great Butter Chicken until I tried your recipe! Yours was fantastic! And, so much easier to make. The flavour and the heat are still on my mind!!!!
Sadly , I am gluten free so Naan was out of the question. I used Pampadom instead, however it didn’t so justice soaking up that sauce. SOOOO GOOD!
Hey Michelle,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xxT
This was SOOO delicious. I don’t eat chicken so we baked up butler soy curls with olive oil until crispy, then followed the recipe as-is. We used your homemade Naan with spelt and whole wheat pastry flour and those were very tasty. A++ can’t wait to make again!
Hey Courtney,
Awesome!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks a bunch for making it! xTieghan
so incredible
Hey Carly,
Awesome!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks a bunch for making it! xTieghan
This looks amazing! If I want to make this not spicy but still flavorful, what should I leave out?
Hey there,
You will want to skip the cayenne and red pepper flakes. Let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope it turns out amazing for you! xTieghan
So much flavour! Will be making this again for sure
Hey Carrie,
Awesome!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks a bunch for making it! xTieghan
This is so good that I want to make it every week! My husband is a steak and potatoes guy but I try to switch dinner up often – he also loves this! 🙂
Also made the homemade naan bread with it. 10/10 obsessed.
Hey Allie,
Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am thrilled to hear that it was enjoyed! Have a great day:) xxT
This recipe turned out really well however it took me an hour and 15min from start to finish so the name is a bit deceiving! Prepping the ingredients, having to sear the chicken in 2 batches, and simmering took longer to get a thicker consistency. Will 100% make again but will keep in mind that it’s not a 30 minute dinner on the table recipe
Hey Grace,
Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am thrilled to hear that it was enjoyed! Sorry this took you longer than expected. Have a great day:) xxT