Irresistible Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe – 30-Minute Meal

Butter chicken skillet is a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate, featuring tender chicken bathed in a rich, creamy sauce infused with aromatic spices. The moment you take a bite, the explosion of savory and mildly spicy notes will transport you to an Indian feast, making it nearly impossible to resist going back for seconds.

Imagine cooking this dish on a cozy Friday night, the aroma wafting through your home and luring everyone into the kitchen like moths to a flame. Butter chicken skillet isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together, whether it’s a casual family dinner or an impromptu gathering with friends.

Ingredients for Butter Chicken Skillet

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor; feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.

• Fresh Garlic: A must-have for that aromatic kick; select firm cloves for maximum flavor.

• Ginger: Grated fresh ginger adds warmth and depth; pre-packaged options work too but won’t be as vibrant.

• Onion: One medium onion finely chopped will provide sweetness and balance to the dish.

• Canned Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes for a rich base that complements the spices perfectly.

• Coconut Milk: This is where the creaminess comes from; full-fat coconut milk works best for a luscious finish.

For the Spices:

• Garam Masala: This spice blend is essential; it packs a punch and gives authenticity to your butter chicken.

• Coriander Powder: Adds earthiness; don’t skip it if you want depth in flavor!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Butter Chicken Skillet

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by chopping your onion, garlic, and ginger so they’re ready when you need them. It helps keep things moving smoothly while cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add some oil and toss in your chicken pieces. Sauté until they turn golden brown on all sides—about five minutes will do. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Aromatics

In the same skillet (because who wants to wash more dishes?), add more oil if necessary and toss in the chopped onions. Sauté until translucent before mixing in garlic and ginger. The smell will be heavenly!

Step 4: Build Your Sauce

Pour in the canned tomatoes and coconut milk while adding garam masala and coriander powder. Stir well and let it simmer for about ten minutes until thickened beautifully.

Step 5: Return Chicken to Skillet

Now it’s time to bring back those succulent chicken pieces! Add them back into the skillet and allow them to soak up all that glorious sauce for another five minutes.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Transfer everything onto plates or bowls and serve hot with fluffy rice or warm naan. Don’t forget to drizzle extra sauce over everything—because why would you deny yourself that creamy goodness?

Now grab your fork (or naan) because this butter chicken skillet will soon become your new favorite weeknight dinner!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then remove it to prepare your sauce. While the sauce simmers, you can cook up some rice or naan on the side. This sequence ensures everything is ready at the same time for optimal enjoyment.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for chickpeas if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. You can also add spinach or bell peppers for extra veggies, or adjust spice levels to your liking—more heat means more excitement!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on low heat in a skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.

Sometimes, I whip up this Butter Chicken Skillet when friends come over for game night. The gasps of delight when they take their first bite are priceless! It’s become a crowd favorite that always sparks joy and laughter around the table.

FAQs:

What ingredients are needed for Butter Chicken Skillet?

To create a delicious Butter Chicken Skillet, you’ll need chicken breast or thighs, butter, onion, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes. Additionally, gather spices like garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder for flavor. Don’t forget heavy cream to achieve that rich and creamy texture. Fresh cilantro makes a perfect garnish. These ingredients come together to create a savory dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

How long does it take to cook Butter Chicken Skillet?

Cooking Butter Chicken Skillet typically takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 20-30 minutes cooking the chicken and sauce. This quick preparation makes it an ideal weeknight meal without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Can I make Butter Chicken Skillet ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Butter Chicken Skillet in advance. Cook the dish as directed, then let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

What can I serve with Butter Chicken Skillet?

Butter Chicken Skillet pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Common options include fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread for scooping up the sauce. You can also serve it alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition. These sides enhance your meal experience while complementing the rich flavors of the chicken.

Conclusion for Butter Chicken Skillet:

In conclusion, Butter Chicken Skillet is a delightful dish that brings vibrant flavors together in one easy-to-make recipe. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy this comforting meal any night of the week. Remember to adjust spices according to your taste preferences and consider pairing it with basmati rice or naan for a complete experience. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this flavorful skillet recipe!

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Butter Chicken Skillet

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Butter Chicken Skillet is a delightful one-pan dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy spiced sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is not only easy to make but also fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. Serve it with fluffy rice or warm naan, and you have a comforting meal that will impress family and friends alike!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients by chopping the onion, garlic, and ginger.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chicken until golden brown on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove chicken from skillet.
3. In the same skillet, add onion and sauté until translucent. Add garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, garam masala, and coriander powder. Simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.
5. Return chicken to skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
6. Serve hot with rice or naan.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: - For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu. - Add spinach or bell peppers for extra vegetables. - Adjust spice levels to suit your taste; increase the amount of garam masala for more flavor.