One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken

The beauty of this One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken lies in its simplicity — no complicated steps, no multiple pots, just marinated chicken nestled in a luscious tomato-cream sauce and baked to perfection. This dish delivers the classic Indian flavors you love without the fuss.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping a midweek dinner, this recipe brings restaurant-style comfort to your home kitchen with minimal cleanup. The creamy, spiced sauce pairs perfectly with rice or naan and can easily be adjusted to your spice tolerance. A must-try for curry lovers everywhere!

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 800g (1.75 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt

  • 1 1/2 tsp paprika

  • 1 1/2 tsp garam masala

  • 1 tsp turmeric

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 tsp grated fresh ginger

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 400g (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes

  • 3/4 cup heavy cream

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

  • Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best).

  2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  3. In a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions for 3-4 minutes until softened.

  4. Add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.

  5. Stir in cream, mix well, and bring to a gentle simmer.

  6. Nestle marinated chicken into the sauce. Dot with butter.

  7. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and slightly golden.

  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Origins of Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, also known as “Murgh Makhani,” is a beloved dish that originated in the heart of Delhi, India. Its creation is credited to Kundan Lal Gujral, the founder of the iconic Moti Mahal restaurant. The story goes that leftover tandoori chicken was repurposed into a creamy tomato-based gravy with butter and cream, giving birth to what is now one of the most globally recognized Indian dishes. Butter Chicken represents the innovation of Indian cuisine—turning simple, rustic ingredients into something deeply flavorful, rich, and comforting. Over the decades, it has crossed borders and found a place on dinner tables around the world.

What Makes This Version Unique

This particular variation—One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken—captures all the classic flavors of the traditional dish while making it accessible to home cooks. The magic lies in how the spices are allowed to marinate and soak into the chicken before it’s baked directly in the creamy tomato sauce. By using just one pan, not only do you reduce cleanup, but you also enhance the dish’s depth of flavor, as all the ingredients cook together and infuse into one another seamlessly.

Baking the chicken instead of grilling or cooking it separately in a pan also helps keep it incredibly moist and tender. The oven allows for even cooking, with the chicken gently roasting in the sauce, absorbing the richness of the spices and cream. It’s a genius adaptation for busy weeknights or anyone wanting to minimize kitchen mess without compromising on taste.

The Flavor Profile and Texture

Butter Chicken’s signature taste comes from the careful balance of aromatic spices—like garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, and chili—blended with tangy tomato and rich dairy components. This creates a luscious sauce that’s at once creamy, slightly sweet, gently spicy, and deeply savory.

The texture is another standout feature. The sauce is velvety and smooth, coating each piece of tender chicken perfectly. Marinating the chicken beforehand ensures that it’s flavorful from the inside out. Thanks to yogurt and spices in the marinade, the meat stays juicy during baking and develops a light tang that balances the sauce’s richness.

Why Yogurt Marinade Matters

Yogurt plays a key role in the recipe beyond just adding tang. It acts as a natural tenderizer for the meat, especially when combined with garlic, ginger, and spices. The lactic acid in yogurt gently breaks down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a tender bite that melts in your mouth. It also helps carry the spices deep into the meat, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.

A Balanced Dish for Every Occasion

This dish is an ideal centerpiece for both casual family meals and elegant dinners. Despite its indulgent taste, it’s surprisingly easy to make. It hits all the right notes—comforting, rich, and satisfying—while still feeling like a special treat. Pair it with fluffy basmati rice, naan, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, and you have a complete meal that suits various preferences and dietary needs.

Butter Chicken is also a wonderful introduction to Indian cuisine for those who may be new to it. Its gentle heat and smooth texture are widely appealing, making it a great gateway dish for picky eaters or children. Plus, its visually appealing color—vibrant orange with hints of red and gold—adds a festive feel to the table.

Customizing the Recipe to Your Taste

One of the beautiful things about One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken is how customizable it is. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste—more chili powder for heat, or extra cream to mellow the flavor. Want to make it dairy-free? Swap the cream for coconut milk and use a plant-based yogurt in the marinade. Prefer white meat? Chicken breasts work just as well, although thighs remain the juiciest and most flavorful choice.

You can also make this recipe ahead of time. The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, and the entire dish can be prepped and refrigerated, ready to pop into the oven when needed. Leftovers store well too, and many find the flavors deepen even more the next day, making it an excellent meal prep option.

Nutritional Insights and Meal Planning

While Butter Chicken does lean into the richer side of cooking, it can be part of a balanced diet. The protein content is substantial thanks to the chicken, while the creaminess can be adjusted by using lower-fat dairy or dairy alternatives. Served with whole-grain rice or paired with sautéed greens, it transforms into a nutrient-dense, satisfying meal.

You can also double the sauce portion and freeze half of it for later use—perfect for quick weekday dinners. Use it with paneer for a vegetarian version, or toss in chickpeas or roasted vegetables for a meatless twist that’s just as satisfying.

The One-Pan Advantage

Aside from flavor, one of the standout benefits of this version is its one-pan simplicity. In our busy lives, recipes that deliver maximum taste with minimal effort are treasures. This dish eliminates the need for multiple pots, pans, or complicated steps. Everything is built layer by layer in one oven-safe skillet or casserole dish—from sautéing onions, building the tomato base, adding cream, and finally baking the marinated chicken right into the sauce.

This method also makes it a great option for hosting. You can prepare everything ahead of time and simply bake before guests arrive. Minimal last-minute cooking means more time enjoying the evening.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas

Butter Chicken is traditionally served with naan or basmati rice, both of which soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully. For something different, try it with:

  • Jeera (cumin) rice for extra fragrance

  • Roti or paratha if you prefer a lighter flatbread

  • A side of raita (yogurt sauce with cucumber and herbs) to balance the heat

  • A fresh salad with lemon juice and olive oil to contrast the richness

For beverages, mango lassi, chilled beer, or a semi-sweet white wine like Riesling pairs wonderfully with the creamy, spiced notes of the dish.

Cultural Appreciation and Popularity

Butter Chicken is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a cultural ambassador. It has become a symbol of Indian hospitality, comfort, and culinary sophistication. Its wide appeal means it’s featured in Indian restaurants from Toronto to Tokyo, and even found in ready-to-eat forms on supermarket shelves. That said, nothing beats the taste of a homemade version, where you can control every spice, every texture, and savor the satisfaction of making something deeply nourishing from scratch.

What sets homemade Butter Chicken apart is the love and intention behind it. When you make it yourself, you’re engaging in a culinary tradition that has stood the test of time, bringing warmth and flavor to generations of dinner tables.

Conclusion

One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken is more than just an easier way to make a classic Indian dish—it’s a smart, flavor-packed, and accessible recipe that brings together tradition and convenience. It invites you into the rich world of Indian cooking without overwhelming your kitchen or schedule.

Whether you’re making it for the first time or it’s already part of your dinner rotation, this version simplifies the process while keeping every bit of flavor intact. Rich, creamy, and customizable, it offers something for everyone and turns any meal into a celebration of taste. Try it once, and you’ll understand why it’s considered one of the most cherished comfort foods around the world.

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