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Have you ever craved something comforting, creamy, and just a bit indulgent—but still want a home-cooked meal that doesn’t leave your kitchen looking like a war zone? You’re not alone. Finding a dish that hits all the flavor notes without requiring a culinary degree can feel like a tough ask. But don’t worry—I’ve been there, too.

If you love the richness of Indian butter chicken but want to skip the stovetop hassle, this roasted butter chicken recipe is your new weeknight hero. It’s bold, buttery, and oh-so-simple. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just stepping into the kitchen, this dish checks every box.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to make the perfect roasted butter chicken that’s not only easy to pull off but also impressively authentic.

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Butter Chicken Recipe

Let’s be honest—classic butter chicken is delicious but sometimes messy and time-consuming. This oven-roasted version offers all the creamy depth of the traditional dish but with fewer pots, less mess, and bold roasted flavors you can’t resist.

Key Benefits:

• ✅ Simplified cooking method: Skip the frying and go straight to roasting.
• ✅ Authentic taste: Thanks to a yogurt-spice marinade and creamy tomato sauce.
• ✅ Healthier twist: Roasting uses less oil, yet delivers rich flavor.
• ✅ Perfect for meal prep: Store and reheat without losing taste or texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need. No hard-to-find spices or specialty tools—just pantry staples and a good oven.

For the Marinade:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• Salt to taste
• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Roasted Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the chicken, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—or overnight for the best flavor.

Step 2: Roast the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange marinated chicken on a baking tray lined with foil or parchment paper. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and slightly charred at the edges.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While the chicken roasts, melt butter in a pan, add onions and sauté until golden. Add chili powder and tomatoes, cook down for 10–15 minutes. Blend if you want a smoother texture. Stir in cream and adjust seasoning.

Step 4: Combine

Once the chicken is roasted, slice or cube it, then fold it into the sauce. Let it simmer for 5–10 minutes to soak up all the flavor.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Top with fresh cilantro and serve with warm naan or basmati rice.

Comparison Table: Butter Chicken Cooking Methods

Method	Flavor Depth	Ease of Cooking	Time Required	Cleanup
Traditional Stovetop	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐	~45 minutes	Heavy cleanup
Instant Pot Version	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	~30 minutes	Moderate
Roasted Method	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	~40 minutes	Light cleanup

Expert Insight: According to Chef Priya Sharma, “Roasting the marinated chicken intensifies its flavor and gives it a beautiful smoky edge that traditional stovetop methods often lack.”

Tips to Elevate Your Butter Chicken Roasted Dish

• Use chicken thighs over breast meat for juicier texture.
• Marinate overnight for the richest flavor.
• Blend the sauce for restaurant-style smoothness.
• Want it lighter? Swap cream for Greek yogurt.
• Add a pinch of fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) at the end for an authentic finish.

LSI Keywords to Naturally Include:

• Creamy Indian chicken
• Oven-baked chicken recipe
• Indian dinner ideas
• Spiced chicken roast
• Homemade curry chicken
• Family-style Indian meals

FAQs About Butter Chicken Roasted

1. What is butter chicken roasted?

It’s a roasted variation of traditional butter chicken where the marinated chicken is oven-cooked instead of pan-fried or simmered.

2. Is roasted butter chicken healthier?

Yes. Roasting uses less oil and can be a lighter alternative while still packing in flavor.

3. Can I make butter chicken without cream?

Absolutely. Substitute with Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a dairy-free or lighter version.

4. How long should I marinate the chicken?

Minimum 4 hours, but overnight yields the best depth of flavor.

5. Can I freeze roasted butter chicken?

Yes! Let it cool, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

6. What can I serve with roasted butter chicken?

Naan, rice, garlic roti, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

7. Does roasted butter chicken taste authentic?

Yes. The spice-infused marinade and buttery tomato sauce mimic restaurant-style butter chicken—just with a roasted twist.

Final Thoughts

Butter chicken doesn’t have to be complicated. With this roasted butter chicken recipe, you’ll enjoy all the indulgent flavor with less mess, minimal effort, and maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers every time.

Tried it?
Comment below with your favorite twist or spice addition—I’d love to hear how it turned out!

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