Name: Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced or grated (or use paste); 2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced or crushed; 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾-inch chunks (about 2-3 breasts); 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 (I use powder, but seeds or mustard seeds can be used too, optional); 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup heavy cream (sub for half & half or yogurt for low fat); hot cooked rice and naan for serving

Introduction to Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken

Who doesn’t love a comforting, flavorful dish that can be whipped up in no time? Easy 20 minute butter chicken has become a staple for many young professionals trying to balance work, social lives, and the need for good nutrition. This creamy, aromatic dish is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also a time-saver in the kitchen.

Why Butter Chicken is a Go-To for Young Professionals

Life can be hectic, and the last thing you want after a long day is to spend hours in the kitchen. Butter chicken checks all the boxes—it's quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for meal prep. In about 20 minutes, you can have a delicious homemade dinner on the table that beats any takeout option.

The rich blend of spices and creamy texture not only fill you up but also provide essential nutrients if paired with a side of whole grains or veggies. Plus, this recipe is super customizable; if you're feeling adventurous, you can add extra veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Whether you're dining solo or entertaining friends, this easy 20 minute butter chicken is sure to impress without creating chaos in your kitchen. Don't miss out—let’s dive into making this culinary delight!

Ingredients for Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken

When you're in the mood for a flavorful dinner but short on time, this easy 20 minute butter chicken recipe has got your back! Let’s break down the ingredients you'll need to whip up this delicious dish.

Essential Ingredients You Need

To get started, gather these must-have ingredients:

1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced or grated (or using paste)
2-3 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾-inch chunks
4 tablespoons tomato paste (or an 8 oz can of tomato sauce)
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon chili powder (or paprika, adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup heavy cream (sub for half & half or yogurt for a lighter option)

Optional Ingredients for a Flavor Boost

Want to elevate your easy 20 minute butter chicken even further? Consider adding:

1 teaspoon fenugreek (powder, seeds, or mustard seeds)
1 teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon black pepper

These optional spices can significantly enhance the flavor palette, giving your dish an authentic touch.

With these ingredients at your fingertips, you’ll be all set to create a delightful meal in just 20 minutes! For tips on where to find these items, check out this guide. Happy cooking!

Preparing Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken

Creating a homemade easy 20 minute butter chicken is simpler than you might think, and you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to impress your family or friends. With just a few quick steps, you can whip up a rich, delicious meal that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked all day. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Gather Your Cooking Tools

Before you embark on this culinary adventure, gather your essential tools to make the cooking process seamless. You’ll need:

A large skillet or medium saucepan to cook everything evenly.
A cutting board and knife for prepping your ingredients.
A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring.
Measuring spoons to keep your spices precise.

Having everything ready will save you from scrambling for items and make cooking enjoyable.

Heat and Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. The combination of oil and butter not only enhances the flavor but also helps prevent burning. Once the butter melts, toss in the diced onion. Cook the onions until they are lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.

Next, add in finely minced or grated fresh ginger (about 1 teaspoon) and 2-3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for another 30 seconds, mixing continuously to ensure they don’t burn. These aromatics form the flavorful base of your easy 20 minute butter chicken.

Cook the Chicken Until Golden

Now it’s time to add the star of the dish: the chicken! Use 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾-inch chunks. Stir the chicken into the pan, allowing it to cook until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through—about 5-6 minutes.

At this stage, envision the flavorful aroma filling your kitchen, and get excited about the delicious meal that’s coming!

Add in the Spices and Tomato Base

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to infuse flavor into your dish. Add 4 tablespoons of tomato paste (or an 8 oz can of tomato sauce, if you prefer) and sprinkle in your spices: 1 tablespoon of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of chili powder (or paprika), 1 teaspoon of cumin, and, if you like, a touch of fenugreek. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper.

Stir everything together until well combined, letting the spices coat the chicken and tomato base. This step is crucial for making your butter chicken rich and satisfying.

Stir in the Cream and Let It Simmer

To finish off your easy 20 minute butter chicken, reduce the heat a bit and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. If you want to cut down on fat, feel free to substitute with half-and-half or yogurt! Let your mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering step helps the flavors marry together beautifully, creating a luscious sauce.

When you’re done, serve your butter chicken hot over fluffy Basmati rice or alongside warm naan. Enjoy the amazement on your friends' faces as they dig into this restaurant-quality dish that came together in just 20 minutes!

Variations on Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken

Dairy-free alternatives

If you're looking to make this easy 20 minute butter chicken without dairy, there are delicious substitutes! Try using coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a rich, tropical flavor. Alternatively, cashew cream works wonderfully — just blend soaked cashews with a little water until smooth. These options ensure you can enjoy the creamy goodness without lactose.

Spicy twist for the adventurous cook

For those who crave a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a splash of sriracha to your easy 20 minute butter chicken. You can also experiment with different spices, like cayenne pepper or even a pinch of curry powder, to elevate the flavor profile. If you're feeling bold, try adding a few extra cloves of garlic for a punchy kick that will have your taste buds dancing!

Cooking Tips for Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken

How to ensure perfect chicken chunks

For your easy 20 minute butter chicken, cut your chicken into uniform ¾-inch chunks. This ensures even cooking and maximizes tenderness. If you're using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, consider marinating them briefly in yogurt and spices to enhance flavor and moisture. This not only elevates taste but also keeps the meat juicy.

The secret to a rich, creamy sauce

The key to a rich and creamy butter chicken sauce lies in balancing flavors. Sauté your onions until they're golden for depth, then add garlic and ginger for aromatic warmth. Incorporate a generous amount of heavy cream at the end; you can even experiment with substituting half of it for coconut milk for a unique twist. Stir and let it simmer to marry the flavors perfectly!

For more cooking insights and variations, check out sources like Serious Eats that dive deeper into global cuisines. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Serving Suggestions for Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken

When it comes to enjoying your easy 20 minute butter chicken, the right sides and garnishes can truly elevate the experience. Let’s explore the best pairings to make your meal unforgettable!

Best sides to pair with butter chicken

Basmati Rice: The fragrant, long-grain rice soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully.
Naan Bread: Perfect for scooping up that rich butter chicken gravy. Try garlic naan for an extra flavor kick!
Steamed Vegetables: A medley of broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers adds color and crunch.
Cucumber Raita: This cooling yogurt dip balances the spiciness of the dish perfectly.

Ideal garnishes to elevate the dish

Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle adds a burst of freshness.
Chopped Green Onions: These lend a mild crunch that complements the creaminess.
Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of citrus brightens up the flavors wonderfully.
Toasted Cashews: A handful adds delightful texture and richness.

By following these serving suggestions, your easy 20 minute butter chicken will shine at any dinner table. Enjoy!

Time Breakdown for Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken

Preparation time

Getting your ingredients ready is a breeze! Plan on spending about 5 minutes chopping the onions, mincing the garlic, and cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Having everything prepped will make cooking your easy 20 minute butter chicken that much smoother!

Cooking time

Your stovetop will be busy for about 15 minutes. Sauté the onions and spices, cook the chicken until just right, and then let everything simmer with the creamy goodness. It all comes together quickly — perfect for those busy weeknights!

Total time

In just 20 minutes, you will have a mouthwatering, aromatic dish ready to serve. That's right—whip up a restaurant-quality butter chicken in less time than it takes to decide what to make for dinner! Enjoy with some fluffy rice or warm naan for a delightful meal.

Nutritional Facts for Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken

When you're looking to whip up a delicious meal in no time, it's essential to consider the nutritional profile of your dish. Our Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken not only satisfies your taste buds but also boasts impressive nutritional benefits.

Calories per serving

Each serving of this savory dish contains approximately 491 calories, making it a balanced option for a quick dinner.

Protein content

Packed with 39 grams of protein, this dish is perfect for those looking to fuel their active lifestyles. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

Key nutrients

Beyond calories and protein, this butter chicken is rich in several key nutrients, including:

Vitamin A: Vital for eye health and immune function, providing about 1405 IU per serving.
Potassium: Contributes to heart and muscle function, with 895 mg in each helping.
Iron: Important for energy production, delivering around 2 mg.

For more information on the benefits of these nutrients, you can explore nutrition sites like Healthline and Nutrition Data. Enjoy your quick and nutritious dinner with this delightful recipe!

FAQs about Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The easy 20 minute butter chicken can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat in a saucepan with a splash of cream or water to maintain the creamy texture. This makes it perfect for meal prep or a weeknight dinner when you're short on time.

What can I substitute if I don't have certain spices?

No worries! If you’re missing some spices, consider these alternatives:

Garam Masala: A mix of spices, but you can use curry powder as a substitute.
Chili Powder: Paprika can be a milder substitute, or adjust based on your heat preference.
Fenugreek: Skip it if unavailable, or try a pinch of mustard seeds.

How do I store leftovers?

Store your easy 20 minute butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. For optimal taste, consume within three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat when you're ready to enjoy this delightful dish again!

Conclusion on Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken

In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a delightful Easy 20 Minute Butter Chicken that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Pair with fluffy rice or warm naan to enjoy a complete meal!