Savory Texas Butter Chicken Skillet Delight 🍗🔥🧈
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a flavorful chicken dinner that combines richness, spice, and comforting textures, then this butter chicken skillet recipe is the perfect choice. Inspired by classic Indian and Texan flavors, this dish offers a creamy, spicy experience in a quick and easy skillet format. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a meal for friends, this spicy butter chicken will impress everyone at your table. Discover how this creamy chicken skillet combines aromatic spices with tender chicken, making it one of the most delicious flavorful chicken dinner recipes you’ll ever try.
2. Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
3. Step-by-step Instructions for Making the Savory Texas Butter Chicken Skillet Delight
Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of chili powder. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Season and Simmer
Stir in garam masala, chili powder, and turmeric, allowing the spices to toast slightly. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to develop flavor.
Add Cream and Chicken
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.
Finish and Garnish
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness. Serve hot, preferably over rice or warm bread for a complete meal.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Savory Texas Butter Chicken
Store any remaining butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stovetop until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months.
5. Serving Suggestions for This Flavored Chicken Dinner
This creamy chicken skillet is best served over fluffy basmati rice, naan bread, or warm tortillas. For an added vegetable touch, consider a side of sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables. For an extra layer of flavor, top with more fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon or lime.
6. FAQs About This Butter Chicken Recipe
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well, but be careful not to overcook them to prevent drying out. Thighs tend to remain juicier and more flavorful.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version that maintains the rich texture.
How long does it take to prepare?
This spicy butter chicken recipe can be prepared in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet flavorful dinner.
Can I include vegetables?
Yes, stirring in vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas during simmering adds nutrition and color.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
Enhance your cooking experience with these essential tools:
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Perfect for even cooking and easy cleanup of your skillet dishes.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Makes chopping your aromatics and vegetables faster and safer.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – Ideal if you want to prepare a slow-cooked version for even more tender chicken.
8. Related Recipes for Inspiration
- Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice in Crockpot
- Creamy Chicken Tortellini with Broccoli
- Garlic Butter Chicken Sheet Pan Feast
9. Conclusion
This savory Texas butter chicken skillet delight is a must-try flavorful chicken dinner that combines aromatic spices, creamy textures, and tender chicken in a single skillet. It’s quick to prepare, customizable with your favorite ingredients, and sure to become a family favorite. Elevate your weeknight dinners with this delicious recipe and enjoy the rich, spicy flavors that make this dish truly special. Happy cooking!
Print
Savory Texas Butter Chicken Skillet Delight
A rich and creamy butter chicken skillet with tender chicken pieces simmered in flavorful spices and butter, topped with fresh herbs.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
- Sprinkle spices (garam masala, paprika, turmeric) over chicken and stir well.
- Pour in tomato sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels to taste.
- Serve with rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diet: gluten-free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 430 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg