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One-Pan Butter Chicken Skillet (Easy Weeknight Recipe)

You know those nights when you open the fridge, sigh dramatically, and consider cereal as dinner? Yeah, same. That’s usually when I pull out my secret weapon: one-pan butter chicken skillet. It’s comforting, flavorful, and so easy that you’ll wonder why you ever stressed about dinner in the first place.

And here’s the best part—it all happens in one pan. Translation: fewer dishes, more Netflix. Honestly, that’s what weeknight cooking should be all about.

Let’s walk through why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation, what makes it so foolproof, and how to actually nail it without breaking a sweat.


Why This Recipe Is Awesome

I don’t throw around the word “awesome” lightly. Okay, maybe I do—but in this case, it’s justified.

Ever wondered why everyone loves butter chicken? It’s basically comfort food dressed in spices. It tastes like you’ve been simmering it for hours, but with this skillet trick, you don’t have to.


Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll want to grab from your fridge and pantry before you start:

Pro tip: Don’t panic if you don’t have every spice. You can still make a solid version with just garam masala and paprika. The rest is just extra flair.


Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of butter in your skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sear until golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking them through—you’ll finish them in the sauce. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet (because, remember, we’re keeping this one-pan), melt another tablespoon of butter. Add onions and cook until soft and golden. Toss in garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Now the fun part. Sprinkle in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne. Stir for about 30 seconds. The spices should bloom and smell incredible. Ever wondered why recipes tell you to “toast” spices? Because it unlocks way more flavor.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the tomato puree. Stir, scrape up any brown bits, and let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Creamy Goodness

Lower the heat and add cream (or coconut milk). Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning—this is your moment to shine.

Step 6: Bring Back the Chicken

Slide the chicken back into the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 7: Finish Strong

Stir in the final tablespoon of butter. Garnish with cilantro. Serve with rice or naan and accept compliments graciously.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

Butter chicken may be simple, but it’s not foolproof if you rush it. Here’s where most people mess up:


Alternatives & Substitutions

The beauty of this skillet dinner? You can tweak it endlessly.

Ever thought of throwing in veggies? Spinach, peas, or even cauliflower soak up the sauce beautifully.


Why One-Pan Meals Are the Real MVP

I could wax poetic about butter chicken all day, but let’s be honest—what really makes this recipe shine is the one-pan factor.

One-pan meals:

Honestly, once you get hooked on one-pan dinners, you’ll start asking: Why do I even own multiple pots?


Pairing Suggestions

Want to turn this into a low-key dinner party? Pair your butter chicken skillet with:

It’s the kind of spread that feels impressive, but you know the truth—you only dirtied one pan.


FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge. Just reheat gently so the cream doesn’t split.

Can I freeze butter chicken?
Yes! Let it cool, store in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What if I don’t have garam masala?
Mix equal parts cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, and a dash of cloves. Or buy a jar next time you shop—it’s worth it.

Is this spicy?
Not unless you go wild with the cayenne. Butter chicken is usually mild and creamy, so it’s family-friendly.


Final Thoughts

Here’s the bottom line: one-pan butter chicken skillet is the ultimate weeknight recipe. It checks every box—easy, fast, flavorful, and low on cleanup.

The sauce tastes like it belongs in a restaurant, but the effort feels like cheating. Pair it with rice or naan, and you’ve got a meal that wins over kids, partners, friends, or whoever else you’re feeding (including just yourself, no judgment).

So the next time you feel the pull of cereal-for-dinner energy, remember: you’re only 30 minutes away from buttery, garlicky, spicy goodness in one skillet. And honestly, once you make this, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it.

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