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Serving bowl with buttery chicken and herbs, an ideal Cheap Easy Meals For 2 option.

Cheap & Easy Butter Chicken for Two


  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

A creamy, flavorful butter chicken recipe perfectly portioned for two. Made with simple pantry staples and budget-friendly ingredients, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 45 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 cup canned tomato puree
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or plain yogurt)
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving

  • Instructions

    1. Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon oil. Let marinate for 10 minutes.

    2. In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

    3. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute until fragrant.

    4. Add remaining garam masala, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Toast spices for 30 seconds.

    5. Pour in tomato puree, stir, and simmer for 7 minutes to reduce acidity.

    6. In a separate pan, melt remaining butter and sear chicken until lightly browned, about 6 minutes.

    7. Transfer chicken to the sauce, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes until cooked through.

    8. Stir in heavy cream or yogurt and heat gently until sauce is silky.

    9. Adjust salt and spice level to taste.

    10. Serve over rice or with naan, and garnish with chopped cilantro.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 30 minutes

    Nutrition

    • Calories: 580
    • Sodium: 680
    • Fat: 38
    • Carbohydrates: 32
    • Protein: 32