One Pot Butter Chicken and Noodle Bake

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When comfort food calls, there’s nothing like a dish that’s both hearty and easy to whip up. This One Pot Butter Chicken and Noodle Bake delivers on all fronts! Juicy, spiced chicken coated in a rich, buttery sauce with tender noodles baked to perfection—it’s the ultimate dinner for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. And the best part? You only need one pot to make it! Less mess, more deliciousness.

If you’re looking for a meal that combines bold flavors and simplicity, this is the recipe for you. So, grab your pot and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Butter Chicken and Noodle Bake has all the qualities of a go-to comfort dish:

• One Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. Everything cooks together, creating a symphony of flavors.
• Rich and Creamy Sauce: The buttery, spiced tomato-based sauce clings perfectly to every noodle and chicken bite.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this mild but flavorful dish.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice levels or toss in extra veggies for a personalized twist.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers (if there are any!) reheat beautifully, making this perfect for next-day lunches.

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine the deep, savory flavors of classic butter chicken, but made even heartier with soft, chewy noodles baked to golden perfection. The sauce has just the right balance of spice, creaminess, and tang, wrapping the tender chicken and noodles in rich, buttery goodness. It’s cozy, filling, and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients For One Pot Butter Chicken and Noodle Bake

For the Butter Chicken Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little extra heat)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken and Noodles:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz egg noodles (or any pasta of choice)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Tools You’ll Need For One Pot Butter Chicken and Noodle Bake

• Large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons

Possible Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

• Noodles: Swap egg noodles for penne, rotini, or your favorite pasta shape.
• Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts or even pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken work just as well.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
• Vegetables: Add spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
• Cheese: While not traditional, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top adds a delightful crust.

How to Make One Pot Butter Chicken and Noodle Bake

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large oven-safe pot over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.

2. Add the Spices

Sprinkle in the garam masala, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their flavors.

3. Build the Sauce

Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

4. Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the sauce, making sure they’re fully coated. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Add the Noodles and Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the noodles, making sure they’re submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.

6. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

7. Optional: Add Cheese and Broil

If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.

8. Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

What to Serve With Butter Chicken and Noodle Bake

• Warm naan bread for scooping up that delicious sauce
• A crisp cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast
• Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans
• A dollop of yogurt or raita to cool things down

Tips for the Best Results

• Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the spices—this is what makes the dish sing!
• Stir Mid-Bake: Give the noodles a stir halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and sauce distribution.
• Rest Before Serving: Letting the bake rest for a few minutes before serving allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken mixture in advance, then bake with the noodles when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to control the spice level?

If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. You can also add extra cream to mellow the flavors.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Just stir in the pre-cooked chicken when adding the noodles to the pot.

Conclusion

This One Pot Butter Chicken and Noodle Bake is your answer to a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. It’s perfect for busy nights, cozy weekends, or when you just want to indulge in something truly comforting.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or share a photo on Pinterest. Your feedback makes my day!

Looking for more delicious one-pan or one-pot meals? Check out One Pan Chicken with Garlic Butter Noodles, One Pan Garlic Butter Chicken, or Rotini with Beef in Garlic Parmesan Velvety Sauce. Happy cooking! 🍴

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 460
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

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