When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the rich flavors of traditional butter chicken. But what if you could enjoy this creamy delight without the guilt of heavy creams and saturated fats? Our healthy butter chicken recipe is designed to give you that authentic taste while keeping things lean and nutritious. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, this recipe will have you savoring every bite!
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Non-stick skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
How to Make Healthy Butter Chicken Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. This yogurt-based marinade will infuse the chicken with rich flavors while keeping it tender and moist during cooking. Add the chicken chunks to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, although for best results, aim for 2-3 hours.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, introduce the marinated chicken pieces, sautéing them until they’re golden brown on the outside. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, which could lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of sauté.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, and any remaining marinade. Stir the mixture well, ensuring the flavors meld together. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken and develop deeper flavors. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet, immersing it in the rich sauce. Stir everything gently to ensure the chicken is well-coated with the luscious sauce. Allow the dish to simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and flavors have harmonized beautifully.
How to Serve Healthy Butter Chicken Recipe
Your healthy butter chicken is ready to wow your taste buds. Serve it hot with a side of brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat naan for a complete meal. Sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for a burst of freshness. For a low-carb option, pair it with cauliflower rice or a mixed salad.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight. You can also experiment by adding red chili powder if you prefer a spicier dish. If you want to keep it dairy-free, ensure the coconut milk is full-fat; it adds richness without the need for cream.
High Protein Butter Chicken Twist
Want a protein-packed boost? Swap out the chicken breast for chicken thigh meat, which is higher in protein. Additionally, you can serve the dish with protein-rich side dishes like lentil salad or chickpea rice. Adding a dollop of Greek yogurt on top just before serving can enrich the protein intake without compromising flavor.
This protein-rich rendition will please fitness enthusiasts and anyone looking to maintain or build muscle without missing out on fantastic flavor.
Low Carb Lovers’ Chicken Delight
Lower your carb intake without sacrificing taste by swapping traditional starches with lighter options. Using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice will significantly reduce carbs while adding a delightful crunch to your meal. You can also add a side of steamed broccoli or spinach to pack in extra nutrients with minimal carbs.
By making these smart swaps, you turn your meal into a low-carb dream, perfect for those embracing a keto lifestyle or anyone keeping a close eye on their carbohydrate intake.
Storage Instructions
Leftover butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to a month. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to maintain the flavors and textures.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast? Yes, chicken thighs work well and add extra flavor and tenderness.
- Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe? Definitely! Just stick with coconut milk and skip any additional cream.
- How can I spice up the dish? Add chili powder or fresh green chilies for that extra kick.
- What side dishes pair well with this butter chicken? Naan, rice, or a fresh salad are all excellent choices.
- How do I make the sauce thicker? Simmer longer to reduce it, or stir in a mixture of cornstarch and water.
Try This Healthy Butter Chicken Tonight and Share Your Experience!
In conclusion, this healthy butter chicken recipe makes it possible to savor a beloved classic without compromising on health or taste. Whether you’re introducing it to family or sharing it at a get-together, it will surely impress! We love hearing from you, so feel free to share your cooking adventures and tweaks in the comments below. Don’t forget to like and share this recipe if you loved it as much as we do!
Healthy Butter Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken breast
- Greek yogurt
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- garlic
- ginger
- ground cumin
- ground coriander
- turmeric
- paprika
- garam masala
- salt and pepper
- crushed tomatoes
- coconut milk
- fresh cilantro
Instructions
Steps
- Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and salt in a bowl. Add chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 hours.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté marinated chicken till golden brown, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, and remaining marinade to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer until sauce thickens.
- Return chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat with sauce. Simmer for another 10–15 minutes.