Low Calorie Butter Chicken: Indulge Guilt-Free!

Okay, let’s be real. Butter chicken is amazing. That rich, creamy sauce, the tender chicken… it’s a comfort food classic. But sometimes, you want all that flavor without the guilt. I used to feel the same way! That’s why I developed this low calorie butter chicken recipe. It tastes incredibly authentic, but it’s much lighter and fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle. This isn’t about sacrifice; it’s about enjoying the foods you love, smarter.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or when you’re craving something flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the results are truly restaurant-worthy. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make low-calorie butter chicken sooner!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

The key to keeping this butter chicken light is using smart ingredient swaps. We’re using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and focusing on flavorful spices to create that classic taste. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need:

You can find most of these spices in the spice aisle of your grocery store. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the chili powder to adjust the heat level to your liking!

Let’s Get Cooking: Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine 1 boneless skinless chicken breast (cubed), 1/3 cup 0% Greek yogurt, 1 clove minced garlic, ½ teaspoon garam masala, ¼ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric, ¼ teaspoon ground cumin, ¼ teaspoon chilli powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix well to coat the chicken. Marinate for at least 25 minutes, or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Spray with olive oil spray. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 7-8 minutes, until browned on all sides. Remember, it doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Transfer the chicken to a bowl and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add ½ yellow onion (minced) to the same skillet and cook on medium-high heat for 5 minutes, until softened and browned. Add 1 clove minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. This is where the kitchen starts to smell amazing!
4. Build the Sauce: Add ½ teaspoon garam masala, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ¼ teaspoon coriander, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon chilli powder, and ½ teaspoon sugar to the skillet. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices. Add 2 chopped roma tomatoes and 1/3 cup 0% Greek yogurt. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Blend the Sauce: Add 1/3 cup water to the skillet. Using an immersion blender, blend the sauce until smooth. (If you don’t have an immersion blender, let the sauce cool slightly, then carefully transfer it to a regular blender, vent the lid, and blend until smooth. Return the sauce to the skillet.)
6. Simmer and Finish: Add the browned chicken back to the skillet with the sauce and 1 teaspoon butter. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Tips & Variations

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chilli powder to control the heat. Start with ¼ teaspoon and add more to taste.
• Smoky Flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce for a subtle smoky flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Creamier Texture: If you prefer a slightly creamier sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of Greek yogurt at the end.

Serving Suggestions

This low calorie butter chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

• With Rice: Fluffy basmati rice is the classic pairing.
• With Naan: Warm, soft naan bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes for a complete and balanced meal.
• With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.

Conclusion

So there you have it! A delicious, healthy, and easy low calorie butter chicken recipe that you can enjoy without any guilt. This recipe proves that you don’t have to compromise on flavor to eat well. I hope you’ll give it a try and share your thoughts in the comments below. Happy cooking!

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of yogurt? While 0% Greek yogurt is recommended for its thickness and low calorie content, you can use another type of yogurt, but it may affect the texture and calorie count.
2. How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze this recipe? Yes, you can freeze this recipe for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Low Calorie Butter Chicken: Delicious & Healthy!

Recipe by ELMEHDI HMICHE

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Main CourseCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

259

kcal

Enjoy all the flavor of classic butter chicken with a healthy twist! This low calorie butter chicken recipe is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 1 boneless skinless chicken breast (cubed)1 boneless skinless chicken breast (cubed)

• Olive Oil SprayOlive Oil Spray

• 1/3 cup 0% Greek yogurt1/3 cup 0% Greek yogurt

• 1 clove of garlic1 clove of garlic

• ½ teaspoon garam masala½ teaspoon garam masala

• ¼ teaspoon ginger¼ teaspoon ginger

• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric¼ teaspoon ground turmeric

• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin¼ teaspoon ground cumin

• ¼ teaspoon chilli powder¼ teaspoon chilli powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon salt

• 1/2 yellow onion (minced)1/2 yellow onion (minced)

• 2 roma tomatoes (chopped)2 roma tomatoes (chopped)

• 1/3 cup 0% Greek yogurt1/3 cup 0% Greek yogurt

• 1 clove of garlic1 clove of garlic

• ½ teaspoon garam masala½ teaspoon garam masala

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin½ teaspoon ground cumin

• ¼ teaspoon coriander¼ teaspoon coriander

• ¼ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon chilli powder¼ teaspoon chilli powder

• ½ teaspoon sugar½ teaspoon sugar

• 1/3 cup water1/3 cup water

• 1 teaspoon butter1 teaspoon butter

Directions

• Marinate chicken with yogurt and spices.
• Sear chicken in skillet.
• Sauté onion and garlic.
• Build the sauce with tomatoes and spices.
• Blend the sauce until smooth.
• Simmer chicken in sauce until cooked through.