Budget-Friendly Butter Chicken Curry Recipe Under $2 – But Cheaper

Discover how to make a flavorful butter chicken curry without breaking the bank. This recipe offers a delicious alternative to expensive restaurant curries while keeping costs low.

Key Takeaway
Learn to prepare a satisfying butter chicken curry at home for less than $2 per serving, packed with traditional flavors and creamy goodness.

Ingredients and Cost Breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need and their approximate costs:

Ingredient	Cost (approx.)
Full-Fat Yogurt	$0.30
Garam Masala	$0.10
Kosher Salt	$0.02
Chicken Thighs	$1.20
Vegetable Oil	$0.05
Yellow Onion	$0.20
Ginger	$0.10
Garlic	$0.10
Smoked Paprika	$0.05
Ground Cumin	$0.05
Turmeric Powder	$0.05
Crushed Tomatoes	$0.50
Heavy Cream	$0.40
Unsalted Butter	$0.15
Total Per Serving	$1.97

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Marinate the Chicken

• In a bowl, combine full-fat yogurt with garam masala and kosher salt.
• Add boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces), coat evenly with the marinade, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

2. Sear the Chicken

• Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
• Sear the marinated chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides, then set aside.

3. Prepare the Curry Base

• In the same pan, add diced yellow onion, finely chopped ginger, and sliced garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
• Cook until softened, then add smoked paprika, ground cumin, garam masala, and turmeric powder. Stir and cook until fragrant.

4. Simmer the Sauce

• Pour in crushed tomatoes and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Simmer until the sauce reduces and thickens, about 5-8 minutes. Optionally, blend for a smoother consistency.

5. Finish the Curry

• Return the seared chicken to the pan, ensuring it’s coated with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

6. Add Cream and Butter

• Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Remove from heat and stir in unsalted butter until fully incorporated into the sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve your butter chicken curry with steamed rice, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.

Why Make This Curry at Home?

Creating your own butter chicken curry allows you to enjoy a rich, creamy dish at a fraction of the cost of restaurant prices. You control the ingredients and customize it to your taste preferences, all while saving money.

Final Thoughts

This budget-friendly butter chicken curry recipe proves that you don’t need to spend extravagantly to enjoy delicious flavors. By simplifying the ingredients and process, you can whip up a satisfying meal that rivals any restaurant curry.

Now, armed with this recipe, treat yourself to a homemade curry that’s both affordable and bursting with traditional Indian flavors. Enjoy the savings and the scrumptious experience right from your kitchen!

With these steps, you’re all set to savor a creamy, aromatic butter chicken curry without breaking the bank. Bon appétit!