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? Imagine sinking your fork into tender, juicy chicken simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices, all cooked in one pan and ready in under 30 minutes. That’s the magic of this recipe!

Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, boasts a fascinating history, originating in Delhi, India, in the mid-20th century. It was born from a desire to prevent leftover tandoori chicken from drying out. By simmering it in a creamy tomato gravy, a culinary masterpiece was created! This dish quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in Indian restaurants worldwide.

What makes butter chicken so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy, slightly sweet sauce complements the savory chicken beautifully. People adore it for its comforting warmth, its ability to satisfy even the most discerning palates, and, of course, its incredible flavor profile. This Butter Chicken Skillet version retains all the authentic flavors you love, but simplifies the cooking process, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Get ready to experience a taste of India without spending hours in the kitchen!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Marinade:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat preferred for richness)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (equal parts ginger and garlic, finely minced or pureed)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or ghee for a more authentic flavor)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (or honey, to balance acidity)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Optional, for Serving:
• Cooked basmati rice or naan bread

Marinating the Chicken:

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to marinate our chicken. This is a crucial step because it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with all those wonderful Indian spices. Trust me, don’t skip this!

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, chili powder, and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and forms a smooth marinade.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated evenly with the marinade. Use your hands – it’s the best way to get everything properly mixed!
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable bag. Place it in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, I recommend marinating it for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be.

Preparing the Butter Chicken Sauce:

While the chicken is marinating, let’s get started on the star of the show – the butter chicken sauce! This sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s what makes this dish so irresistible.

1. Heat the olive oil (or ghee) in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients later on.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.
3. Add the chopped bell peppers (both green and red) and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until they are slightly softened. The peppers add a nice sweetness and texture to the sauce.
4. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, heavy cream, tomato paste, garam masala, cumin powder, paprika, turmeric powder, cayenne pepper (if using), brown sugar (or honey), and salt. Mix everything together well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be.

Cooking the Chicken and Assembling the Dish:

Now that the sauce is simmering and smelling amazing, it’s time to cook the chicken and bring everything together. This is where the magic happens!

1. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator.
2. Add the marinated chicken to the simmering sauce in the skillet. Stir well to ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the sauce.
3. Increase the heat to medium and bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer.
4. Cover the skillet and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
6. Stir in the butter until it’s completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. The butter adds richness and a beautiful sheen to the sauce.
7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, brown sugar, or spices to suit your taste.

Serving:

The moment we’ve all been waiting for! It’s time to serve up this delicious Butter Chicken Skillet. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

1. Garnish the butter chicken with chopped fresh cilantro. This adds a pop of freshness and color to the dish.
2. Serve the butter chicken hot over cooked basmati rice or with warm naan bread. The rice or naan is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
3. Enjoy! This Butter Chicken Skillet is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and variations to make this recipe even better:

• 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.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Smoked Paprika: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Cashew Paste: For an even creamier sauce, blend 1/4 cup of cashews with 1/2 cup of warm water until smooth. Add the cashew paste to the sauce along with the coconut milk and heavy cream.
• Slow Cooker: This recipe can also be adapted for a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• 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.
• Ghee vs. Olive Oil: While olive oil works perfectly fine, using ghee (clarified butter) will give the dish a more authentic and richer flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Don’t be shy with the fresh cilantro! It really brightens up the dish. You can also add a few sprigs of fresh mint for an extra layer of flavor.
• Lemon or Lime: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice at the end can add a nice touch of acidity to balance the richness of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside your Butter Chicken Skillet:

• Basmati Rice: A classic pairing! The fluffy rice soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
• Naan Bread: Warm naan bread is another great option for scooping up the sauce.
• Raita: A cooling yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and mint. It’s a great way to balance the spiciness of the butter chicken.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich butter chicken.
• Pickles: Indian pickles (achar) can add a tangy and spicy kick to the meal.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover Butter Chicken Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Butter Chicken Skillet recipe is truly a game-changer for weeknight dinners. I know, I know, there are a million butter chicken recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The speed and ease with which you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in a single skillet are simply unmatched. Forget complicated marinades and hours of simmering; this recipe delivers incredible flavor in a fraction of the time.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s delicious, first and foremost! The creamy, tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices, perfectly coats the tender chicken pieces. It’s a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. But beyond the taste, it’s the convenience that really seals the deal. One skillet means minimal cleanup, which is a huge win in my book, especially after a long day. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences, making it perfect for both spice lovers and those who prefer a milder flavor.

Looking for serving suggestions? I love serving this Butter Chicken Skillet over a bed of fluffy basmati rice. The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce, creating the perfect bite. Naan bread is another fantastic option for scooping up every last bit of the creamy goodness. For a lighter meal, try serving it with cauliflower rice or a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. A dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a refreshing touch.

And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! If you’re vegetarian, you can easily substitute the chicken with paneer cheese or chickpeas. Tofu also works well, just be sure to press it first to remove excess moisture. You can also add other vegetables to the skillet, such as bell peppers, onions, or peas. A splash of cream at the end will make the sauce even richer and more decadent. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper to the sauce.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own!

I truly believe that this Butter Chicken Skillet will become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and versatile – everything you could ask for in a weeknight meal. I’ve made it countless times, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And when you do try it, please, please, please come back and let me know what you think! Share your photos, your variations, and your experiences in the comments below. I’m always eager to hear from you and learn how you’ve made this recipe your own. Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy this Butter Chicken Skillet as much as I do! I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Enjoy!