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Low-Calorie Butter Chicken Recipe

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4 from 15 reviews

This is a delicious low-calorie version of classic butter chicken, featuring tender chicken breast marinated in a flavorful spiced yogurt mixture and simmered in a smooth, aromatic tomato-based sauce. Perfectly balanced with traditional Indian spices yet light on fat, this dish is ideal for a healthy meal served with rice or naan.

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 100 g chicken breast, cubed
  • 50 g fat-free yogurt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground turmeric
  • ¼ tsp ground cumin
  • ¼ tsp chili powder
  • ¼ tsp salt

For Cooking

  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 50 g onion, sliced
  • 80 g chopped tomatoes
  • 50 g fat-free yogurt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ¼ tsp coriander
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • 75 ml water

To Garnish

  • Fresh coriander
  • A little fat-free yogurt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix the fat-free yogurt with minced garlic, garam masala, ground ginger, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt until well combined. Add the cubed chicken breast and toss to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned, approximately 4 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm; it will finish cooking in the sauce later.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Using the same pan, add the sliced onions and cook until they are nicely browned, about 4 minutes. Then add minced garlic and ground ginger, sautéing for an additional 1-2 minutes to release their fragrance.
  4. Make the sauce: Stir in the remaining spices including garam masala, ground cumin, coriander, salt, chili powder, and sugar. Add the chopped tomatoes and 50 grams of fat-free yogurt, then let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes to develop a rich flavor.
  5. Blend the sauce: Pour in 75 ml of water and use a hand blender directly in the pan to blend the sauce until it is smooth and free of lumps.
  6. Finish cooking: Return the browned chicken to the sauce and allow everything to simmer together for another 10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh coriander and a little dollop of fat-free yogurt for creaminess. Serve the low-calorie butter chicken hot with your choice of rice or naan bread.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken for at least 20 minutes enhances the flavor and tenderness.
  • Using fat-free yogurt helps keep the dish low in calories without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Adjust chili powder to taste if you prefer more or less heat.
  • This recipe yields one serving; scale ingredient quantities for larger portions accordingly.
  • Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by simmering it sufficiently in the sauce before serving.
  • For a smoother sauce, blend thoroughly, but if you prefer texture, blend less.