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 Dairy
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Spices and Seasoning
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp salt
Others
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
Instructions
- Heat fats: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to melt the butter and warm the oil, creating a flavorful cooking base.
- Sauté onions: Add the finely diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
- Add aromatics and spices: Stir in minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, garam masala, paprika, ground cumin, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aroma.
- Cook chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until lightly browned on the outside, ensuring they start cooking through.
- Add tomato sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook fully and the flavors to meld.
- Add cream and salt: Stir in the heavy cream and salt, mixing thoroughly to create a rich and creamy sauce.
- Final cook: Cook for an additional 3–5 minutes until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over rice or with naan bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts for juicier results.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat if desired.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day after flavors have melded further.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
