There is something so comforting about a cozy chicken dinner that comes together in one pan. This version keeps the classic rich, creamy flavor you crave, while staying simple enough for a busy weeknight.
One Pan Butter Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken thighs or chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt for marinating and tenderness
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ginger grated
- 1 cup tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 0.5 cup heavy cream or cooking cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 0.5 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the chicken with yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes, or longer if you have time.
- Warm butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until lightly browned on the outside. Transfer it to a plate.
- In the same pan, add a little more butter if needed, then pour in the tomato puree. Stir and cook for a few minutes until it darkens slightly and smells rich.
- Return the chicken to the pan and stir in the cream. Simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce turns smooth and velvety.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Spoon the butter chicken into bowls, then finish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Butter Chicken
This dish brings big flavor with very little fuss, which is always a win in my kitchen. You get tender chicken, a silky tomato cream sauce, and warm spices all in one skillet, so cleanup stays easy too.
One Pan Butter Chicken Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken thighs or chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Plain yogurt, for marinating and tenderness
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- Heavy cream or cooking cream
- Butter
- Oil
- Garam masala
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Turmeric
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
If you want a lighter finish, use half cream and half milk. For extra depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika. If you need a dairy-free option, use a creamy unsweetened plant-based alternative and a little extra oil.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make One Pan Butter Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the chicken
Combine the chicken with yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes, or longer if you have time.
Step 2: Brown the chicken
Warm butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until lightly browned on the outside. Transfer it to a plate.
Step 3: Build the sauce
In the same pan, add a little more butter if needed, then pour in the tomato puree. Stir and cook for a few minutes until it darkens slightly and smells rich.
Step 4: Finish the curry
Return the chicken to the pan and stir in the cream. Simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce turns smooth and velvety.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Spoon the butter chicken into bowls, then finish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips for Success
Cut the chicken into even pieces so it cooks at the same pace. Keep the simmer gentle after adding the cream, since a hard boil can change the texture of the sauce. If the sauce gets too thick, loosen it with a splash of water or broth.
Variations of One Pan Butter Chicken
Try adding sautéed onions for a deeper base, or stir in a handful of spinach near the end for extra color. You can also make it spicier with a little more paprika or a pinch of chili powder. For a richer finish, add a small knob of butter right before serving.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with One Pan Butter Chicken
This dish is wonderful with steamed basmati rice, warm naan, or soft flatbread. A simple cucumber salad or roasted vegetables make a nice fresh side, and a spoonful of plain yogurt on top adds a cool contrast.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Freeze for longer storage if desired, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Memories Made Around the Table
Meals like this always remind me that the best dinners do not need to be complicated. A warm skillet in the middle of the table, a soft stack of bread nearby, and everyone reaching in for seconds is often the kind of evening that lingers in the sweetest way.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well. Just watch the cooking time closely so it stays tender and does not dry out.
How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes, then finish with the cream at the end. A small spoonful of butter also helps create a smooth, rich texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. The flavor often deepens after resting, so it reheats nicely for lunch or dinner the next day.
What if I want it less spicy?
Use a lighter hand with the paprika and garam masala, then taste and adjust as it cooks. The creamy sauce still gives plenty of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This one pan dinner is the kind of recipe that feels special without asking for much effort. It is cozy, flavorful, and easy to love, which makes it a recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation.