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Delicious butter chicken served with naan bread and garnished with cilantro.

Butter Chicken Skillet

A creamy and buttery chicken dish that is perfect for quick weeknight dinners, easy to make in just one skillet.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Indian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) Thighs stay juicier.
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided Unsalted butter helps control salt.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic = bigger flavor.
  • 1 cup chicken broth Use low-sodium broth to adjust seasoning.
  • 2 tablespoons honey Can substitute with maple syrup or brown sugar.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Add smoked paprika for variation.
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • to taste Salt and cracked black pepper Adjust to preference.
Optional Toppings
  • to taste shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese For topping.
  • to taste caramelized onions For extra richness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with paprika, salt, and cracked black pepper.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter until it foams and smells nutty.
Cooking
  1. Add the chicken and sear until each side is golden with crisp edges, about 4-6 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  2. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet; cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant and slightly golden.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the honey, scraping up browned bits; simmer until the sauce reduces and thickens to a glossy glaze, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the glaze over each piece, and cook for 1-2 minutes to marry the flavors.
  5. Optionally, sprinkle cheese over the chicken and cover briefly until melted.
Serving
  1. Serve hot, optionally topped with caramelized onions and consider spooning the pan sauce over buttered noodles.

Notes

Pound thicker chicken breasts for even cooking. If the sauce tastes thin, simmer longer to thicken. For a warm taste, consider adding a pinch of cayenne.