Butter chicken has a way of transforming an ordinary night into something warm, flavorful, and comforting. This classic Indian-inspired dish is loved worldwide for its rich, creamy tomato-based sauce and tender chicken, making it one of the most reliable easy family dinner ideas kid friendly households keep coming back to. The beauty of Quick and Easy Butter Chicken is how simple the preparation can be while still delivering big flavor.
In this article, you’ll discover a short personal story behind the recipe, a simple guide for making this Easy Butter Chicken Dish, family-friendly serving ideas, and answers to essential cooking questions.
Why This Quick and Easy Butter Chicken Dinner Means So Much
The first time I made butter chicken at home, it wasn’t on a slow weekend—it was on a hectic Tuesday evening when everyone in the house seemed to be running in opposite directions. I had very little time and a fridge that didn’t look promising, but I did have chicken, canned tomatoes, and a few pantry spices. That was the night I stumbled across the idea of creating a Quick and Easy Butter Chicken Dinner from ingredients I already had. I simmered butter, tomato sauce, cream, and spices together, added in tender pieces of chicken, and within thirty minutes, the kitchen smelled incredible.
When I called the kids to the table, I wasn’t sure what to expect—they can be picky with new flavors. To my surprise, they dove right in. The sweetness of the creamy tomato sauce won them over immediately. They even asked for seconds. From that day, butter chicken became more than just food; it became our little go-to routine whenever we needed an easy butter chicken dish that everyone could agree on. It turned chaotic evenings into warm, connected moments, which is exactly what every parent hopes for at mealtime.
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Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 portions 1x
Description
Un **butter chicken express** : poulet mariné au yaourt et aux épices, saisi, puis mijoté dans une sauce **tomate–beurre–crème** ultra onctueuse. Goût restaurant, prêt en ~40 minutes. Parfait avec du riz basmati et du naan.
Ingredients
Marinade poulet :
700 g haut de cuisse de poulet désossé, en morceaux 3 cm
120 g yaourt nature
2 c. à s. jus de citron
2 c. à c. garam masala
1 c. à c. cumin moulu
1 c. à c. coriandre moulue
1/2 c. à c. curcuma
1/2–1 c. à c. piment (Kashmiri/Espelette), au goût
1 c. à c. sel
2 gousses d’ail, râpées
2 c. à c. gingembre frais, râpé
Sauce :
2 c. à s. beurre clarifié (ghee) ou beurre
1 c. à s. huile neutre
1 gros oignon, finement haché
2 gousses d’ail, hachées
2 c. à c. gingembre frais, râpé
400 g purée de tomate (passata) ou tomates concassées mixées
1 c. à s. concentré de tomate
1,5 c. à c. garam masala
1 c. à c. sucre (équilibrer l’acidité)
120 ml crème liquide entière (ou lait de coco pour sans lactose)
60–80 ml eau ou bouillon pour ajuster
30 g noix de cajou mixées en pâte (option, extra onctuosité)
1 c. à c. sel (à ajuster)
2 c. à s. beurre froid en dés (montage, option)
Service :
Riz basmati, naan, coriandre fraîche, quartiers de citron
Instructions
1. Mélangez tous les ingrédients de la **marinade**. Ajoutez le poulet et laissez 15–30 min (ou jusqu’à 12 h au frais).
2. Chauffez une grande poêle à feu moyen-vif avec 1 c. à s. d’huile. Saisissez le poulet mariné par lots 2–3 min/face (pas besoin de cuire à cœur). Réservez sur une assiette.
3. Dans la même poêle, ajoutez **ghee/beurre**. Faites revenir l’oignon 4–5 min (tendre, légèrement doré). Ajoutez ail + gingembre 30 s.
4. Incorporez passata, concentré de tomate, garam masala et sucre. Laissez **mijoter 4–5 min** (légèrement épaissir). Si vous utilisez la pâte de cajou, ajoutez-la maintenant.
5. Remettez le poulet avec ses jus. Ajoutez 60–80 ml d’eau/bouillon. Couvrez et mijotez 8–10 min, jusqu’à poulet cuit et tendre.
6. Baissez le feu. Incorporez la **crème**. Salez/poivrez, ajustez le piment et l’acidité (une touche de citron si besoin).
7. Option « fini beurre » : hors feu, incorporez 2 c. à s. de beurre froid pour une sauce satinée.
8. Servez avec riz basmati/naan, coriandre fraîche.
Notes
Sans lactose : utilisez lait de coco et huile/ghee végétal; très bon aussi.
Allégé : moitié crème + moitié lait; ou yaourt grec en fin de cuisson (hors feu pour éviter de trancher).
Mixage lisse : pour une sauce type resto, mixez la sauce avant de remettre le poulet.
Batch/meal-prep : se conserve 3–4 jours au frigo; congélation OK 2–3 mois.
Épices douces : remplacez une partie du piment par paprika doux; pour plus de fumé, ajoutez 1/4 c. à c. paprika fumé.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dîner, Curry
- Method: Poêle, Mijotage
- Cuisine: Indienne (inspirée)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bol
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: butter chicken, poulet tikka masala, curry rapide, dîner facile, riz basmati, naan
Since that first night, I’ve realized why this recipe has earned a permanent spot in my collection of easy family dinner ideas kid friendly. It’s fuss-free, scalable for guests or leftovers, and versatile enough to tweak for spice or creaminess depending on who’s at the table. Parents love it because it minimizes stress: the prep is straightforward, the cook time is short, and cleanup is easy. Kids love it for the flavor—mild enough for sensitive palates yet satisfying for grown-ups too. Over time, our butter chicken nights turned into a new tradition, proving that wholesome comfort food can also be quick, adaptable, and joyful for the entire family.
Cooking Up a Quick & Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
Ingredients and Simple Prep for Busy Nights
One of the best things about this Easy Butter Chicken Dish is how simple the ingredients really are. Unlike recipes that require specialty items, most of what you need is already in your pantry or fridge. That’s what makes this a true Quick and Easy Butter Chicken recipe — you can pull it together without an extra grocery run, which is perfect for busy weeknights.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken (breast or thigh) | 1.5 lbs (approx. 700g) | Thighs stay juicier, breast works too |
| Butter | 3 tbsp | Adds richness to the sauce |
| Onion | 1 medium, finely chopped | White or yellow works |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Freshly minced for best flavor |
| Ginger | 1 tbsp, grated | Optional, but adds depth |
| Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes | 1 ½ cups | Creates sauce base |
| Cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free) | 1 cup | For velvety finish |
| Yogurt (plain) | ½ cup | Tenderizes chicken if marinated |
| Garam masala | 2 tsp | Signature warm spice blend |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp | Pantry-friendly spice |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | Mild heat and color |
| Chili powder | ½ tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Salt | To taste | Balances flavors |
| Fresh cilantro | For garnish | Optional brightness |
Most families already have butter, onions, garlic, and canned tomatoes at home, which makes this recipe one of the best weeknight easy family dinner ideas kid friendly. You can easily tweak the spices to be milder for kids, or add extra chili powder for adults who like more heat.
Step-by-step cooking method made simple
- Prep the chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. If possible, marinate with yogurt, lemon, salt, and a pinch of cumin or paprika for 15 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet with 1 tbsp butter, sauté chicken until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Build the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Sauté onions until golden, add garlic and ginger, cook until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in tomato puree, garam masala, cumin, paprika, chili powder. Simmer 8–10 minutes.
- Bring it together: Return chicken, coat with sauce, simmer until cooked through.
- Finish with cream: Reduce heat, stir in cream (or coconut cream). Adjust salt to taste.
- Garnish & serve: Top with cilantro and enjoy hot with rice, naan, or veggies.
This process works in a skillet, saucepan, or Instant Pot. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, flavorful Quick and Easy Butter Chicken Dinner the family will love.
Making It a Fun Family Dinner
Kid-Friendly Tips and Serving Ideas
Once your Quick and Easy Butter Chicken Dinner is ready, plating is where the fun begins. The creamy sauce and tender chicken pair with basmati or white rice, as well as quinoa or brown rice for a healthier twist. This makes it one of those surprising easy meals for dinner healthy dishes that kids enjoy too.
Naan bread is another kid-favorite, letting them scoop sauce in a playful way. Roasted cauliflower, steamed broccoli, or a crunchy cucumber salad lighten the dish. Even tossing in frozen peas adds color and nutrition to this Easy Butter Chicken Dish.
For picky eaters, dial down chili powder and paprika. Spice lovers can add chili flakes or hot sauce at the table. This “customizable heat” concept ensures both kids and adults get their ideal plate. Encourage kids to help—tearing naan, arranging veggies, or sprinkling cilantro—small tasks that make them eager to eat. Dinner transforms from routine into bonding time.
Common Questions About Quick and Easy Butter Chicken Dinner
Answering practical cooking questions
- How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container for 3–4 days, reheat on stove or microwave.
- Can I make it ahead? Yes, flavors deepen overnight—prep it the day before for easy heating.
- Can I make it dairy-free? Swap cream for coconut cream and butter for oil.
- What’s the best cut of chicken? Thighs stay juicier, but breast is leaner.
- How do I make it spicier but kid-friendly? Keep base mild, add spice at the table.
Tips on adjustments for family needs
The beauty of this Easy Butter Chicken Dish is flexibility. Double it for meal prep, sneak in veggies, or go dairy-free. Adjust cream for a lighter version, or include add-ons to keep everyone at the table satisfied.
Final Thoughts on Easy Family Dinner Ideas Kid Friendly
At the end of the day, this Quick and Easy Butter Chicken Dinner delivers creamy comfort and adaptable flavors everyone can enjoy. More importantly, it transforms busy weeknights into memorable family moments filled with laughter around the table. If you’re searching for easy family dinner ideas kid friendly that won’t drain your time, this butter chicken recipe deserves a spot on your menu—it might just become your new weeknight tradition.
