Budget-Friendly Butter Chicken
The Economic Undergrads
Many university students have busy schedules with classes, studying, and activities. Also, cooking can seem complex or overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it or have limited experience. For example, I used to eat fast food and order takeout, but I found that they were unhealthy, with too much oil and salt. However, cooking can become a fun and rewarding activity with practice and patience. There are still ways for students to eat healthy and delicious meals without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Butter chicken, also known as murgha makhani, is a popular Indian dish for its rich and creamy tomato sauce. While it may seem daunting at home, this dish is simple to prepare, and you can adjust the flavours to your liking by adding more spices, seasonings, or heat. This meal prep recipe is budget-friendly, saves time, and reduces food waste. It’s an excellent option for busy individuals who want a healthy and satisfying meal.
Recipe
Yield 3 servings (prepped for 1 per day)
- 2 Butter Chicken Sauce Base ($3-5ea)
- 2.5 Cups Rice of Choice ($10/bulk bag)
- 2 Chicken Breasts ($3.5ea/ $14/4 pack)
- Naan ($3/5pc)
- Add 1 tbsp oil to a deep pan or wide pot. Add chicken and season with desired spices.
- Cook for 7 minutes on each side over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and cut into cubes.
- Add the sauce base to the pot/pan and slowly reheat, adding any milk/water as directed by the label.
- Bring rice to a boil for 5 minutes to parboil, then drain.
- Split the rice evenly between three containers. (Meal portion containers; shown in infographic below)
- Add cubed chicken to the heated sauce and mix, then remove from the element.
- Split the curry between the containers and pour over the rice.
- Slice naan into even pieces and add to each container.
- Place meals in the freezer for up to 2 weeks and microwave to reheat.
Image References for Blog and Infographic
https://www.dollarama.com/en-CA/Search?keywords=containers
https://www.biancaamor.com/store-flyer
https://www.realcanadiansuperstore.ca/search?search-bar=kitchen%20storage%20bags
Butter Chicken
