Butter Chicken Skillet: Easy One-Pan Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Butter Chicken Skillet: Craving the rich, creamy indulgence of butter chicken but short on time? I’ve got you covered! Imagine tender, juicy chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices, and all cooked in a single skillet. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and the best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Butter chicken, or “murgh makhani,” has a fascinating history. Born in the kitchens of Delhi in the mid-20th century, it was a stroke of genius – a way to repurpose leftover tandoori chicken by simmering it in a creamy tomato sauce. It quickly became a global sensation, beloved for its comforting flavors and adaptability.

People adore butter chicken for so many reasons. The creamy texture is incredibly satisfying, and the blend of spices creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. It’s also incredibly versatile, pairing perfectly with naan bread, rice, or even roasted vegetables. But let’s be honest, sometimes we just don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. That’s where this Butter Chicken Skillet recipe comes in. It captures all the magic of the classic dish in a fraction of the time, making it the perfect weeknight meal. So, ditch the takeout menu and let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (or more, to taste)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving

Preparing the Chicken and Aromatics

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely in the skillet. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!
2. Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. You might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of searing it.
3. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s nicely browned. It doesn’t need to be cooked all the way through at this point, as it will continue to cook in the sauce. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s where all the flavor is!
5. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. If you’re using jalapeño, add it now as well.

Making the Butter Chicken Sauce

1. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the spices and tomatoes.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. After simmering, stir in the heavy cream and yogurt. Make sure the yogurt is at room temperature to prevent it from curdling. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Add the butter to the sauce and stir until it’s melted and incorporated. The butter adds richness and that signature “butter chicken” flavor.
5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or garam masala to suit your taste.

Combining Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the browned chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Cover the skillet and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.

Serving and Garnishing

1. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
2. Serve the butter chicken skillet hot over cooked rice or with warm naan bread. I personally love serving it with basmati rice – the fluffy texture complements the rich sauce perfectly.
3. For an extra touch, you can add a dollop of plain yogurt or a swirl of cream on top before serving.

Tips and Variations

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to control the spice level. If you prefer a milder dish, omit the cayenne pepper altogether.
• Chicken: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, but thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful. If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) or chickpeas.
• Slow Cooker: This recipe can also be adapted for a slow cooker. Sear the chicken as directed, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with all the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the heavy cream and yogurt during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Freezing: Butter chicken freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. It will add a slightly different flavor, but it’s still delicious.
• Smoked Paprika: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce can enhance the smoky flavor.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavors.
• Ginger Garlic Paste: If you have ginger garlic paste on hand, you can use that instead of mincing fresh ginger and garlic. Use about 2 tablespoons of ginger garlic paste.
• Cashew Paste: For an even richer and creamier sauce, you can add a few tablespoons of cashew paste. Soak about 1/4 cup of cashews in hot water for 30 minutes, then drain and blend them into a smooth paste. Add the cashew paste to the sauce along with the heavy cream and yogurt.

Serving Suggestions

• Rice: Basmati rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice are all great options.
• Naan Bread: Warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up the sauce.
• Raita: Serve with a side of raita (yogurt dip) to cool down the spice.
• Salad: A simple green salad or cucumber salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich butter chicken.
• Pickles: Indian pickles (achar) can add a tangy and spicy kick.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: 550-700 per serving
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 30-40g
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g

Enjoy your homemade Butter Chicken Skillet! I hope you find this recipe easy to follow and delicious. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or if you try any variations. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Butter Chicken Skillet recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you’re simply craving that classic, creamy Indian flavor without the fuss. I know, I know, there are a million butter chicken recipes out there, but trust me, this one is different. The speed and ease with which you can whip this up, combined with the incredible depth of flavor, makes it a must-try in my book. It’s become a staple in my own kitchen, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of rich, buttery sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic spices, all cooked in a single skillet for minimal cleanup. We’re talking maximum flavor with minimum effort! Plus, it’s incredibly versatile.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Want to take it to the next level? Serve this Butter Chicken Skillet over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or alongside warm naan bread for dipping. A dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a refreshing touch. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped chili to the sauce.

Feeling adventurous? Try these variations:

* Vegetarian Butter Chicken: Substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option.
* Butter Chicken Pasta: Toss the butter chicken sauce with your favorite pasta for a unique and flavorful twist.
* Butter Chicken Pizza: Spread the sauce over pizza dough, top with shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake for a truly indulgent treat.
* Coconut Milk Variation: For an even creamier and slightly sweeter flavor, substitute half of the heavy cream with coconut milk. This also makes it dairy-free friendly if you use a plant-based butter alternative!
* Slow Cooker Option: If you have more time, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

I’ve experimented with all of these variations, and they’re all fantastic in their own way. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

I truly believe this Butter Chicken Skillet will become a family favorite. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious – everything you could want in a weeknight meal. But don’t just take my word for it! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and see for yourself.

Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the variations? Did you add any of your own special touches? Share your photos and comments below! Let me know what you think, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how much you love this recipe!