Description
A quick and comforting skillet version of classic butter chicken featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with warm spices. Perfect for serving over rice or with naan bread.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp salt
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat fats: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and shimmering, preparing the pan for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onion: Add the finely diced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Add aromatics and spices: Stir in minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, garam masala, paprika, ground cumin, and turmeric. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant to bloom the spices.
- Brown chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they are lightly browned on the outside but not fully cooked through.
- Add tomato sauce: Pour in the can of tomato sauce and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly, coating the chicken with the sauce.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Finish sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and salt, mixing until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and rich.
- Final cook: Cook for another 3–5 minutes to heat the sauce through and achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the butter chicken over warm rice or with naan bread for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts for a juicier result.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra spicy kick.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
