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–+ servings
butter chicken recipe

Healthy Homemade Butter Chicken

This lighter butter chicken is creamy, rich, and full of warm Indian spices — made healthier with Greek yogurt and lean chicken breast. A comforting, cozy dish perfect for any night of the week.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marination Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts diced
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves pressed
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt

For the Sauce

  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, and salt. Add chicken and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight.
  • Remove chicken from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear until golden and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Remove and keep warm.
  • In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onion for 4 minutes until translucent.
  • Add garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and salt. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  • Stir in tomato sauce and water. Simmer on medium-low for 7–8 minutes until thickened.
  • Stir in heavy cream off the heat. Return chicken to the pan and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Serve with rice, naan, or over greens. For a dairy-free version, use coconut yogurt and coconut milk. Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. Freezes well and reheats easily.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 640mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 2.2mg
Keyword Butter Chicken, comfort food, Healthy
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