One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of a dish that blends rich, creamy goodness with bold, aromatic spices while requiring minimal cleanup, you are in for a treat with this One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken Recipe. This dish perfectly captures the essence of classic Indian butter chicken but simplifies the process by baking everything in a single pan, making it easier than ever to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home. With tender chicken thighs swimming in a luscious tomato-cream sauce, infused with garam masala and subtle heat, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering a well-balanced and deeply flavorful dish. From the aromatic spices to the creamy butter and tomatoes, every element works together to create a symphony of taste and texture that is truly irresistible.

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts): The tender protein base that soaks up all the spices beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and build the flavor foundation.
• 1 onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a pungent, mouthwatering aroma.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a bright, zesty note to balance richness.
• 1 tablespoon garam masala: The star Indian spice mix that provides warmth and complexity.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Earthy undertones that deepen the sauce’s flavor.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: Offers a subtle kick of heat without overpowering.
• 1 teaspoon turmeric: Gives the dish its vibrant golden color and subtle earthiness.
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes: Creates the tangy, savory base for the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Adds the signature buttery creaminess essential to butter chicken.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Elevates the richness and flavor balance.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the other ingredients.
• Fresh cilantro for garnish: A fresh, herbal finish that brightens each bite.
• Cooked rice or naan for serving (optional): Perfect companions to soak up that incredible sauce.

How to Make One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start this flavorful journey by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting your oven ready early ensures an even bake for the chicken and sauce, perfectly melding all the rich flavors together.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial since the caramelized onions create the sweet and savory foundation your sauce needs.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger

Next, stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Let them cook together for 1 to 2 minutes until your kitchen fills with a vibrant, inviting aroma — this gives the sauce that memorable zing and warmth.

Step 4: Incorporate the Spices

Sprinkle the garam masala, cumin, chili powder, and turmeric into the skillet. Stir continuously for about a minute to toast these spices just enough to release their full flavors without burning. It’s this step that builds the signature complexity of your One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken Recipe.

Step 5: Mix in the Tomatoes

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and give everything a good stir. Let the mixture simmer gently for around 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, intensifying its rich, tangy notes. This simmering step blends the spices and tomatoes into a luscious base sauce.

Step 6: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Nestle each piece into the sauce, making sure they’re completely coated because that tomato-spice blend will impart incredible flavor during baking.

Step 7: Add Cream and Butter

Now for the rich part — gently stir in the heavy cream and unsalted butter until fully melted and incorporated. Allow this to simmer on the stove for another 5 minutes, ensuring the sauce is silky and smooth, ready to envelop those tender chicken pieces in creamy indulgence.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), while the sauce thickens even more, coating the chicken in velvety goodness.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Once baked, remove your skillet from the oven and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. That fresh herbaceous touch transforms this dish from wonderful to unforgettable, inviting you to dig right in.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Meal

Serve your One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken Recipe hot alongside steamed rice or warm naan bread. The sauce’s rich flavor shines when paired with these classic sides, creating a meal that’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion.

How to Serve One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is the classic choice for garnishing butter chicken, adding a vibrant green contrast and a burst of fresh flavor that brightens the dish right before serving. You can also consider a sprinkle of finely chopped mint or a dash of smoked paprika for a hint of color and extra aroma.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with fluffy basmati rice or warm, soft naan to soak up every last bit of the luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables, lightly spiced potatoes, or a crisp cucumber salad also make fabulous sides that balance out the richness of the butter chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the chicken in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets. Layering the dish over a bed of sautéed spinach or cauliflower rice can add a nutritional boost and make the presentation extra special. A drizzle of cooled yogurt or a spoonful of mango chutney on the side instantly elevates the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftover One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making your next meal just as delightful as the first.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Allow the cooked chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months, providing a convenient and delicious meal you can enjoy anytime.

Reheating

Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat refrigerated portions on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much, restoring that creamy consistency you love.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine if you prefer leaner meat, but thigh meat stays juicier and more tender during baking, which is why it is often preferred in this recipe.

Is this recipe very spicy?

Not at all. The chili powder adds just a gentle warmth, making it accessible to most palates. You can always adjust spice levels to your personal taste by adding more or less chili powder.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and use a vegan butter substitute to keep it dairy-free while maintaining creamy richness.

What type of oven-safe skillet is best?

A cast-iron skillet is ideal because it evenly distributes heat and goes straight from stovetop to oven perfectly. But any sturdy oven-safe pan will work just as well.

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

It’s wonderfully quick! You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping ingredients and another 30 minutes baking, making it a manageable and rewarding weeknight meal.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken Recipe is nothing short of a game-changer for anyone craving homemade comfort food with minimal fuss. Its harmony of creamy texture and warm spices wrapped around tender chicken is pure magic. I can’t wait for you to try this at home and discover how wonderfully simple gourmet cooking can be when everything comes together in one pan.

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