Delicious Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe for Flavor Lovers

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s the heart of your Butter Chicken Skillet, broken down so busy moms can grab and go:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts for leaner options)
• 2 tablespoons butter (yes, butter makes it creamy and comforting)
• 1 cup diced onion (yellow or white, for that sweet base)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder if you’re in a rush)
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger for ease)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (you can swap for tomato puree if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala (that magic spice mix—find it at most grocery stores)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your family’s spice level)
• 1 cup heavy cream (for that creamy butter chicken texture)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional but adds a fresh pop of color)

No worries if you don’t have garam masala on hand—the closest mix of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon works great too. You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store or spice aisle, so no extra trips needed. Sometimes, I swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free twist that still brings creamy butter chicken vibes.

This Butter Chicken Skillet proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive—chicken thighs are budget-friendly and soak up all those flavors beautifully. Plus, prepping a few ingredients like mincing garlic or chopping onions ahead of time saves big on weeknight stress. My family gets extra comfort when I add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity, creating that perfect rich flavor we all crave.

Trust me, this Butter Chicken Skillet ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Ready to create your skillet chicken dinner masterpiece? Follow me step-by-step through this quick butter chicken routine.

1. Start by heating butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When it melts, toss in the diced onions and cook until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling like a cozy restaurant already!
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Don’t let it burn—keep an eye on the skillet!
3. Sprinkle in garam masala, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Stir well, letting those spices toast gently in the butter and onion mixture. This step is where the magic begins for your Butter Chicken Skillet—aromas fill the air, tempting hungry noses nearby.
4. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the edges start to brown beautifully, giving your skillet chicken dinner a lovely color and depth of flavor.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir everything together. Bring to a simmer and cover loosely to let those flavors marry for about 15 minutes. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch or sneak in a coffee break!
6. Finally, pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently until silky and creamy. Let it cook uncovered for another 5 minutes, allowing your Butter Chicken Skillet to thicken slightly. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now!
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Don’t worry if your Butter Chicken Skillet looks thick—it’s supposed to be luscious and rich.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

I used to struggle with balancing all these spices just right. Now, after several family taste tests and adjusting for picky eaters, this Butter Chicken Skillet hit just the right note every time. And with everything in one pan, cleanup is easy—one less thing to juggle after school!

If you’re curious about other one-pan meals that simplify your evening routines, check out this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken and Asparagus Recipe for a quick skillet chicken twist.

How We Love to Eat This!

This comforting Butter Chicken Skillet has earned its spot on our dinner rotation. My kids adore it over fluffy white rice—they say the creamy butter chicken sauce is like a warm hug for their mouths. For extra kid-approved softness, sometimes I serve it with buttery naan bread to soak up every bit of that sauce.

Our favorite side dishes here are simple steamed veggies or sautéed green beans. They balance the richness without overshadowing the creamy butter chicken flavors. On busy weeknights when energy is low, this Butter Chicken Skillet is my go-to victory meal because it delivers comfort fast.

For more family-friendly one-pan dinners, my kids love the flavors in this Chicken Orzo Skillet, which pairs well with our butter chicken nights for variety without extra prep.

This Butter Chicken Skillet also shines at casual gatherings or even weeknight leftovers. Reheated with a splash of cream to refresh the sauce, it’s a winner every time. We’ve experimented with seasonal twists too—adding spinach or peas boosts nutrition quietly in the creamy sauce. Friends who’ve tried my skillet dinner always ask for the recipe—some even call it their new comfort food obsession!

The secret to presentation? Spoon your buttery chicken over rice or bread in colorful bowls, sprinkled with fresh cilantro. It makes everyone feel like the meal is special, even on regular days.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

“Is this Butter Chicken Skillet really filling enough for growing kids?”
Absolutely. The combination of tender chicken thighs, creamy sauce, and rice or naan rounds out a hearty meal. My kids often ask for seconds!

“What if my picky eater won’t try this Butter Chicken Skillet?”
Try starting with milder spices and more cream to tone down heat. You can also separate a portion before adding chili powder and let kids add their own seasoning later.

“Can I meal prep this Butter Chicken Skillet for busy weeks ahead?”
Yes! It reheats beautifully. Store it in airtight containers and reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of water or cream to refresh the sauce.

“What’s the best chicken cut for this skillet?”
Chicken thighs work best for moist, tender results, but breasts are fine if you prefer leaner meat.

“Can I freeze leftovers of this Butter Chicken Skillet?”
You can freeze it in portioned containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove with a bit of cream added for creaminess.

“Can I make a dairy-free version of this Butter Chicken Skillet?”
Absolutely—swap heavy cream for coconut milk and butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. The flavors still sparkle through.

“Are there shortcuts for busy moms making this Butter Chicken Skillet?”
Definitely. Using garlic and ginger pastes saves time. You can also find pre-mixed garam masala blends, and using canned tomatoes simplifies prep.

If you want a baked twist or an even quicker method, One-pan Baked Butter Chicken is worth exploring. Also, for a simple version with rice included, see the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet we love!

Final Thoughts:

This Butter Chicken Skillet fits our family’s comfort food needs like a cozy blanket on chilly evenings. It’s simple, creamy, and hearty without demanding hours in the kitchen. My Butter Chicken Skillet Comfort Hacks are:

• Using chicken thighs for juicy tenderness every time
• Adding a splash of cream at the end for rich, silky sauce
• Cooking everything in one pan to save time and cleanup

We’ve tested versions with spinach added for sneaky greens and a lighter coconut milk swap for dairy-free days. My husband prefers the classic creamy butter chicken while my kids adore it mild and saucy over rice.

I hope you find joy in making this Butter Chicken Skillet your own, fitting your family’s tastes and schedules. Remember, it’s all about creating comfort, not perfection. Your family deserves dinner that fills bellies and hearts with ease and love. You’ve got this, fellow comfort seeker!

For more comforting skillet meals your family will love, be sure to check out my twist on Butter Chicken Linguine for a creamy pasta dinner option.

Here’s to many cozy dinners and peaceful mealtime wins with your Butter Chicken Skillet adventure!

Butter Chicken Skillet

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

This Butter Chicken Skillet offers a rich and creamy Indian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. Tender chicken cooked in a spiced tomato and butter sauce brings authentic taste in just one pan.

• Author: Beatriz
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder; cook for another minute to toast the spices.
5. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Pour in crushed tomatoes, stir well, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
7. Stir in heavy cream and remaining tablespoon of butter; simmer uncovered for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
8. Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve this butter chicken skillet over basmati rice or with warm naan bread for a complete meal. You can adjust the chili powder to taste for milder or spicier flavors.