Delicious one-pan baked butter chicken dish with spices and creamy sauce

One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken Recipe

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

One-pan Baked Butter Chicken is a fantastic dish because it combines delicious flavors and is easy to prepare. You get tender, juicy chicken in a creamy tomato sauce, all baked in one pan. This makes clean-up a breeze! Plus, you can serve it with rice or naan, making it a complete meal that everyone will love.

How to Make One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken

Ingredients:

  1. 1.2 kg/ 2.4 lb (6 pieces) bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed (Note 1)
  2. 1/2 cup plain yoghurt, full fat
  3. 1 tbsp lemon juice
  4. 1 tbsp ginger, finely grated
  5. 2 cloves garlic, finely grated or crushed
  6. 1 tsp turmeric powder
  7. 2 tsp garam masala (Note 2)
  8. 1/2 tsp chilli powder (pure, not US blend) or cayenne pepper powder
  9. 1 tsp ground cumin
  10. 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
  11. 2 tbsp/ 30g melted ghee or butter (Note 3)
  12. 1 cup tomato passata (US: tomato puree) (Note 4)
  13. 3/4 cup heavy / thickened cream (or regular cream, or coconut milk)
  14. 1 1/2 tsp white sugar
  15. 3/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
  16. 1/2 cup coriander leaves (cilantro), for garnish (optional)
  17. Basmati rice (or other plain rice)
  18. Naan (easy – no kneading required!)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F (180°C fan-forced).
  2. Coat the chicken: Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the chicken and toss well to coat.
  3. Optional marinade: For best results, let the chicken marinate overnight (Note 5).
  4. Assemble: In a 23 x 33 cm / 9 x 13" baking dish, mix the sauce ingredients. Place the chicken in the dish with the smooth side facing up. Scrape any leftover marinade from the bowl and dab it onto the chicken surface.
  5. Bake for 45 minutes: Baste the chicken with the sauce at the 30-minute and 40-minute marks. You’ll see the sauce change from pink to a lovely orangey-red (Note 6 for sauce thickening).
  6. Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve over basmati rice and garnish with coriander if desired. Naan is great for mopping up the sauce!

How to Serve One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken

Serve the One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken warm. Place it over a bed of fluffy basmati rice for a satisfying meal. You can also add naan bread for those who love to soak up the delicious sauce. A sprinkle of fresh coriander on top adds a nice touch.

How to Store One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken

  • For more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
  • Adjust the spice level by using less or more chili powder according to your taste.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, bake it a bit longer to allow it to reduce.

Variation

You can make a vegetarian version by using paneer or tofu instead of chicken. Just follow the same marinade and baking instructions.

FAQs

1. Can I use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can! However, chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. If you use breasts, make sure not to overcook them.

2. Is there a substitute for ghee?
You can use butter or olive oil if you don’t have ghee.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.