Quick And Easy Butter Chicken – Creamy Family Favorite
Quick And Easy Butter Chicken is the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with the warm aroma of garlic, ginger, and garam masala while staying simple enough for weeknights. The first time I made it, the creamy tomato sauce bubbling on the stove reminded me of a restaurant dish, but it came together with pantry staples in less than 40 minutes. This easy butter chicken dish has become one of my Amber Massey dinner favs because it works for cheap easy meals for 2 yet scales beautifully into dinner for large group gatherings. The flavor is rich, the chicken tender, and when served as butter chicken with rice and vegetables, it becomes a wholesome and satisfying plate.
Quick And Easy Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the chicken cubes until lightly golden. Set aside.
- Cook the chopped onion until soft and translucent, then stir in garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute to release the aroma.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Return chicken to the pan and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and butter. Mix until sauce is smooth. Season with salt.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan.
Nutrition
Notes
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Why you will love quick and easy butter chicken
Quick And Easy Butter Chicken deserves a spot on your list of easy dinner recipes for family picky eaters. Here are the reasons it works so well.
- The creamy sauce blends mild spice with buttery richness that even kids enjoy.
- It is a fast option for quick dinner ideas easy meals that can be on the table in under 40 minutes.
- It uses basic ingredients and fits into cheap easy meals for 2 or larger servings.
- It can be adapted into an easy butter chicken simple recipe by skipping cayenne and using mild chili powder.
- It works for busy nights but also shines when served as a centerpiece dinner for large group celebrations.
Ingredients for easy butter chicken
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes and substitutions |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Ghee adds authentic flavor |
| Boneless chicken breast | 1.5 lbs | Cut into bite sized cubes |
| Onion | 1 large | Finely chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Freshly minced |
| Ginger | 1 tsp | Freshly grated or paste |
| Garam masala | 1 tsp | Classic spice blend |
| Turmeric powder | ½ tsp | Adds color and depth |
| Chili powder | ½ tsp | Adjust for heat |
| Cayenne pepper | ¼ tsp | Optional for spice lovers |
| Crushed tomatoes | 15 oz can | Base of the sauce |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup | Vegetable broth can be used |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup | Coconut cream for dairy free |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tbsp | Creates silky finish |
| Salt | To taste | Balance flavors |
| Cilantro | Fresh, chopped | Optional garnish |
| Rice or naan | To serve | Best pairing |
How to make easy butter chicken step by step
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown chicken cubes until lightly golden, then set aside.
- Cook onion until soft and translucent, then stir in garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Sprinkle garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and cayenne. Cook the spices for one minute to release aroma.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then return the chicken to the pan and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and butter until the sauce becomes smooth and silky. Season with salt.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve butter chicken with rice and vegetables or warm naan.
Serving ideas for butter chicken
Quick And Easy Butter Chicken is versatile enough for any table. Serve it with fluffy basmati rice and roasted vegetables for a balanced option. Pair it with naan bread for a comforting meal. In summer months, add cucumber raita for a refreshing twist. For cozy evenings, serve with lentils or roasted carrots. This easy butter chicken simple recipe works equally well as cheap easy meals for 2 or as dinner for large group gatherings when doubled or tripled.
Pro tips for the best butter chicken
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Toast spices before adding liquid to intensify flavor.
- Add cream and butter only at the end for a smooth sauce.
- Let the dish rest briefly before serving to meld flavors.
- Serve butter chicken with rice and vegetables to complete the meal.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Cooking the chicken too long will make it dry, so simmer gently.
- Adding cream too early can cause curdling. Always stir it in last.
- Skipping the onion step removes natural sweetness from the sauce.
- Forgetting to thicken the sauce can leave it watery. Simmer uncovered if needed.
Storage and reheating instructions
This easy butter chicken dish is meal prep friendly and tastes even better the next day.
| Storage method | How to store | How long |
| Refrigerator | Airtight container | 3 to 4 days |
| Freezer | Portion into sealed bags | Up to 2 months |
| Reheating | Warm gently on stovetop or microwave | Add broth or cream if thick |
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this dairy free? Yes, use coconut cream and vegan butter.
Is this recipe good for picky eaters? Yes, it is one of the best easy dinner recipes for family picky because the flavors are mild and creamy.
Can I scale this recipe? Yes, it is ideal for dinner for large group events.
What should I serve with it? Butter chicken with rice and vegetables, naan, or even mashed potatoes all work beautifully.
Does it fit a budget friendly meal plan? Yes, it falls under cheap easy meals for 2 while still feeling like a treat.
Conclusion
Quick And Easy Butter Chicken is creamy, flavorful, and satisfying while staying practical for weeknights. It is a recipe that works equally well for cheap easy meals for 2 or as dinner for large group occasions. With simple spices and just 40 minutes of cooking, this easy butter chicken dish will quickly join your collection of Amber Massey dinner favs. Save it as one of your quick dinner ideas easy meals and enjoy a family friendly classic again and again.
