Butter Chicken Skillet

If you love a flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight, then this Butter Chicken Skillet is about to become your new best friend. From the very first bite, you’ll find yourself swept away by the creamy tomato sauce that clings to tender chicken pieces, each infused with a perfect balance of garam masala, cumin, coriander, and just a hint of cayenne. When I first tried this recipe, I was craving something both comforting and exciting—something that didn’t require me to juggle multiple pots and pans. That’s when I remembered my grandmother’s old skillet tucked away in the cabinet, whispering promises of a one-pan wonder. Ever since that first trial, I’ve made it countless times, tweaking the spice levels just enough to keep my taste buds dancing and inviting friends over to sample the results.

Requiring just 15 minutes of prep and around 30 minutes of cooking, this dish is tailor-made for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike. It’s a shining example of how simple ingredients—like fresh ginger, garlic, and canned tomato puree—can transform into a dish that tastes like it’s straight from a restaurant. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or a small gathering with family, this recipe scales beautifully. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice or wrap it up in warm naan for a meal that’s not only satisfying but also visually stunning. Plus, with only 450 calories per serving, you can indulge without guilt. Get ready to dive in, because this Butter Chicken Skillet is about to revolutionize the way you think about weeknight dinners!

KEY INGREDIENTS IN BUTTER CHICKEN SKILLET

Before you fire up the skillet, let’s take a closer look at the star players that give this dish its soul. Each ingredient brings its own personality to the party, working together in harmony to create a creamy, spice-laden feast. Whether you’re stocking your pantry for the first time or simply refreshing your spice rack, here’s what you’ll need:

• Unsalted butter

Adds a velvety richness and helps build the base of the sauce. It also prevents sticking and contributes to that luxurious mouthfeel.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Tender, lean, and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking. They soak up the sauce beautifully, making each bite juicy and flavorful.

• Onion

Provides a natural sweetness and texture contrast. When sautéed until translucent, it lays the aromatic foundation for the spice blend.

• Garlic cloves

Infuses pungent, savory notes that deepen the overall complexity of the dish. Mince them finely to ensure they distribute evenly.

• Fresh ginger

Contributes a bright, slightly peppery zing that lifts the creaminess and balances the tomato’s acidity.

• Garam masala

A warm, aromatic spice mix that ties together all the flavors with hints of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.

• Ground cumin

Adds earthy, nutty undertones that enhance the savory aspect of the sauce.

• Ground coriander

Provides a subtle citrusy note that complements both the tomato and cream components.

• Turmeric

Brings a mild bitterness, vibrant color, and additional anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Cayenne pepper

Delivers heat—adjustable to your preference—to awaken the palate and add a spirited kick.

• Salt

Essential for seasoning and harmonizing all the flavors, making sure nothing tastes flat.

• Tomato puree

Forms the acidic, tangy body of the sauce, creating that signature red hue and thickness as it simmers.

• Heavy cream

Softens the spice blend and gives the sauce its signature lush creaminess.

• Lemon juice

Introduces a touch of brightness at the end, lifting the flavors and cutting through the richness.

• Fresh cilantro

Used as a vibrant garnish, offering a fresh herbal finish that contrasts beautifully with the warm spices.

HOW TO MAKE BUTTER CHICKEN SKILLET

Let’s dive into the cooking process! This Butter Chicken Skillet recipe is designed to be straightforward and fuss-free, guiding you step by step to a restaurant-quality dish. With a single pan and a handful of ingredients, you’ll discover how the right technique—like sautéing and simmering—can turn pantry staples into a soul-warming meal.

1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Make sure the skillet is hot enough so the butter foams but doesn’t brown too quickly, creating a glossy base for the chicken.

2. Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside. Browning locks in juices and develops that delicious Maillard crust.

3. In the same skillet, add onions, garlic, and ginger; sauté until the onions are translucent. Keep stirring so they soften evenly without burning—this step releases their sweet and pungent aromas.

4. Stir in the garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant, allowing the oils to bloom and intensify their flavors.

5. Pour in the tomato puree, stirring well to combine the spices. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld into a cohesive base.

6. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir well, ensuring all pieces are coated with the sauce. This helps the chicken absorb the rich tomato-spice mixture.

7. Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently and let it simmer for another 5–7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce achieves a luscious consistency.

8. Add the lemon juice and give it a final stir. The acidity will brighten the entire dish, balancing the creamy richness.

9. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Sprinkle it on just before you dive in, so it retains its vibrant color and fresh flavor.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BUTTER CHICKEN SKILLET

Nothing elevates a great meal like thoughtful serving touches. Whether you’re plating up for family, impressing guests, or packing up leftovers for lunch, these suggestions will make your Butter Chicken Skillet truly shine. Think about contrasting textures, complementary flavors, and a visually appealing presentation.

• Serve over fluffy basmati rice for a classic combo. Cook the rice with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of butter for extra flavor, then mound it in the center of your plate, spooning the chicken mixture around it for a restaurant-style look.
• Pair with warm naan to scoop up every last drop of the creamy sauce. Heat the naan in a dry skillet or oven for a minute per side until slightly puffed and lightly charred.
• Garnish with an extra drizzle of cream swirl and a sprinkle of toasted cumin seeds. Use the back of a spoon to create a swirl pattern for an elegant touch that also boosts richness.
• Include a side of cucumber-mint raita for a cooling contrast. Mix diced cucumber, chopped mint, yogurt, and a pinch of salt for a refreshing palate cleanser between spicy bites.

HOW TO STORE BUTTER CHICKEN SKILLET

When you nail a batch of this luscious Butter Chicken Skillet, you’ll want to make sure every scoop the next day tastes as good as the first. Proper storage preserves the flavor, texture, and safety of your leftovers. Let’s talk about the best practices for keeping this dish at its peak.

• Refrigeration: Allow the skillet to cool to room temperature (no more than two hours), then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
• Freezing: Portion the cooled Butter Chicken into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so the chicken stays tender.
• Separate garnishes: If you plan to freeze, hold off on adding fresh cilantro and lemon juice until you’re ready to serve. This ensures the herbs stay bright and the citrus zing remains pronounced.
• Label and date: Clearly mark each container with contents and date. This helps you keep track of freshness and prevents any guesswork later on.

CONCLUSION

I hope this Butter Chicken Skillet recipe has inspired you to spice up your weeknight routine with a dish that’s as effortless as it is indulgent. From the first sizzling moment of butter melting in your skillet to the final garnish of fresh cilantro, every step is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, feeding hungry family members, or entertaining friends, this one-pan wonder offers the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy notes that keep everyone coming back for more. Remember, you can easily print this article and save it for later reference—maybe even stick it on your fridge as a friendly cooking reminder!

Feel free to try out the serving suggestions and storage tips to make sure your leftovers are just as memorable as that first bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, adjust the cayenne level to match your personal heat tolerance or swap in coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. Don’t forget to explore the FAQ section below if you have any questions about substitutions, spice adjustments, or reheating techniques. And if you give this recipe a whirl, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave your comments, share your questions, or let me know if you need any help perfecting your skillet technique. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Butter Chicken Skillet

Author: Rebecca Hughes Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins

Calories: 450

Description

This Butter Chicken Skillet combines tender chicken with aromatic spices and a luscious creamy sauce. A perfect one-pan dish that pairs beautifully with rice or naan!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

• 1 tablespoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon turmeric

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup canned tomato puree

• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter.
2. Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add onions, garlic, and ginger; sauté until the onions are translucent.
4. Stir in the garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
5. Pour in the tomato puree, stirring well to combine the spices. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir well, ensuring all pieces are coated with the sauce.
7. Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently and let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Add the lemon juice and give it a final stir.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Note

• Serve with basmati rice or warm naan for a complete meal.
• Adjust the level of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
• This dish can be made ahead and reheated, as the flavors meld beautifully over time.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk for heavy cream.

Keywords: butter chicken, skillet recipe, Indian cuisine, easy dinner, one-pan meal, creamy sauce