Effortless Sizzling Butter Chicken Skillet: A Weeknight Triumph 🍗🔥✨
1. Introduction
Looking for a delicious chicken dinner idea that combines bold flavors with quick preparation? This easy skillet recipe, inspired by the famous Texas Roadhouse butter chicken, offers a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for weeknights when time is limited but craving rich, savory dishes. The sizzling butter chicken skillet is a one-pan wonder, ensuring fewer dishes and maximum flavor, making it a chicken](https://thewhiskhouse.com/tag/chicken/) recipe you’ll want to repeat often.
2. Ingredients for the Sizzling Butter Chicken Skillet
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Optional: red chili flakes for extra heat
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Effortless Sizzling Butter Chicken
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a touch of cumin for enhanced flavor. Set aside.
Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cook Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Make the Sauce
Add tomato paste, smoked paprika, and cumin to the skillet, stirring well. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, creating a rich and creamy sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Combine and Sizzle
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the luscious sauce. Let everything simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
Garnish and Serve
Finish with freshly chopped cilantro and red chili flakes if desired. For an ultimate experience, serve this chicken dinner idea with warm naan or rice for a complete meal.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Butter Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through. This easy skillet recipe maintains its flavor and creamy texture when stored properly.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Sizzling Chicken Skillet
This Texas Roadhouse butter chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fluffy naan, or even roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal. For a cheesy twist, try serving over a bed of skillet cheeseburger orzo from this one-pot wonder.
6. Variations and Substitutions
If you’re seeking dietary modifications, consider using coconut milk instead of heavy cream for dairy-free options. You can also swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp for variety. For added veggies, stir in spinach or bell peppers during the sauce simmering stage.
7. FAQ About Effortless Sizzling Butter Chicken
Can I use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful in this skillet recipe.
How long does it take to make this dish?
Preparation and cooking can be completed in approximately 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner idea.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute coconut cream or almond milk for heavy cream to keep it dairy-free while retaining richness.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
Upgrade your cooking experience with these essential tools:
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Ensures even cooking and easy cleanup for your skillet dishes.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Perfect for quick chilled beverages to enjoy alongside your meal.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Simplifies prepping vegetables for your recipe.
9. Conclusion
This effortless sizzling butter chicken skillet offers a delightful combination of bold, savory flavors with the convenience of a one-pan meal. Whether you’re craving a chicken dinner idea after a busy day or impressing guests with minimal effort, this recipe is a must-try. Discover more quick and flavorful dinners by exploring our chicken recipes section and elevate your weeknight cooking skills today!
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Effortless Sizzling Butter Chicken Skillet: A Weeknight Triumph
Discover the ultimate weeknight dinner with our Effortless Sizzling Butter Chicken Skillet, inspired by Texas Roadhouse. This easy-to-make, flavorful chicken dish features tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy butter sauce with aromatic spices, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Optional: red chili flakes for extra heat
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a touch of cumin. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add tomato paste, smoked paprika, and cumin to the skillet, stirring well. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce is rich and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and flavors meld.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and red chili flakes if desired. Serve hot with rice or naan for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute coconut milk for heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results; chicken breasts work well too.
- Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers during simmer for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Indian-inspired
- Diet: Nut-Free, Vegetarian options available (with substitutions)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg