Description
This creamy butter chicken skillet is a quick, one-pan dinner with a rich, buttery sauce and tender chicken pieces. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (~450g)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (~45g)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (~120ml)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (~30g)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning with salt and pepper. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the skillet, then add the garlic and ginger. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, garam masala, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. The sauce should be smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to meld all the flavors together.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro (if using) and serve hot over rice, naan, or with a side of roasted vegetables.
Notes
[‘Sauté garlic and ginger slowly to bring out their sweetness and avoid bitterness.’, ‘Toast the spices in butter to enhance their flavors.’, ‘Use room temperature cream to prevent curdling.’, ‘Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.’, ‘Butter adds richness that oil cannot replicate.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Protein: 25
Keywords: Butter chicken, creamy chicken, skillet dinner, Indian recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal