Healthy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

Imagine taking a bite of tender, juicy chicken cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with the deep flavors of India. The aroma of butter and spices fills the air, teasing your senses and leaving you wanting more. This healthy homemade butter chicken recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their dinner routine.

But what makes this recipe truly special is its unique blend of flavors and techniques. Unlike other butter chicken recipes that rely on heavy cream and sugar, this version uses a combination of Greek yogurt and honey to create a creamy, slightly sweet sauce. And with the help of our previous recipe for lemon chicken with lemon butter sauce, you’ll learn how to make a flavorful and aromatic sauce that’s perfect for serving with basmati rice or naan bread.

Why This Recipe Works

• The combination of Greek yogurt and honey creates a creamy, slightly sweet sauce that’s lower in calories and sugar than traditional butter chicken recipes.
• Using a mixture of spices, including cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper, adds depth and warmth to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
• Marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor, resulting in a juicy and tender final product.

Key Ingredients

When it comes to making a great butter chicken recipe, the quality of your ingredients is essential. Look for fresh, high-quality spices, including cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper, and use a good-quality tomato puree or canned crushed tomatoes for the best flavor. You can also find more information on how to make butter chicken from scratch in this Epicurious recipe.

In addition to the spices and tomato puree, you’ll also need some basic pantry staples, including olive oil, garlic, ginger, and heavy cream or half-and-half. If you want to make the dish even healthier, you can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a non-dairy milk alternative.

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

Healthy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

Directions

1

In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Add the chicken and mix until the pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

2

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

3

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.

4

Add the garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.

5

Stir in the tomato puree and heavy cream or half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt to taste.

Storage & Reheating

This healthy homemade butter chicken recipe makes 4 servings and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the frozen sauce and chicken overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the skillet or oven until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through.