Delicious and Healthy Butter Chicken Recipe
Butter chicken is a popular Indian dish known for its rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. While it may be delicious, traditional butter chicken recipes can be high in calories and unhealthy fats. However, with a few simple modifications, you can enjoy a healthier version of this classic dish without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken pieces with Greek yogurt, ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for even more flavor.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the almond butter and coconut milk until well combined. The almond butter will give the sauce a creamy texture without the need for excessive amounts of butter or cream.
- Return the skillet to low heat and let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the butter chicken over steamed basmati rice or with whole wheat naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
This healthier version of butter chicken is packed with protein from the chicken and Greek yogurt, and the almond butter adds a nutty richness to the sauce. By using olive oil instead of butter and coconut milk instead of heavy cream, you can enjoy this classic Indian dish guilt-free.
Variations:
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with tofu or paneer for a vegetarian version of butter chicken.
- Spicier version: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some chopped green chilies for an extra kick of heat.
- Low-carb option: Serve the butter chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of rice or naan bread.
- Gluten-free option: Ensure that the chicken broth and spices you use are gluten-free, and serve the butter chicken with gluten-free naan bread or on its own.
With these simple modifications, you can enjoy a healthier version of butter chicken without compromising on taste. Give this recipe a try and savor the flavors of India in a guilt-free way!