“Veg Butter Chicken” That Even Non-Veg Lovers Secretly Crave! [Easy 30-Min Recipe]

Yup, you read that right. Butter Chicken — but totally vegetarian. Creamy, spicy, buttery and addictive — minus the chicken. Whether you’re a vegetarian, trying to eat less meat, or just want something delicious, this dish slaps hard.

🤔 Wait, What is Veg Butter Chicken?

It’s the legendary butter chicken gravy (aka makhani sauce), but instead of chicken, we use juicy paneer, soya chaap, tofu, or mushrooms. The result? A rich, indulgent, and guilt-free version of the OG classic.

This version is so good, even hardcore meat-lovers won’t complain.

💥 Why Veg Butter Chicken Is Going Viral

• 🔥 Vegetarians Want the Butter Chicken Vibe
• 💪 Gym Freaks Want Protein-Packed Veg Recipes
• 🧳 Indians Abroad Crave That Restaurant-Style Flavor
• 🧘‍♀️ People Want Jain-Friendly Options (No Onion, No Garlic)

And honestly? It’s just super satisfying.

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need (For 2 Servings)

For the Main:

• 200g Paneer / Soya Chaap / Tofu
• 1 Tbsp Butter
• 1 Tbsp Oil

For the Makhani Gravy:

• 2 Tomatoes (roughly chopped)
• 5-6 Cashews
• 1-inch Ginger
• 2 Garlic cloves (skip for Jain version)
• 1 Tbsp Butter
• ½ Tsp Cumin Seeds
• 1 Tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder
• ½ Tsp Garam Masala
• 1 Tbsp Fresh Cream
• Salt to taste
• ½ Tsp Sugar (optional)

🔥 Step-by-Step Recipe

🍅 Step 1: Make the Gravy

1. Boil tomatoes, cashews, garlic, and ginger in water for 10 minutes.
2. Blend into a smooth puree.
3. In a pan, add butter + cumin. Pour the puree and cook it till oil separates.
4. Add chili powder, garam masala, salt, and sugar. Cook 2-3 mins.

🧀 Step 2: Prep the Paneer

1. In another pan, lightly fry paneer or soya chaap till golden.

🫕 Step 3: Mix and Finish

1. Add the fried paneer into the gravy.
2. Add cream + ½ tbsp butter for richness.
3. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. Done!

🤩 Pro Tips to Take It to the Next Level

• Add a dash of kasuri methi for that restaurant aroma.
• For a smoky flavor, try the dhungar method (burn a charcoal piece, place it in the curry, pour ghee on top, cover for 2 mins).
• Want Jain version? Skip onion, garlic — and it’s still fire 🔥

🍽️ How to Serve It Like a Pro:

• Butter Naan 🫓 (of course)
• Jeera Rice
• Onion Salad + Mint Chutney

📥 Bonus: Download Free Recipe PDF

Wanna keep this recipe handy?

🚀 Final Thoughts

Veg Butter Chicken isn’t fake food. It’s a bold new version of an old classic — and it totally delivers. Whether you’re vegetarian, experimenting with meatless Mondays, or just love that creamy tomato gravy, this dish is a 10/10.

Try it once. And don’t tell the non-veg gang what’s inside 😉