There is something incredibly heartwarming about a dish that combines rich creaminess with bold spices, and that’s exactly what this Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe delivers in every bite. From the moment you start marinating the tender chicken thighs in that fragrant blend of yogurt and spices, to simmering them in a luscious tomato cream sauce, this recipe offers a wonderful marriage of textures and flavors that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe brings the soul of Indian cuisine right into your kitchen with simplicity and flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, from building flavor to creating the velvety texture that defines Butter Chicken. The components are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen, making this dish approachable without sacrificing any of the taste or authenticity.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These pieces stay juicy and tender throughout cooking, perfect for absorbing all the spices.
- Plain yogurt: Used for marinating, it tenderizes the chicken and introduces subtle tanginess.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness that balances the richness in the dish.
- Ground cumin: Brings an earthy warmth, a backbone for the spice blend.
- Ground coriander: Adds delicate citrus undertones to the marinade.
- Ground turmeric: Gives a beautiful golden color and a mild, aromatic flavor.
- Ground chili powder: Delivers a gentle heat to awaken the palate.
- Garam masala: A fragrant spice mix that imparts complexity and depth.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: The key to that silky, indulgent sauce base.
- Large onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and texture as it caramelizes.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with robust aroma and flavor.
- Grated fresh ginger: Adds a refreshing zing and warmth.
- Tomato puree: The tangy foundation of the sauce, balancing creaminess and spices.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, smooth sauce that coats each bite.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbal finish when sprinkled on top.
- Cooked basmati rice: Essential for serving, it soaks up that incredible sauce beautifully.
How to Make Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing yogurt, lemon juice, and the aromatic spices including cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt in a large bowl. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in this fragrant marinade. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step infuses the chicken with flavor and ensures it stays tender during cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Warm up a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until it’s just bubbly. Toss in the finely chopped onions and let them cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn a rich golden brown. This caramelization adds a natural sweetness and forms an incredible flavor base for your sauce.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger to the skillet, cooking them for about a minute until their fragrant aromas fill your kitchen. This early addition layers the dish with bold, distinctive notes that awaken the senses.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
Next, add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet. Make sure to spread them evenly and let them brown nicely on all sides—this usually takes around 6 to 8 minutes. This step seals in the juices and creates a beautiful caramelized exterior that adds texture and flavor to the final dish.
Step 5: Simmer with Tomato Puree
Pour the tomato puree into the skillet and mix everything thoroughly. Lower the heat to let the sauce gently simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. This simmering allows all the spices and ingredients to meld together, creating that signature buttery tang and rich depth.
Step 6: Stir in the Heavy Cream
Slowly add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring constantly to incorporate it evenly. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes or until it thickens to your preferred consistency. This final step gives the sauce its signature creamy texture that makes this Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe so irresistible.
Step 7: Season to Taste and Garnish
Give your sauce a taste and add a little extra salt if needed. When everything tastes just right, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.
Step 8: Serve with Love
Serve your Butter Chicken Skillet piping hot alongside fluffy basmati rice to soak up all of that magnificent sauce. This step completes the dish and brings everyone to the table eager for seconds.
How to Serve Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate this dish from delicious to dazzling. Freshly chopped cilantro adds vibrant green hues and a bright herbal note that perfectly contrasts the creamy, spiced sauce. If you want to add an extra touch, a light drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of toasted fenugreek leaves can deepen the flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
Basmati rice is a classic side, fluffy and fragrant, ideal for soaking up every last bit of your butter chicken sauce. For some variety, you could also serve it with warm naan bread, which lets you scoop the chicken right off your plate. Lightly sautéed green beans or a crisp cucumber salad offer excellent balance by adding fresh textures and cooling sensations alongside the warm, creamy chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dinner party, serve this Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe family-style in the skillet itself, garnished with cilantro and edible flowers for a pop of color. You can also try plating the chicken atop a bed of saffron-infused rice and adding a dollop of cooling raita on the side. Using a small ramekin of extra sauce at the table allows guests to customize their serving, making the experience interactive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Butter chicken tastes fantastic the next day, as the flavors deepen even further. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish is completely cooled before sealing to keep it fresh and safe.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish handy for longer, butter chicken freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the Butter Chicken Skillet over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. You can add a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the dish’s creamy texture and rich flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender after cooking. If using breast, be careful not to overcook as it can dry out.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating is highly recommended as it helps tenderize the chicken and infuses it with the wonderful blend of spices, making the final dish much more flavorful.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the chili powder or add fresh chopped green chilies to the marinade for a hotter version. Just adjust gradually to your preferred heat level.
What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist that adds a subtle coconut flavor while maintaining creaminess.
How do I know when the sauce is ready?
The sauce is ready when it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. It should be creamy, smooth, and rich without being watery.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites, and I truly believe it will find a special place in your own kitchen too. The ease of preparation paired with the luxurious, complex flavors makes it perfect for any occasion. Cooking and sharing this dish is like inviting warmth, comfort, and a little bit of magic to your table. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with every creamy, spiced, buttery bite.
Print
Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 55m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Butter Chicken Skillet recipe offers a rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in yogurt and spices, cooked in a luscious tomato and cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it combines bold flavors with an easy one-pan stovetop method.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
Garnish and Serving
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Sauté Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown, about 7-8 minutes. This step builds a deep flavor base for the sauce.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. This enhances the dish’s aroma and complexity.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides, approximately 6-8 minutes. This searing locks in the juices and flavor.
- Simmer with Tomato Puree: Pour in the tomato puree and mix thoroughly to combine with the chicken and spices. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to develop.
- Add Cream and Thicken: Stir in the heavy cream, continue to simmer for another 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency. This creates the rich, creamy texture characteristic of butter chicken.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices if needed, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh herbal note.
- Serve: Serve the butter chicken hot alongside cooked basmati rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper in the marinade.
- Use thigh meat instead of breast for juicier, more flavorful chicken.
- Leftover butter chicken keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove.
- Garnishing with fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) adds an authentic aroma if available.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
