Quick Butter Chicken
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Main Course
Cuisine
Indian
Author:
Spice Zen
Servings
4
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Calories
367
Total Time
30 Minutes
Dietary Information
Gluten Free, Nut Free, Soy Free, Lactose Free (adaptable), Dairy Free (adaptable)
A quick and comforting butter chicken made for busy weeknights and moments when time is short but good food still matters. Tender chicken is pan-fried, then simmered in a smooth onion and tomato sauce with warming spices and cream. Familiar, cosy and easy to adjust, this recipe delivers all the flavour people love about butter chicken without the need for marination or long preparation.
Ingredients
Chicken
Butter Chicken Sauce
- 2 tbsp Spice Zen Sunflower Oil or ghee
- 2 medium onions, smoothly pureed
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1 tbsp Spice Zen Butter Chicken Spice Blend
- 1 cup smooth tomato passata
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup cooking cream or coconut cream
- 1 tsp coconut sugar (optional)
- Salt, to taste
To Garnish
-
Fresh coriander, finely chopped
Directions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil or ghee in a wide pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and pan-fry for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly golden and just cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining oil or ghee to the same pan. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add Spice Zen Butter Chicken Spice Blend and gently bloom for 30 seconds.
- Add passata, tomato paste, water and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the sauce looks rich and glossy.
- Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until tender and coated in the sauce.
- Reduce heat, stir in cream and coconut sugar if using, and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with rice or naan.
Chef's Notes
Pan-frying the chicken first keeps it juicy and avoids overcooking.
Use a wide pan to allow the chicken to colour rather than steam.
Add cream at the end and keep the heat low for a smooth finish.
Recipe Note
Texture
This quick version relies on smoothly pureed onion and tomato for a silky sauce. Take a moment to blend well for best results.
Sweetness
This Butter Chicken is gently balanced. Add more sugar to taste if a sweeter, Australian-style finish is preferred.
Dietary variations
For lactose-free version, use lactose-free cream and sunflower oil.
For Dairy-free version, use coconut cream and sunflower oil.
For Mild kid-Friendly
Reduce spice blend slightly or increase cream/coconut cream for a softer, milder finish.
Nutrition
Nutrition
- per serving
- Calories
- 367
- Carbs
- 17 grams
- 6%
- Protein
- 30 grams
- 60%
- Fat
- 21 grams
- 32%
- Saturated Fat
- 11 grams
- 67%
- Trans Fat
- 0 grams
- 150%
- Cholesterol
- 80 milligrams
- 27%
- Fiber
- 5 grams
- 18%
- Sugar
- 7 grams
- 7%
- Sodium
- 299 milligrams
- 13%
- Iron
- 4 milligrams
- 22%
- Potassium
- 1007 milligrams
- 29%
These recipes are provided for general inspiration and home use. Results may vary depending on ingredients, equipment and technique. Please check ingredients for allergens and follow safe food handling practices.

