Name: 30-Minute Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken – Easy Indian Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp butter; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; 1 tbsp garam masala; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup tomato puree; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup plain yogurt; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Butter chicken is one of those meals that makes you pause after the first bite. The creamy, spiced tomato sauce, tender pieces of chicken, and the comforting warmth that settles in your chest—it’s cozy food done right. I first made this stovetop version on a rainy Thursday after a long day, and it’s been my go-to ever since. If you’re looking for dinner that feels like a warm hug without turning your kitchen into a pressure cooker, this is your new weeknight hero. Even better, it comes together in 30 minutes (yes, really), all on the stovetop, no oven or obscure spices required. It’s great for those of us who want something quick, comforting, and a little special, all at once. This one pot wonder pairs beautifully with rice or naan, and the leftovers? Don’t even get me started. Think midnight fridge raids or next-day lunch that makes your coworkers jealous. So if you’ve got chicken, butter, and a half-hour to spare—let’s cook.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
3) Ingredients for Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken
4) How to Make Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken
5) Tips for Making Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken
6) Making Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken
8) Try these Chicken recipes next!
9) Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This stovetop Indian butter chicken recipe is ready in 30 minutes
Uses pantry-friendly ingredients and no special tools
Great for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing without stress
Pairs perfectly with naan or fluffy rice

2) Easy Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

We’ve all had those evenings when the fridge looks like it lost a bet and you just want dinner that works. That’s when this easy Indian butter chicken swoops in, creamy and comforting, without a single complicated step. It’s one of those dishes that make the house smell like you’re doing something way fancier than you are.

Using simple ingredients like tomato puree, garlic, and butter, this recipe builds a deep, layered flavor in minutes. It checks the box for easy Indian recipes and brings that comforting curry-shop vibe right to your kitchen. No takeout required. And let’s be real, fewer dishes is always a win.

If you’ve never made a butter chicken before, this is your sign. It’s the no-stress, stovetop version that’s perfect for beginners, meal preppers, or anyone who just needs a warm bowl of something good after a long day. It fits right in with easy recipes for dinner and might even edge out your usual chicken stirfry.

3) Ingredients for Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken

Chicken Thighs: These are tender, flavorful, and don’t dry out. Cut them into bite-sized pieces so they soak up all that buttery, spiced sauce goodness.

Vegetable Oil: Just enough to get the chicken started in the pan. It helps brown the edges and builds flavor right away.

Butter: This is where the “butter” in butter chicken earns its name. Rich, creamy, and makes everything taste like more.

Onion: Cooked down until sweet and soft, onions are the aromatic base that brings everything together.

Garlic and Ginger: These two do the heavy lifting for flavor. Use them fresh for the best results—they make the kitchen smell amazing.

Spices: Garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne (if you like heat). They add warmth, depth, and that signature Indian flavor profile.

Tomato Puree: A rich base for the sauce. It adds acidity to balance the butter and cream.

Heavy Cream: Brings the sauce to a silky finish. Coconut milk works too if you’re dairy-free.

Yogurt: A tangy boost that helps tenderize the chicken and enriches the sauce. Plain, whole milk yogurt works best.

Cilantro (optional): For a fresh, green contrast at the end. Chop and sprinkle it on top if you’re into that kind of thing.

4) How to Make Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken

Step 1: Heat oil in a large skillet. Add the chicken and cook until browned. This is where the flavor starts.

Step 2: Set the chicken aside. In the same pan, melt butter and toss in the onions. Let them cook until soft, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add garlic and ginger. Stir and cook for another minute until it smells like dinner is definitely happening.

Step 4: Sprinkle in your spices. Stir them into the mix for 30 seconds to wake them up and release their aroma.

Step 5: Pour in the tomato puree. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, giving it a stir every so often.

Step 6: Lower the heat and add cream and yogurt. Stir until everything’s smooth and warm.

Step 7: Return the chicken to the pan. Let it all cook together for another 7 minutes or so until the chicken is tender and coated in sauce.

Step 8: Taste and season as needed. Garnish with cilantro if you want, and serve it hot with rice or naan.

5) Tips for Making Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken

If you’re using chicken breasts, go easy. They cook fast and can dry out. Thighs are more forgiving, juicier too. Always brown your chicken—don’t skip this. The bits at the bottom of the pan add big flavor to the sauce.

Tomato puree works best for consistency, but if you’re in a pinch, crushed tomatoes can do. Just simmer longer. And when it comes to spices, fresh is best. Ground cumin that’s been hiding in the back of the pantry for a year? Probably lost its punch.

Use full-fat yogurt and cream. The low-fat versions can split when heated. For heat, cayenne gives a kick, but you can leave it out if you’re cooking for sensitive taste buds. This is easy Indian recipes comfort zone cooking—customize it.

6) Making Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken Ahead of Time

Planning ahead? This butter chicken is even better the next day. The spices get cozier overnight, and the sauce thickens into something dreamy. I like to make a double batch and stash half for lunches or lazy dinners later in the week.

Cook everything fully, then cool and refrigerate in an airtight container. When you’re ready to reheat, just add a splash of water or cream to loosen up the sauce. It’ll come back to life in no time on the stove.

This dish travels well, too. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but behaves like leftovers in the best way. Great for work lunches, meal swaps, or feeding a crowd without stress.

7) Storing Leftover Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken

Leftovers? Lucky you. This keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Use a glass container if you can—the sauce can stain plastic. Microwave with a lid or warm gently on the stove with a little water to loosen it up.

If you plan to freeze it, let it cool fully first. Then freeze in portions. It’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture and flavor.

This is one of those rare meals where the leftovers might actually be better than day one. The sauce deepens. The chicken soaks it all in. You’ll be glad you saved some.

8) Try these Chicken recipes next!

9) Stovetop Indian Butter Chicken Recipe