Description
This One-Pan Baked Butter Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make Indian-inspired dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Tender chunks of chicken are cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce that is rich with spices and aromatics. Baking it in the oven allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)
For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and chili powder; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, stir well, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper and nestle them into the sauce. Pour heavy cream or coconut milk over the chicken and dot with remaining butter.
- Bake: Transfer skillet to oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is bubbling.
- Finish and Serve: Finish with lemon juice and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Serve with basmati rice or naan bread.
- For a richer sauce, use heavy cream; for a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk.
- Adjust spices to your preferred heat level.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven Baking
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
