Name: One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons garam masala; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground turmeric; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 teaspoons salt, divided; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; Cooked basmati rice or naan for serving

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If you’re on the hunt for a rich, comforting meal that won’t leave you with a mountain of dishes, you’ll fall head over heels for this One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. Imagine juicy, spice-marinated chicken simmering in a velvety, spiced tomato cream sauce, all brought together in a single skillet. It’s bold, deeply flavorful, and manages to be both weeknight-easy and dinner-party-worthy. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Indian-inspired dishes or just looking for something new, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep in heavy rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe has a purpose, lending its flavor, fragrance, or creaminess to the final dish. You’ll find no fillers here—just a handful of kitchen staples and a few special spices that transform chicken into pure magic.

Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and tender, soaking up all the incredible flavors.
Plain Greek Yogurt: Acts as a marinade base, tenderizing the chicken and adding tangy richness.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the marinade and helps balance the creamy sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a punchy, aromatic depth.
Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger adds warmth and a lovely zing.
Garam Masala: This essential Indian spice blend delivers complexity and signature butter chicken flavor.
Ground Cumin: Earthy and nutty, it anchors the dish’s spice profile.
Ground Turmeric: Adds a golden hue and subtle bitterness.
Ground Coriander: Sweet and citrusy, it rounds out the spice mix.
Chili Powder: For gentle heat—add more if you love it spicy!
Paprika: Gives the sauce a beautiful color and mild smokiness.
Salt: Essential for drawing out flavors in every layer.
Unsalted Butter: The key to that signature creamy, buttery finish.
Onion: Finely chopped onion forms the sweet, savory base of the sauce.
Tomato Sauce: Smooth and tangy, it creates the body of the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Swirled in at the end for ultimate silkiness and richness.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped and sprinkled over the top for a fresh, herbal lift.
Basmati Rice or Naan: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.

How to Make One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, chili powder, paprika, and a teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. Add the chicken thigh chunks and toss until every piece is completely coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour—overnight if you have time—for chicken that’s deeply flavorful and impossibly tender.

Step 2: Prep the Pan and Sauté the Onion

While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the onion turns soft and starts to caramelize. This step builds a sweet, savory foundation for your sauce.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Stir in the marinated chicken—along with all the flavorful marinade—into the skillet with the onions. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally, just until they start to brown on the edges. This quick sear locks in flavor and gives the sauce extra depth.

Step 4: Add Tomato Sauce and Butter, Then Bake

Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring to combine it with the chicken and spices. Dot the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, which will melt into the sauce as it bakes, creating pools of rich, buttery goodness. Transfer the pan to the oven (uncovered) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbling and thickened.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Finish

Remove the skillet from the oven and gently stir in the heavy cream. The sauce will turn a glorious orange and become irresistibly silky. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little extra salt if needed. Now your One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe is ready for its grand finale!

How to Serve One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Garnishes

To give your dish that restaurant-worthy touch, sprinkle plenty of freshly chopped cilantro over the top just before serving. A swirl of extra cream or a pat of butter adds even more richness. If you love a little heat, a sprinkle of chili flakes or sliced fresh chili is a welcome addition.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats serving this One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe alongside fluffy basmati rice or pillowy naan. Both soak up the luscious sauce perfectly. If you want a touch of freshness, a simple cucumber raita or a crisp green salad are wonderful contrasts to the warm, spiced flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the butter chicken as a filling inside warm naan wraps or spoon it over roasted vegetables. Individual ramekins of the chicken make for elegant party portions. Don’t be afraid to get creative—this dish shines however you present it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to mingle. Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The creamy sauce keeps the chicken moist and delicious.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Let the chicken cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the butter chicken in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, though they may not be quite as juicy as thighs. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out a bit more quickly.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt and heavy cream for coconut yogurt and full-fat coconut milk. The result will be just as creamy, with a lovely hint of coconut flavor.

How spicy is this One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe?

This recipe has a gentle, family-friendly heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level. Add extra chili powder or fresh chilies for a fiery kick, or reduce it for a milder version.

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Definitely! You can mix the marinade ingredients and chicken up to a day ahead. Longer marinating equals deeper flavor, so feel free to prep the night before for maximum deliciousness.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Leftover butter chicken is amazing tucked into wraps, spooned over baked potatoes, or even stirred into pasta. The creamy, spiced sauce makes almost anything taste fantastic!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something special yet unfussy, this One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe is your new go-to. Each bite is a warm hug of flavor, and cleanup is a breeze. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after just one taste!

One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken is an incredible, creamy, and flavorful Indian-inspired dish prepared effortlessly in a single pan. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, baked with tomato sauce and butter, then finished with rich cream for the ultimate comfort meal. Perfect served with basmati rice or naan, this recipe brings authentic flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Marinade

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into large chunks
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons garam masala
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground turmeric
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons salt, divided

For Cooking

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream

For Garnish and Serving

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Cooked basmati rice or naan for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric, coriander, chili powder, paprika, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth marinade.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
Preheat the Oven and Sauté Onions: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces along with all the marinade into the skillet with the onions. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken starts to brown slightly.
Add Tomato Sauce and Butter: Pour the can of tomato sauce into the skillet and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Dot the top of the chicken mixture with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
Bake the Dish: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Finish with Cream and Seasoning: Remove the skillet from the oven and stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if necessary.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the butter chicken hot alongside cooked basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Notes

Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavors for a richer taste experience.
For a lighter alternative, substitute coconut milk in place of heavy cream.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and often taste even better the next day.
Ensure the skillet used is oven-safe for seamless stovetop to oven cooking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 1 hour marinating time)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, One-Pan
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired