Effortless One-Pan Butter Chicken: Your New Weeknight Hero!
My kitchen used to be a war zone after making anything that required multiple pots and pans. Especially when trying to recreate my favorite Indian dishes! I remember one particularly hectic Tuesday, staring at a mountain of dishes after attempting a classic butter chicken from scratch. That’s when I vowed to find a better way to enjoy that rich, creamy flavor without the fuss. Enter the magic of this One-Pan Butter Chicken (Fast Homemade Version). It truly changed my weeknight game, making delicious Indian-inspired meals accessible and stress-free.
This recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about flavor that will make you swoon. It’s a beautifully balanced dish, brimming with aromatic spices, tender chicken pieces, and a luscious, velvety sauce. We’ve tested this family-favorite recipe countless times, perfecting every step to ensure it’s not only an easy dinner but also packs that authentic, comfort food punch you crave.
Imagine restaurant-quality butter chicken, simmering away in a single pan, ready in under an hour. That’s what you get here! It’s perfect for busy evenings, cozy weekends, or when you just want maximum flavor with minimum effort. Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to weeknight meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
❤️ Here are just a few reasons why this One-Pan Butter Chicken will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Unbeatable Ease: Seriously, one pan! Less mess, less stress, more time to enjoy your meal. This recipe streamlines the entire cooking process, making it perfect for novice cooks and seasoned pros alike. You’ll spend less time scrubbing pots and more time savoring every spoonful.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home: Forget takeout! This homemade version delivers all the rich, creamy, and subtly sweet-yet-tangy flavors you adore from your favorite Indian restaurant. We use a blend of traditional spices and fresh ingredients to create a truly authentic taste profile that will impress your taste buds.
- Speedy Weeknight Solution: From prep to plate in under 40 minutes! This means you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table even on your busiest days. It’s the ultimate solution when time is tight but you refuse to compromise on deliciousness.
- Tender, Juicy Chicken: Our method ensures your chicken pieces cook up incredibly tender and absorb all the beautiful flavors of the creamy tomato sauce. No dry chicken here! Each bite is succulent and perfectly seasoned.
- Customizable for Every Palate: Want it spicier? Add more chili. Prefer it milder? Adjust accordingly. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences. It’s also easy to sneak in extra veggies if you’re looking for an added nutritional boost.
- Budget-Friendly & Wholesome: Making butter chicken at home is not only more affordable than ordering in, but you also have full control over the quality of ingredients. It’s a wholesome meal that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank, offering satisfying comfort without unnecessary additives.
- Freezer-Friendly & Great for Meal Prep: This dish tastes even better the next day, and it freezes beautifully! Make a double batch and store portions for quick, delicious lunches or dinners later in the week. It’s a meal prep dream come true for those busy schedules.
What You Need
You only need a few simple pantry staples for this recipe! You’ll be amazed at how easily these accessible ingredients transform into such a profoundly flavorful dish. Most items, like tender chicken cutlets, aromatic spices, and a touch of cream, are likely already in your kitchen, or easily found at any grocery store. Check the full printable recipe card below for detailed measurements and a complete list of everything you’ll need to create this fantastic meal.
Expert Tips
💡 Master your One-Pan Butter Chicken with these pro tips:
- Don’t Skip the Marinade (Even a Short One!): While this is a “fast” recipe, even 15-20 minutes of marinating your chicken pieces in yogurt and spices can make a huge difference in tenderness and flavor penetration. The yogurt helps tenderize the chicken and allows it to really soak up those incredible spices. If you have more time, an hour or even overnight in the fridge will elevate the dish even further, infusing every fiber of the chicken with a deeper, richer taste.
- Brown Your Chicken Properly: Before adding the sauce ingredients, give your chicken a good sear until it’s lightly golden on all sides. This crucial step develops a layer of rich, caramelized flavor that adds incredible depth to the final dish. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning, rather than steaming.
- Bloom Your Spices: When sautéing the aromatics (onions, garlic, ginger), add your ground spices and cook them for a minute or two until fragrant. This process, known as “blooming,” awakens their flavors and aromas, ensuring they are fully integrated and vibrant in the sauce, preventing a raw or dull taste. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Quality Tomato Paste is Key: Use a good quality tomato paste for a concentrated, robust tomato flavor. Cook it down slightly with the aromatics until it darkens a bit; this sweetens it and removes any raw acidic notes, forming the rich base of your sauce.
- Achieve Velvety Smoothness: If you prefer an ultra-smooth sauce, carefully blend it with an immersion blender (or transfer to a regular blender in batches) before adding the chicken back in. Just be cautious when blending hot liquids. This step is optional but creates that iconic restaurant-style texture.
- Balance Your Flavors at the End: Taste and adjust! Before serving, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness, a pinch of sugar to balance acidity, or more salt to enhance the overall profile. A final swirl of cream or a knob of butter can also add an extra layer of richness and sheen, making the sauce truly irresistible.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro is non-negotiable for an authentic finish! It adds a burst of freshness and a beautiful pop of color. A drizzle of extra cream or a sprinkle of Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves, crushed) can also elevate the presentation and aroma. Don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful garnish!
Variations & Substitutions
- Make it Keto/Low-Carb: Skip serving with traditional rice and opt for cauliflower rice instead! The rich, creamy sauce pairs perfectly. You can also add some low-carb vegetables like spinach or bell peppers directly into the pan.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Twist: For a plant-based version, replace chicken pieces with pan-fried tofu, chickpeas, or a mix of hearty vegetables like cauliflower florets and bell peppers. Use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream instead of dairy cream and ensure your yogurt for marinating (if using tofu) is plant-based.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use pure spices and ensure any pre-made pastes (like ginger-garlic) are certified GF. Always check labels.
- Spice Level Adjustment: For more heat, add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped green chili to the aromatics. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne altogether.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigeration: Leftover One-Pan Butter Chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen and meld even more overnight, making it a fantastic meal prep option.
- Freezing: This dish is incredibly freezer-friendly! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce is too thick.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of cutlets/fillets?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are an excellent choice for butter chicken. They tend to be more forgiving, staying incredibly moist and flavorful due to their higher fat content. Adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a few minutes longer to cook through.
How can I make my butter chicken spicier?
There are several ways to kick up the heat! You can add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper, a finely chopped green chili (like a serrano or Thai chili) when sautéing the aromatics, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the very end. Start with a little and add more to taste!
What should I serve with One-Pan Butter Chicken?
This dish is traditionally served with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread (perfect for scooping up all that delicious sauce!), or roti. For a lighter meal, consider a simple side salad, some steamed green beans, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! Butter chicken is one of those dishes that often tastes even better the next day. You can cook the entire dish, let it cool, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion
There you have it – a truly transformative recipe that brings restaurant-quality Indian flavors right into your home, all with the incredible ease of just one pan. This One-Pan Butter Chicken (Fast Homemade Version) isn’t just a meal; it’s a solution to busy weeknights, a comfort on chilly evenings, and a testament to how simple deliciousness can be. I hope you love making and sharing it as much as my family does! Don’t forget to Pin this recipe for later and share your creations in the comments below – I can’t wait to see your culinary masterpieces! Happy cooking!
One-Pan Butter Chicken | Fast, Homemade & Delicious!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Step 1 In a bowl, combine chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, and chili powder. Marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Step 2 Melt butter in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3 Add chopped onion to the same pan and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4 Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5 Return chicken to the pan. Stir in heavy cream. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce is creamy.
- Step 6 Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro.
- Step 7 Serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.
