One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken Recipe

If you have ever dreamt of creating a restaurant-quality meal with minimal fuss, this One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect comfort food, rich and creamy, bursting with warm, aromatic spices, and all made in just one pan for easy cleanup. This dish brings together tender chicken soaked in a luscious tomato-cream sauce, infused with garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices that transport you straight to Indian-inspired flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a true game-changer in home cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtfully chosen ingredients that create a symphony of flavor, texture, and color. Each item plays a crucial role in building the rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken that makes this dish so irresistible.

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts): Thighs are perfect for moistness and flavor, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity undertone.
• 1 onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet and savory base that perfectly mellows when cooked.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of aroma and depth to every bite.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Gives a fresh, zesty warmth that brightens up the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon garam masala: The signature spice blend that gives authentic warmth and complexity.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers earthiness and a slight nuttiness to the spice mix.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: For a gentle kick that awakens your palate.
• 1 teaspoon turmeric: Delivers vibrant color and subtle bitterness that balances the richness.
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes: The juicy, tangy foundation of the sauce that balances the creaminess.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Adds indulgence and creates the silky texture we all crave.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Enhances richness and gives the dish its classic buttery finish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To season and brighten every layer of flavor.
• Fresh cilantro for garnish: Adds a pop of fresh green and herbaceous flair at the end.
• Cooked rice or naan for serving (optional): The perfect companions to soak up the irresistible sauce.

How to Make One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that when the chicken goes in, it cooks evenly and locks in all those juices for a tender finished dish.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onions and let them cook until they become soft and translucent, around 5 to 7 minutes. This soft base layers in sweetness and flavor that builds throughout the recipe.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger

Stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until they release their aromatic oils. This is where the kitchen starts to smell absolutely amazing.

Step 4: Incorporate the Spices

Sprinkle in garam masala, cumin, chili powder, and turmeric. Keep stirring the mixture for about 1 minute to toast the spices lightly, which unlocks their full flavor potential.

Step 5: Mix in Crushed Tomatoes

Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet, mixing everything together. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer and thicken a little over 5 minutes, concentrating those rich, tangy notes.

Step 6: Prepare and Add Chicken

Season your chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Nestle each piece into the bubbling tomato sauce, making sure they are well coated to absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 7: Add Cream and Butter

Gently stir in the heavy cream and butter until they are fully blended into the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes. This step is key to achieving that luxurious, creamy texture butter chicken is famous for.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The sauce should bubble slightly and thicken even further.

Step 9: Final Touches and Serve

Remove from the oven, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top, and serve it hot. This completes the One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken Recipe and transforms your meal into a flavorful experience.

How to Serve One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is a classic garnish that adds a bright, herbaceous touch and a burst of color. If you want something extra, a drizzle of cream or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can be fantastic artists’ touches to elevate the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken Recipe shines when served alongside fragrant basmati rice or warm, fluffy naan bread. These sides soak up the rich sauce perfectly and complete the meal with traditional comfort and heartiness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the butter chicken over roasted cauliflower rice or tuck it into warm pita bread for a fusion-style wrap. You can also garnish with toasted slivered almonds or a sprinkle of garam masala for added texture and aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even more delicious.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the creamy sauce without separating. Adding a splash of cream or water helps refresh the sauce’s consistency as it warms through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs are juicier, chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option. Just keep an eye on cooking times so they don’t dry out.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe has a mild to moderate level of heat thanks to the chili powder. You can adjust the chili to your taste or leave it out for a milder dish.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free butter or a neutral oil to keep it dairy-free while still creamy.

What kind of pan should I use?

An oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan is best. It allows you to start cooking on the stovetop and finish in the oven without transferring the food to another dish.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time, then finish cooking on the day you want to serve. This helps build even richer flavors.

Final Thoughts

You truly cannot go wrong with this One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s simple, flavorful, and comfortable — everything you want in a go-to weeknight meal or special dinner. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it has become a beloved favorite for so many. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy buttery, tender chicken bathed in a dreamy sauce with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction!

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