Skillet-Sizzled Butter Chicken: Your New Go-To Dinner! 🍗🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a delicious chicken dinner idea that’s quick, flavorful, and comforting, look no further than this skillet-sizzled butter chicken. Inspired by popular favorites like the Texas Roadhouse butter chicken, this easy skillet recipe combines tender chicken with a luscious buttery sauce that will keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re a busy parent or a home cook craving hearty, restaurant-quality meals, this recipe is your new go-to for weeknights or weekend dinners.
2. Ingredients for the Perfect Butter Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Optional: a splash of lemon juice for brightness
Ready to elevate your chicken dinner idea? Gather all your ingredients for a quick, effortless cooking process and get ready to impress with this irresistible butter chicken.
3. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Delicious Skillet Butter Chicken
Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. This creates a flavorful base that complements the creamy sauce.
Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the chicken and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Make the Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Pour in the heavy cream, and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from cooking the chicken. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the butter sauce over the top. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the flavors meld beautifully. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and optionally squeeze some lemon juice for added brightness.
4. Tips for the Best Butter Chicken
- Use quality heavy cream for a rich, velvety sauce.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more paprika or cayenne pepper if you prefer a bit of heat.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your seasonings are gluten-free and skip any breaded coatings.
- Serve this skillet butter chicken over steamed rice or with warm crusty bread for a complete meal.
5. Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover skillet butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. For longer storage, you can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
6. Serving Suggestions
Pair this delicious butter chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For pasta lovers, it also complements cooked noodles beautifully. And if you want to add an extra layer of flavor, consider serving with some naan bread or a crusty baguette. Don’t forget to check out these other dinner recipes for more inspiration!
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay moist and flavorful, making them perfect for this skillet butter chicken.
Is this butter chicken spicy?
The recipe is mildly spicy due to the paprika and cumin, but you can increase the heat by adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
From start to finish, expect about 30 minutes—ideal for a quick dinner idea on busy nights.
Can I substitute heavy cream?
Yes, you can use coconut cream or Greek yogurt for a dairy-free or lower-fat version, adjusting the flavor accordingly.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Cuisinart Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – This premium cookware set is perfect for searing, sautéing, and simmering, making your cooking experience seamless and enjoyable.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – If you’d like a refreshing beverage to accompany your butter chicken, this rapid chill drink maker keeps your drinks perfectly cooled.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 – For crispy sides like roasted vegetables or fries, this air fryer is a game-changer.
Explore these tools to upgrade your cooking experience and make every meal a delight!
9. Conclusion
With this easy skillet recipe for butter chicken, you can enjoy a delicious chicken dinner idea that’s rich, creamy, and ready in just about 30 minutes. Perfectly suited for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends, this dish captures the comforting flavors of classic butter chicken with a simple, skillet-cooked twist. Try it today and transform your dinner routine into a flavorful experience that everyone will love!
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Skillet-Sizzled Butter Chicken: Your New Go-To Dinner!
Discover the ultimate skillet-sizzled butter chicken recipe that’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Inspired by restaurant-quality flavors, this creamy, buttery chicken dish is easy to prepare and delicious to serve with rice, naan, or vegetables. Perfect for busy families and home cooks seeking comfort food with minimal effort.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Optional: a splash of lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
- Start by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cumin.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the chicken and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. Garnish with parsley or cilantro and squeeze lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- Use quality heavy cream for a rich, velvety sauce.
- Adjust spice level with more paprika or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Serve over steamed rice or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Can be prepared ahead and stored in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diet: Dairy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 480 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg