Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Butter Chicken Skillet is a simplified take on a beloved classic, designed for home cooks who want bold flavor without long cooking times. This version keeps all the rich, comforting elements you expect, including tender chicken, warm spices, and a creamy tomato-based sauce, while using a straightforward stovetop method that fits easily into a busy schedule.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is how approachable it is. There is no marinating required, no specialty equipment, and no complicated steps. I tested this recipe several times to ensure the sauce develops deep flavor quickly, and the skillet method delivers consistent results every time. It is perfect for weeknight dinners, yet flavorful enough to serve to guests. Served with rice or flatbread, this butter chicken skillet offers comfort, warmth, and satisfying richness in every bite.
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Easy Butter Chicken Skillet – A Weeknight-Friendly Comfort Classic
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A quick and flavorful butter chicken skillet made with tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-butter sauce—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richness)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté onion until soft.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in garam masala, paprika, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.
- Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and return chicken to the skillet.
- Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with basmati rice or naan bread.
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add a splash of water or broth if sauce becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken
Boneless chicken works best for this recipe. Cut into evenly sized pieces, it cooks quickly and stays tender in the creamy sauce.
Butter
Butter provides richness and depth, forming the flavorful base of the sauce.
Olive oil
Olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning while sautéing the chicken.
Onion
Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and builds the foundation of the sauce.
Garlic
Garlic enhances aroma and brings savory warmth to the dish.
Ginger
Fresh ginger adds brightness and subtle heat, balancing the richness of the sauce.
Tomato puree
Tomato puree creates the body of the sauce and adds gentle acidity.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream softens the spices and gives the sauce its signature smooth texture.
Garam masala
Garam masala provides warm, aromatic spice that defines butter chicken flavor.
Paprika
Paprika adds color and mild sweetness without overpowering the dish.
Ground cumin
Cumin adds earthiness and depth to the sauce.
Salt
Salt enhances and balances all the flavors.
Sugar
A small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Directions
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly golden on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook briefly until fragrant. Add the paprika, cumin, and garam masala, stirring constantly to toast the spices lightly.
Pour in the tomato puree and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for several minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and sugar, then return the chicken to the skillet.
Reduce the heat and simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Serve hot.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 25 minutes. Total time required is roughly 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Easy Butter Chicken Skillet can be adapted to suit different tastes. For a spicier version, add chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
This recipe also works well with different proteins. Boneless chicken thighs add extra richness, while shrimp can be used for a faster-cooking alternative. For a vegetarian version, roasted cauliflower or chickpeas can replace the chicken while keeping the sauce the same.
Fresh herbs such as cilantro can be sprinkled over the dish just before serving for added freshness. Serving it with rice, naan-style flatbread, or even over roasted vegetables allows you to tailor the meal to your preference.
FAQs
Is this butter chicken very spicy?
No, it is mild and creamy, but spice can be added easily.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs work very well and stay very tender.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
No, this skillet version is designed to be quick and simple.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Dairy-free butter and cream alternatives can be used, though flavor may vary.
What can I serve with butter chicken?
Rice, flatbread, or roasted vegetables pair well.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, it freezes well for up to two months.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer slightly longer to reduce, or add a small amount of cream.
Can I add vegetables?
Spinach or peas can be added near the end of cooking.
Does this reheat well?
Yes, reheat gently to maintain texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a large skillet and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Conclusion
Easy Butter Chicken Skillet is a practical, comforting recipe that delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and warm spices make it a reliable choice for busy evenings or relaxed family dinners. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this dish proves that classic comfort food can be both accessible and deeply satisfying.
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