Easy Butter Chicken Skillet: Quick Weeknight Comfort (Print Version)

Whip up a creamy Easy Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe in one pan! My simple, authentic method brings rich Indian flavors to your table with minimal fuss.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Indian
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Gluten-Free (if broth is GF)

# Ingredients:

→ Skillet Stars

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
03 - 1 yellow onion, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

→ Flavor Foundation

06 - 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
07 - 1 tbsp garam masala
08 - 1 tsp ground turmeric
09 - 1 tsp ground cumin
10 - 1/2 tsp chili powder (or to taste)

→ Creamy Finish

11 - 1 cup chicken broth
12 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

→ Serving Sparkle

13 - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get your chicken ready. Cut those boneless, skinless chicken thighs into nice, bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch chunks. I find this size cooks evenly and is perfect for scooping up with naan. Pat them dry with paper towels – this is crucial for a good sear! Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. While you're doing that, mince your garlic and ginger, and get that onion finely diced. Honestly, I always forget to pat the chicken dry and end up with sad, steamed chicken, so learn from my mistakes!
02 - Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (my trusty cast iron is my go-to) over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt until it shimmers. Toss in your seasoned chicken pieces and sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they're golden brown. We're not cooking them through yet, just getting some lovely color and flavor locked in. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don't worry about any bits stuck to the bottom; those are flavor!
03 - Reduce the heat to medium. Add another tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in your diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and turns translucent, about 5-7 minutes. It should smell sweet and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for just another minute until they're super aromatic – seriously, this is where the house starts smelling amazing! Don't let them burn, though; burnt garlic is just sad.
04 - Now for the spices! Stir in the tomato paste, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder. Cook this mixture for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is called "toasting" the spices, and it really wakes up their flavors. You'll see the color deepen and smell those rich, warm aromas. This is where I always get excited, because I know the Easy Butter Chicken Skillet is coming together beautifully. Make sure to stir well so nothing sticks!
05 - Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – that's pure flavor right there! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it's bubbling softly, return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. This low and slow simmer really lets all those flavors meld together. I sometimes peek, but try not to!
06 - Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – maybe a bit more salt, or a tiny pinch of chili powder if you're feeling bold. The sauce should be rich, creamy, and vibrant. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro. Honestly, seeing that bright green against the orange sauce just makes my heart happy. Serve this Easy Butter Chicken Skillet warm and get ready for some serious comfort!

# Notes:

01 - Honestly, don't rush the simmering; that's where the magic butter chicken flavor really develops, I learned that the hard way.
02 - Leftovers are great, but the sauce can thicken. Add a splash of water or cream when reheating on the stovetop for that silky texture.
03 - No fresh ginger? A teaspoon of dried ginger powder works in a pinch, though the fresh stuff gives a brighter kick.
04 - Serve this Easy Butter Chicken Skillet with warm naan bread, it's just the best for scooping up every drop of that rich sauce.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - measuring spoons and cups

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 550
Total Fat: 40g
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 30g

Back