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Summer-inspired butter chicken served with fresh salad as a Cheap And Easy Summer Dinner Ideas dish. 2

Cheap and Easy Summer Butter Chicken


  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

Creamy, mildly spiced butter chicken for two—quick, affordable, and perfect for warm weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale

250 g boneless chicken thighs, bite-size

2 tbsp plain yogurt

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp grated ginger

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp garam masala, divided

2 tbsp butter, divided

1 tbsp neutral oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

1/4 tsp chili powder (optional)

200 g crushed tomatoes

1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk

1/4 cup water, as needed

1 tsp sugar or honey (optional)

1 tbsp chopped cilantro, for garnish

Cooked rice or naan, to serve


Instructions

1. Mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, salt, cumin, coriander, paprika, and half the garam masala; coat chicken and rest 10–15 minutes.

2. Heat 1 tbsp butter with oil in a skillet over medium-high; brown chicken 3–4 minutes and remove.

3. Add remaining butter; sauté onion 4–5 minutes until golden. Add chili powder and remaining garam masala; cook 30 seconds.

4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, and a splash of water; simmer 6–8 minutes to thicken. Blend smooth if desired and return to pan.

5. Add chicken to sauce; simmer 8–10 minutes until cooked through.

6. Stir in cream; simmer 2 minutes. Adjust salt, garnish with cilantro, and serve with rice or naan.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes