Healthy Butter Chicken (Low-Oil, No Cream)

Craving butter chicken without the guilt! This Healthy Butter Chicken recipe is a lighter, wholesome take on the classic Indian dish — made without heavy cream and with minimal oil. Marinated in protein-rich Greek yogurt and finished with a silky cashew cream sauce, this dish delivers all the flavor you love, without the heaviness. Perfect for a gluten-free, high-protein meal that’s both comforting and nourishing. Serve it with fluffy basmati rice or cauliflower rice for a complete dinner. Whether you’re following a clean eating plan or just looking for a lighter curry night option, this butter chicken is sure to satisfy.Clean eating butter chicken

How to Make Healthy Butter Chicken ?

Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes marination) Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 4

Low-oil Indian recipes

Butter chicken without cream

Cashew butter chicken

A guilt-free twist on a beloved Indian classic — packed with flavor, protein, and comfort without the extra calories.Gluten-free Indian curry

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Why You’ll Love Butter Chicken 🌟

Guilt-Free Indulgence: Enjoy classic Indian flavors without the heavy cream and excessive butter. Perfect for those on a healthy diet or looking for low-calorie Indian recipes. Authentic Flavor, Healthier Twist: We’ve perfected the balance of spices and cooking methods to ensure you don’t miss out on that beloved butter chicken taste while making it significantly lighter. Easy to Make: This simple healthy butter chicken recipe is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, even beginners! Family-Friendly: A delicious meal that everyone will love, making it a great option for healthy weeknight dinners. Naturally Gluten-Free: (If applicable, state clearly) Meal Prep Friendly: Cook a larger batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Learn how to store your healthy butter chicken safely.

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📝 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

(Estimates based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbs: 16g
• Fiber: 3g

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🥘 Ingredients for Perfect Butter chicken

For the Marinade:

• 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp chili powder
• Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed (or ¾ cup canned tomato puree)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp paprika (for color)
• Salt to taste
• ½ cup raw cashews, soaked in warm water for 20 minutes
• ¾ cup water (for blending cashews)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves
• A squeeze of lemon
• Extra cashew cream drizzle

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ALL RECIPES

💡 Health Awareness: Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Low in saturated fat (no cream or butter)
• High in protein from Greek yogurt and chicken
• Rich in healthy fats from cashews and olive oil
• Naturally gluten-free
• Better for digestion with yogurt and anti-inflammatory spices

⚠️ Considerations:

• Cashew cream is calorie-dense — portion control helps if you’re on a strict low-calorie plan
• May not mimic the exact richness of traditional butter chicken, but still deeply flavorful
• Those with nut allergies should substitute with dairy-free plain yogurt or sunflower seed cream

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👨‍🍳 Instructions for Easy & Tasty Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and all the marinade spices.
2. Add chicken and mix well to coat.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).

Step 2: Prepare Cashew Cream

1. Drain soaked cashews.
2. Blend with ¾ cup water until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a nonstick pan or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Cook marinated chicken until golden and cooked through (about 5–7 mins per side). Set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp oil. Add onions and sauté until golden.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté 1 min.
3. Stir in tomato puree, turmeric, coriander, garam masala, paprika, and salt. Cook for 6–8 mins until the oil starts to separate.
4. Add cashew cream and stir to combine. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Add cooked chicken into the sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes.
2. Taste and adjust salt/spices as needed.
3. Garnish with cilantro and a lemon squeeze. Serve hot with basmati rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.

High-protein Indian dinner

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📌 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with gluten-free naan, jeera rice, or a light cucumber raita
• Add a side of steamed greens or roasted vegetables for a complete balanced meal

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Tips for the Best Healthy Butter Chicken

• Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allowing the tomato base to simmer slowly is key to developing a rich, deep flavor.
• Quality Ingredients Matter: Use good quality canned tomatoes and fresh spices for the best results.
• Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to increase or decrease the red chili powder based on your preference.
• For Extra Tang: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.
• Make it Vegan/Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with paneer, chickpeas, or mixed vegetables for a delicious plant-based version.

FAQs About Healthy Butter Chicken (Low-Oil, No Cream)❓

Q: Can I make this healthy butter chicken in an Instant Pot? A: Yes! You can sauté the aromatics in the Instant Pot, then add the chicken and sauce ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, then natural release for 5 minutes before quick releasing.

Q: How can I make butter chicken creamy without cream? A: We use Greek yogurt or blended raw cashews (soaked) to achieve that creamy texture and richness without dairy cream. Both are excellent options for a dairy-free healthy butter chicken.

Q: Is this butter chicken gluten-free? A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all your spices are pure and you don’t use any gluten-containing thickeners.

Q: How long does healthy butter chicken last in the fridge? A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Q: Can I freeze healthy butter chicken? A: Absolutely! This recipe freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Q: What to serve with healthy butter chicken? A: It pairs wonderfully with brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option), whole wheat naan, or a simple green salad.

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Conclusion: Enjoy Your Healthy & Delicious Butter Chicken!

We hope you love this healthier take on a classic! This low-oil, no-cream butter chicken proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. It’s a testament to how simple swaps and smart cooking can transform your favorite dishes into nutritious, wholesome meals.

Get this recipe a try tonight and let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using #HealthyButterChicken [YourBlogName] – we’d love to see them!

📣 Share Your Version!

Tried this healthy butter chicken? Tag your creations with #CleanIndianComfort on Instagram or Pinterest! We love seeing your healthier takes on comfort food.