Easy Butter Chicken Dish For Two

I still remember the very first time I made butter chicken at home. The warm aroma of simmering spices filled the kitchen, and though I was nervous about getting it right, the end result was better than I could have imagined. That first spoonful—creamy, slightly tangy, with tender pieces of chicken—felt like comfort in a bowl.

What made the experience even more special was that I cooked it just for two: a simple weeknight meal after a long day. I didn’t need a hundred ingredients, and I definitely didn’t need hours in the kitchen. Instead, I ended up with a dish that felt restaurant-worthy but surprisingly manageable. That’s what makes an Easy Butter Chicken Dish For Two so perfect—it’s indulgent without being overly complicated.

For anyone who’s looking for Cheap Easy Meals For 2, this recipe checks every box. It’s budget-friendly, quick to throw together, and feels like a little celebration, even when you’re just sitting down to dinner with your partner or a close friend. Cooking smaller portions has a kind of charm; it encourages you to savor the moment, and there’s just enough to enjoy without worrying about too many leftovers.

Easy Butter Chicken Dish For Two

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• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2

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Description

A quick, creamy, restaurant-style butter chicken scaled for two, using simple pantry spices and a short marinade. Perfect for cozy weeknights with rice or naan.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

300 g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut bite-size

1/4 cup plain yogurt

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp grated fresh ginger

1 1/2 tsp garam masala, divided

1 tsp ground cumin, divided

1 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp paprika or mild chili powder

1/4 tsp ground turmeric

1/2 to 3/4 tsp fine salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

1 tbsp neutral oil

2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

1 cup tomato puree (tomato sauce)

1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half/Greek yogurt)

Fresh cilantro, chopped (garnish)

Cooked basmati rice or warm naan, for serving

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Instructions

1. Marinate: In a bowl combine chicken, yogurt, half the garlic, ginger, 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp cumin, a pinch of paprika, and salt. Toss to coat; chill 30 minutes.

2. Heat a skillet over medium; add oil and 1/2 tbsp butter.

3. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes, turning until lightly browned (not fully cooked). Transfer to a plate.

4. In the same skillet add 1 1/2 tbsp butter and remaining garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Stir in tomato puree, remaining garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric; simmer 5–7 minutes to thicken.

6. Reduce heat to medium-low; stir in cream. Simmer 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Return chicken and any juices to the pan; simmer 8–10 minutes until cooked through and tender.

8. Swirl in remaining 1/2 tbsp butter for gloss; adjust seasoning.

9. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Why Easy Butter Chicken Dish For Two Works for Dinner Nights at Home

A Cozy Memory Around Easy Butter Chicken Dish

Butter chicken has a magic quality—it’s bold but not overwhelming, creamy but not heavy, and it pairs beautifully with so many sides. Whether you’re spooning it over fluffy basmati rice, scooping it up with warm naan, or even balancing it out with a crisp green salad, it adapts to whatever mood your dinner calls for.

Why It’s the Perfect Quick Comfort Food

Another reason it works? It’s the definition of a Quick And Easy Butter Chicken recipe. You don’t need to be a restaurant chef to achieve deep flavors. With just a few pantry spices, tomato sauce, butter, and cream, you can transform chicken into something that feels special in under an hour.

If you’ve been searching for Easy Meals For Dinner Healthy, this dish has room to be that, too. By making small swaps—like using Greek yogurt instead of cream or pairing it with cauliflower rice—you can keep all the comforting flavor while making a lighter, healthier version. That flexibility means butter chicken can become part of your regular dinner rotation without the guilt.

Simple Ingredients That Make Easy Butter Chicken Dish For Two Special

Ingredients You’ll Need for an Easy Butter Chicken Dish

One of the best parts about making an Easy Butter Chicken Dish For Two is that the ingredient list is straightforward, budget-friendly, and requires only pantry basics plus a couple of fresh items. That’s why this is a go-to for anyone looking for Cheap Easy Meals For 2 that still feel indulgent.

Kitchen Tools to Keep Handy

• Sharp chef’s knife & cutting board
• Skillet or sauté pan
• Saucepan for rice
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Preparation for Quick and Easy Butter Chicken

Marinating Chicken the Simple Way

1. Mix chicken with yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
2. Coat evenly; cover and marinate 30 minutes–2 hours.

Cooking the Dish from Start to Finish

1. Sear marinated chicken in oil and butter until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté remaining garlic in butter; add tomato sauce and spices, simmer 5–7 minutes.
3. Stir in cream; simmer another 3 minutes. Adjust seasoning.
4. Return chicken; simmer 8–10 minutes until tender.
5. Finish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

Fun Kids Dinner Ideas and Creative Serving Options

Turning Easy Butter Chicken Dish For Two into Family-Friendly Meals

• Mini naan pizzas: Spread sauce on naan, top with chicken and cheese, bake until bubbly.
• Wraps: Spoon chicken into pita with lettuce and cucumber.
• Dipping: Serve chicken and sauce separately with bread strips.

Healthier Spins for Easy Meals For Dinner Healthy

• Swap heavy cream for light cream or evaporated milk.
• Use Greek yogurt for extra protein and fewer calories.
• Serve with cauliflower rice or brown basmati.
• Add roasted vegetables for freshness.

Budget-Friendly Cooking Hacks for Couples

Stretching an Easy Butter Chicken Dish For Two for Leftovers

Store in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of liquid. Use leftovers in wraps, pasta, or over baked potatoes.

Making Cheap Easy Meals For 2 Work Every Week

• Batch mix your spices in a jar.
• Buy chicken in bulk and freeze portions.
• Double the sauce and freeze for another night.

Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Butter Chicken Dish For Two

Can I make Easy Butter Chicken Dish ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce keeps 3 days refrigerated. Reheat gently with water or milk to maintain creaminess.

What’s the best side to serve with Butter Chicken?

• Rice or naan (classic pairing).
• Roasted vegetables.
• Salads or cauliflower rice for lighter meals.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, thighs are juicier but may require slightly longer cooking. Both cuts work well.

How do I make Butter Chicken Dairy-Free?

Use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of dairy. Add a touch of dairy-free butter or oil for richness.

How can I adjust spice for kids?

Skip chili powder, add extra cream or yogurt, and serve with plain yogurt for cooling on the side.

Conclusion – Why Easy Butter Chicken Dish For Two is a Dinner Winner

An Easy Butter Chicken Dish For Two blends comfort, flavor, and practicality. It’s satisfying without being fussy, and versatile enough to be part of Cheap Easy Meals For 2 or healthier weeknight dinners. Whether served with rice, naan, or vegetables, it’s a rewarding dish that warms both stomach and spirit. Try it this week—you’ll find it’s a Quick And Easy Butter Chicken that feels just right for cozy nights or nourishing weekday meals.