🍗 Healthy Butter Chicken 🥗 (Ready in 30 Minutes!) | Lightened-Up Comfort Food!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Craving the creamy, aromatic magic of butter chicken but want a healthier twist? This recipe delivers all the flavor with none of the guilt! Tender chicken simmers in a rich, spiced tomato sauce made lighter with Greek yogurt (or coconut milk!), perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy dinners. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💪
✅ Under 300 calories per serving – indulge guilt-free!
✅ Packed with protein – 28g per serving to keep you full!
✅ Dairy-free & gluten-free adaptable – suits most diets!
✅ 30-minute meal – faster than takeout! 🚀
✅ Meal-prep superstar – tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients 🛒
(Serves 6)
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs, cubed (thighs = juicier!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or ghee)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or light coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
- ½ tsp salt + ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions 📝
1️⃣ Sauté Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Instant Pot (Sauté mode). Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 3-4 mins until golden.
2️⃣ Toast Spices
- Stir in garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 min to unlock flavors.
3️⃣ Cook Chicken
- Add chicken and toss to coat in spices. Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer for 15 mins (stovetop) or 8 mins on High Pressure (Instant Pot).
4️⃣ Finish with Yogurt
- Remove from heat. Stir in Greek yogurt (or coconut milk) and honey. Garnish with cilantro.
Nutrition Facts 🥗
(Per serving, with Greek yogurt)
- Calories: 275
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
Cook’s Notes 🌟
🔹 Boost veggies: Add 1 cup spinach or diced bell peppers with the tomatoes.
🔹 Slow cooker option: Cook on Low for 4-6 hours, add yogurt at the end.
🔹 Vegan swap: Use chickpeas or tofu + dairy-free yogurt.
🔹 Extra creamy? Blend the sauce before adding yogurt!
🔹 Freeze it! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Serving Ideas 🍽️
- Classic: Cauliflower rice + cucumber-mint raita 🥒
- Low-carb: Zucchini noodles + avocado slices 🥑
- Comfort mode: Quinoa or whole-wheat naan 🥖
- Meal prep: Portion with steamed broccoli + jasmine rice! 🍱
Why This Recipe Works
By swapping heavy cream for protein-rich Greek yogurt and using lean chicken breast, this dish cuts calories without skimping on flavor. The blend of turmeric, cumin, and garam masala offers anti-inflammatory benefits, while tomatoes add a dose of lycopene. Perfect for fitness lovers, busy parents, or anyone craving a lighter Indian feast!
#HealthyButterChicken on Instagram! 📸
Healthy Butter Chicken Recipe, Low-Calorie Indian Food, High-Protein Dinner, Dairy-Free Butter Chicken, 30-Minute Meals, Gluten-Free Indian Recipes
Love this? Try these next!
👉 [High-Protein Chicken Tikka Salad]
👉 [Vegan Coconut Lentil Curry]
👉 [Instant Pot Cauliflower Biryani]
