11 Quick 30-Minute Indian Dinner Recipes for Workdays

6. 30-Minute Butter Chicken — Weeknight Shortcut

Why it works: Butter chicken’s rich flavors can be achieved quickly using boneless chicken and a streamlined tomato-yogurt sauce. Prep: 5–8 minutes to cut chicken and whisk a quick marinade. Cook: 18–20 minutes in a heavy skillet. Marinate bite-sized chicken pieces briefly in yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and a pinch of garam masala; sear lightly, add canned tomato puree and a splash of water, then finish with a spoon of butter or a swirl of Greek yogurt to keep it creamy without heavy cream. For speed, use pre-roasted chicken or a rotisserie bird shredded into the sauce. Serve with naan or quick-cook rice. Tip: Simmer only until the chicken is cooked through to avoid drying. Cultural note: a restaurant favorite adapted for home cooks who want indulgence on tight schedules.