Name: TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 30 minutes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite size chunks; 1 medium zucchini, finely diced; 1 medium carrot, finely diced; 1 tablespoon minced ginger root or 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 2 teaspoons yellow curry powder; 1 tablespoon red Thai curry paste; 2 tablespoons garam masala spice; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 heaping tablespoon coconut palm sugar (or cane sugar); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste; 1 (15-ounce) can light coconut milk; 1/2 cup raw cashews

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavor-packed meal that comes together in a breeze, this dairy free butter chicken is about to become your new go-to. It delivers all the classic richness and warmth you love, minus the dairy, making it perfect for anyone with dietary needs or just seeking something a little lighter. The creamy sauce gets its velvety texture and depth from coconut milk and raw cashews, brightened by just the right blend of spices and tomato. The best part? With a PREP TIME of 10 minutes, COOK TIME of 20 minutes, and TOTAL TIME of 30 minutes, this is one meal you can whip up midweek without any stress. I promise, the “TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 30 minutes” will fly by, and you’ll be amazed at just how quickly your kitchen smells like your favorite takeout spot.

TIME
20 minutes
TOTAL TIME
30 minutes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe skips complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients—everything here is simple, purposeful, and designed to showcase maximum flavor and color. Each component helps create a beautiful harmony, whether it’s for that soothing sauce, tender chicken, or those bursts of brightness from fresh veggies.

Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and adding a lush, subtle flavor as your cooking base.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A signature ingredient supplying bold aromatics that build depth from the first sizzle.
Yellow onion (1/2, finely diced): Diced small to melt into the sauce, creating natural sweetness and body.
Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs (1 lb, bite-size pieces): Choose thighs for more tenderness; both work beautifully to soak up all that dreamy sauce.
Zucchini (1 medium, finely diced): Adds color and gentle freshness that lightens the rich sauce.
Carrot (1 medium, finely diced): Balances flavors with a sweet, earthy crunch and gorgeous pop of orange.
Minced ginger or ground ginger: Brings a lively, zesty background note; use fresh ginger if possible for extra punch.
Yellow curry powder (2 tsp): Supplies essential warmth and subtle heat for an authentic butter chicken flavor.
Red Thai curry paste (1 tbsp): Infuses a gentle chili warmth and layers of complexity into the sauce.
Garam masala spice (2 tbsp): The star spice mix for authentic depth and complexity; don’t skip it!
Turmeric (1 tsp): That golden hue comes from turmeric—plus, it brings a soft earthiness.
Cayenne pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds just enough heat to balance the coconut milk’s richness.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp): A splash of acidity to lift the sauce and brighten the spice profile.
Coconut palm sugar or cane sugar (heaping 1 tbsp): Sweetener to create that perfect savory-sweet contrast.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Highlights all the rich flavors in every bite.
Tomato paste (6 oz can): Intensifies both color and flavor for that classic, bold red hue.
Light coconut milk (15 oz can): The dairy free secret to impossibly creamy sauce—use light for a balanced, silky finish.
Raw cashews (1/2 cup): These blend right into the sauce to help create rich, nutty smoothness without any cream.

How to Make TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 30 minutes

Step 1: Make the Creamy Sauce

Start by blending all the butter chicken sauce ingredients: ginger, curry powder, red Thai curry paste, garam masala, turmeric, cayenne, apple cider vinegar, coconut sugar, salt, tomato paste, light coconut milk, and those raw cashews. If you’re using a high-speed blender, it’ll come together super smooth in about 30 seconds; if not, just let it run for a minute or two. You want a completely velvet, lump-free sauce to infuse every piece of chicken and veggie with that signature flavor. Trust me, this first step ensures your “TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 30 minutes” dinner turns ultra-creamy without any dairy.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large, deeper pan or skillet over medium-high. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, stirring well. Keep the aromatics moving for about 2 minutes—they only need enough time for the onions to soften and the garlic to bloom. This fragrance right here? It’s a sign you’re crafting comfort food magic, all within your easy “TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 30 minutes”.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken and Veggies

Toss in your chopped chicken, zucchini, and carrots next. Let everything cook, stirring frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes. The chicken should start to take on a golden edge, while the veggies soften. This step guarantees each bite will be well-seasoned and perfectly cooked by the time the sauce goes in.

Step 4: Simmer with Sauce

When the chicken and veggies are ready, pour that gorgeous blended sauce right into the pan. Reduce your heat to low-medium and bring the situation to a gentle simmer. Partially cover with a lid tilted to let steam escape, and simmer for about five more minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic thickens: everything mellows together, the sauce clings to every bite, and the dish transforms into pure, dairy free butter chicken bliss—still comfortably within the “TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 30 minutes”.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Turn off the heat and give your sauce one final stir. Spoon generously over fluffy basmati rice, cauliflower rice, naan, or even roasted potatoes. Trust me, after just “TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 30 minutes”, you’ll be tasting restaurant-level comfort from your own kitchen.

How to Serve TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 30 minutes

Garnishes

Freshness is your friend here. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and an herbal lift. For a crunchy finish, throw on a few extra chopped cashews. A squeeze of fresh lime can wake up all those creamy, warm notes too—simple touches that make your “TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 30 minutes” meal truly special.

Side Dishes

This dairy free butter chicken is versatile enough to match with almost anything on the side. Fluffy basmati rice or pillowy naan are classics, but you can keep things extra light with cauliflower rice or a crisp cucumber salad. Each option helps soak up that luscious sauce, making your thirty-minute kitchen adventure feel like an occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Serve this dish family-style in a big, beautiful bowl for easy sharing. Or, make individual rice bowls, layering chicken, veggies, and sauce side-by-side for a colorful presentation. If you have leftovers, try packing them into wraps or rolling them into flatbread for a quick lunch the next day. Every version celebrates just how much you can achieve with “TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 30 minutes”.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your dairy free butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, and sometimes the spices bloom even more overnight—making leftovers a delicious treat with zero extra “TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 30 minutes” effort.

Freezing

Want to save even more “TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 30 minutes” on a busy night? This dish freezes beautifully. Portion cooled butter chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a speedy meal that’s as good as fresh.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, adding a splash of coconut milk or water if the sauce has thickened. You can also use the microwave—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring often to keep that silky texture. Either way, your “TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 30 minutes” investment pays off deliciously even days later.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This sauce is incredibly versatile—try it with tofu, chickpeas, or even shrimp for a twist. Just adjust cooking time to make sure your protein is cooked through but still tender.

Is this dish spicy?

There’s some gentle heat from the curry paste and cayenne, but nothing overwhelming for most palates. If you’re sensitive or serving kids, feel free to scale back the cayenne or omit it entirely for a milder version.

Can I make this nut free?

The cashews help create that creamy, rich texture, but you can swap in silken tofu, sunflower seeds, or leave them out and use an extra splash of coconut milk in the sauce. The results are still delicious, just a little different in texture!

What can I substitute for coconut milk?

If coconut milk is off the table, try unsweetened soy or oat milk mixed with a couple tablespoons of olive oil to mimic richness. The flavor profile will be a bit less tropical, but still wonderfully creamy and satisfying.

Do I have to blend the sauce?

Blending ensures a super smooth, restaurant-style sauce, but if you don’t mind a bit more texture, you can stir everything together in the pan instead. Just know that your sauce will be a bit chunky—that’s not a bad thing!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving the comfort of butter chicken but need a lighter, dairy free version, I hope you’re as excited about this recipe as I am! It’ll easily slot into your weeknight rotation, and the “TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 30 minutes” really does make it as doable as it is delicious. Give it a try—and let your kitchen, and your taste buds, be your happy place tonight!