Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of heavy cream, butter, and spices makes for a luscious, rich sauce that’s simply irresistible.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 45 minutes, this skillet dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your preference—add more chili powder for heat or serve it mild for the whole family to enjoy.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: With tender chicken and a creamy, spiced sauce, this dish will satisfy your craving for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and mix well to coat the chicken with the marinade. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best results.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomato Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the tomato sauce. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Butter
Stir in the heavy cream and butter. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, until the sauce becomes rich, creamy, and slightly thickened.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the butter chicken with steamed rice or warm naan for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add more chili powder or fresh chopped chilies for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with paneer or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Extra Flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of garam masala on top before serving for added depth of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of water or cream to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but chicken thighs add more moisture and tenderness to the dish. If using breasts, ensure they don’t overcook.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and cook the dish ahead of time. Just reheat gently before serving.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To make it spicier, increase the chili powder or add fresh chopped chili peppers when sautéing the onions and garlic.
Can I use a different type of yogurt?
Yes, you can use any plain yogurt, but full-fat or Greek yogurt will give the sauce a richer texture.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked butter chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is the perfect combination of rich, creamy, and flavorful. It’s quick, easy, and comforting—ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether served with rice or naan, this dish is sure to be a new favorite in your home. Enjoy the indulgent flavors with your loved ones!
Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food, Indian-Inspired
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian-American Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet brings the rich, creamy flavors of butter chicken right to your kitchen. Tender chicken in a flavorful tomato and butter sauce, perfect with rice or naan, is quick, easy, and indulgent. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a weeknight dinner the whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken: Combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces, mix to coat, and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
-
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
-
Simmer with Tomato Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the tomato sauce. Stir well, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Add the Cream and Butter: Stir in heavy cream and butter. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
-
Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the butter chicken with steamed rice or naan.
Notes
Chicken Breasts vs. Thighs: You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but thighs provide more moisture and tenderness. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them.
Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili powder or add fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce.
Creamy Texture: For a richer sauce, feel free to substitute full-fat yogurt or Greek yogurt in place of plain yogurt.
Make-Ahead: Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor, and the dish will be quicker to prepare the next day.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for paneer (Indian cheese) or tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
