30 Minute Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

This 30 Minute Indian Butter Chicken Recipe promises all the creamy, aromatic magic of classic restaurant-style butter chicken—in a fraction of the time. With a quick blend of pantry spices, a handful of fresh ingredients, and your trusty Instant Pot, you can treat yourself to velvety-smooth, boldly flavored chicken soaked in a rich tomato-based sauce, ready before you know it!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of everyday ingredients create the magic in this buttery curry, each bringing its own character to the dish. Gather these basics, and you’ll be amazed at how easily you can unlock that creamy, fragrant butter chicken goodness right at home!

• Canned Tomatoes: The foundation of the sauce—rich, tangy, and convenient for blending into a creamy base.
• Garlic & Minced Ginger: Double the aromatic punch for irresistible depth and zest.
• Turmeric: Adds golden color and subtle earthiness to both sauce and chicken.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings a gentle, adjustable heat—use less or more based on your spice-loving heart.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoky undertones complement the creamy sauce and round out the flavors.
• Kosher Salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
• Garam Masala: The flavor backbone of butter chicken—warm, slightly sweet, a must for authentic taste!
• Ground Cumin: Pairs perfectly with tomatoes and brings a classic Indian flavor profile.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender when pressure cooked, but feel free to use breast, bone-in, or whatever’s in your fridge.
• Butter: Cubed and whisked in at the end for that signature silkiness and richness (use coconut oil for dairy free).
• Heavy Cream: Creamy, dreamy texture you crave—full-fat coconut milk is a fabulous substitute for dairy-free folks.
• Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkled on top for a fresh herbal burst and a pop of cheerful green at the finish line.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the 30 Minute Indian Butter Chicken Recipe is how effortlessly you can tailor it—whether you’re swapping out proteins, watching for food sensitivities, or simply switching things up with what you have on hand.

• Dairy-Free & Paleo: Use coconut oil instead of butter and full-fat coconut milk in place of cream—the sauce still turns out decadently smooth.
• Switch Up the Protein: Try boneless chicken breast, bone-in thighs, shrimp, or even paneer for a vegetarian twist (Paneer Makhani fans, this one’s for you!).
• Make It Spicier (or Milder): Double the cayenne for extra kick, or use smoked paprika alone for a gentle glow.
• Add Veggies: Stir in peas, spinach, or roasted cauliflower at the finish for a colorful, nutrient-boosted one-pot meal.

How to Make 30 Minute Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Layer and Season in the Instant Pot

Start by adding the canned tomatoes, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, smoked paprika, salt, garam masala, and ground cumin to your Instant Pot. Mix everything together well; this creates a flavor-packed base that ensures every bite is beautifully seasoned. Place your chicken thighs on top of the sauce—if using frozen chicken, nudge it slightly into the tomato mixture to encourage even defrosting as it cooks.

Step 2: Pressure Cook & Natural Release

Seal your Instant Pot and set it for 10 minutes on HIGH pressure. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for another 10 minutes (don’t skip this; it keeps the chicken juicy and tender). Then, finish with a quick release to remove any remaining pressure before carefully opening the lid.

Step 3: Blend That Sauce Until Silky

Remove the cooked chicken to a plate and blend the sauce directly in the pot until perfectly smooth—an immersion blender makes this job extra easy! (If using a standing blender, vent the steam so you don’t end up with a spicy tomato volcano.) This step transforms the sauce into that signature creamy, restaurant-style texture.

Step 4: Finish with Butter, Cream & Cilantro

Let the sauce cool for just a minute (so it doesn’t get runny), then whisk in the cubed butter, cream (or coconut milk), extra garam masala, and chopped cilantro. Stir gently until everything is fully melted and the sauce gleams with silky, aromatic richness. Taste and adjust seasoning as you like.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Add the chicken back into the pot, break it up into large, juicy pieces (not shredded!), and give everything one last warm-through in the luscious sauce. Don’t forget to save half the finished sauce for easy future dinners, or store it for later in the week.

How to Serve 30 Minute Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

You can never go wrong with a generous shower of fresh chopped cilantro and a swirl of heavy cream or coconut milk right before serving. For an extra-special touch, add a small sprinkle of garam masala or even a few toasted cashew pieces—the perfect finish for this 30 Minute Indian Butter Chicken Recipe.

Side Dishes

This luscious butter chicken is happiest atop a mound of fluffy basmati rice (white or brown) so you can soak up all that velvety sauce. Naan, roti, or even crispy zucchini noodles make fantastic pairings too—for sopping, scooping, or crunching alongside every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your butter chicken in individual mini copper bowls for a restaurant-inspired feel, or over a colorful bed of sautéed spinach for a lower-carb twist. Layer leftovers into a grain bowl or wrap them up in a warm tortilla for an Indian-fusion lunch—fun, fuss-free, and absolutely delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge—this 30 Minute Indian Butter Chicken Recipe actually improves overnight as the spices meld even more. The saucy goodness stays fresh for up to three days.

Freezing

The sauce (with or without chicken) freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers (leaving a little space to expand), and freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat the butter chicken on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warmth. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens too much upon chilling—this perks up the silkiness in no time!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re after creamy comfort, big flavors, and weeknight ease, you simply have to give this 30 Minute Indian Butter Chicken Recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that delivers both instant gratification and lasting joy—so I hope you gather your ingredients and enjoy a cozy bowl soon!

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