Healthy Low-Carb Butter Chicken Recipe

 

Healthy Low-Carb Butter Chicken Recipe

This healthy butter chicken recipe offers a lighter take on the classic dish while maintaining its rich and flavorful essence. Utilizing yogurt and spices, it provides a delicious alternative that is both satisfying and nutritious.

The recipe is simple and can be prepared in under an hour, making it a great option for weeknight dinners. You can serve it with brown rice or whole grain naan for a complete meal.

Creating a Wholesome Butter Chicken

Butter chicken, a beloved dish originating from India, can be both indulgent and nutritious. This healthy version maintains the essence of the classic while offering a lighter alternative. By incorporating yogurt and a blend of spices, the dish delivers rich flavors without the excess calories.

Preparing this meal is straightforward and can be accomplished in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Pair it with brown rice or whole grain naan for a fulfilling dining experience.

Ingredients That Make a Difference

The key to a delicious butter chicken lies in its ingredients. Tender chicken thighs provide a juicy base, while yogurt adds creaminess and tang. Essential spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander infuse the dish with warmth and depth.

Crushed tomatoes form the sauce's foundation, creating a vibrant color and rich texture. For a touch of creaminess, low-fat coconut milk or cream is added, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

Marination is a crucial step in this recipe. Combining chicken with yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in tender and flavorful pieces. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes ensures that each bite is packed with taste.

This step not only enhances the flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken, making it succulent and enjoyable. The longer the chicken marinates, the more intense the flavors will be.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Results

Cooking the chicken in a skillet over medium heat allows for even browning, which adds to the dish's visual appeal and flavor. Once the chicken is cooked through, adding crushed tomatoes brings the dish together, creating a rich sauce.

After simmering the tomatoes, incorporating coconut milk or cream adds a luxurious texture. This step is essential for achieving the signature creaminess that butter chicken is known for.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

Presentation plays a significant role in any meal. Garnishing the butter chicken with fresh cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor. Serving it alongside brown rice provides a wholesome base that complements the dish beautifully.

For an authentic touch, include whole grain naan on the side. This allows diners to scoop up the sauce, making for an enjoyable eating experience. A small bowl of yogurt can also be served, offering a cooling contrast to the spices.

Nutritional Benefits of Healthy Butter Chicken

This healthy butter chicken is not just delicious; it's also nutritious. With approximately 320 calories per serving, it provides a balanced meal option. The dish is rich in protein, thanks to the chicken, and offers healthy fats from the coconut milk.

By using yogurt and minimizing oil, this recipe ensures that you can enjoy a classic favorite without compromising on health. It's a meal that satisfies both the palate and nutritional needs, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.

Easy Healthy Butter Chicken Recipe

Healthy butter chicken with chicken pieces in creamy tomato sauce, garnished with cilantro, served with brown rice and naan.

This butter chicken features tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy tomato sauce made with yogurt and spices. The dish takes about 40 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup low-fat coconut milk or cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  4. Add Creaminess: Pour in the coconut milk or cream and stir well. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Season: Adjust seasoning with salt and additional spices if desired.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with brown rice or whole grain naan.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories: 320kcal
  • Fat: 15g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g

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