Locations:
Search IconSearch

Recipe: Indian Butter Chicken (Without the Butter!)

All the flavor without the fat

Indian Butter Chicken with brown rice

Butter chicken without the butter? Yes, please! This popular Indian dish is often made with butter, cream or both, but it’s the combination of spices and tomato that deliver its compelling signature flavor.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Our heart-healthy version skips the heavy dairy and focuses on the dish’s essentials, including the Indian spice mix garam masala, a combination of cinnamon, cloves, cumin, coriander and cardamom that’s readily available at grocery stores. Garlic, onion and ginger add to the flavor-fest, and a touch of cayenne gives the dish a spicy kick.

Marinating the chicken in nonfat yogurt makes it extremely tender and adds creaminess (minus the saturated fat). Fire-roasted tomatoes, with their savory-sweet flavor, make up the base of the sauce — and a sprinkling of cilantro adds a little zing. Your family or guests will enjoy every satisfying bite!

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup 0% Greek yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 14.5-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomato
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice, for serving
  • 1/4 of a green cabbage, shredded, for serving
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, for serving

Directions

  1. Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and put into a medium bowl. Add the yogurt, garam masala, cumin, cayenne and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Stir well to coat. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
  2. Heat the oven to 350 F. Put the chicken into a baking dish or ovenproof skillet and spread into a single layer. Roast for about 25 minutes, or until cooked through.
  3. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt. Stir to coat. Cover tightly and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium and cook 5 to 7 minutes more, stirring often, until very tender.
  4. Remove the lid. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and 3/4 cup of water. Cover tightly and simmer for 5 minutes. Using a handheld blender or a regular blender, puree the sauce until smooth and creamy. If it’s a little thick, add another 1/4 cup of water. Return the sauce to the saucepan over low heat.
  5. Add the chicken and any juices in the dish to the sauce. Stir well to combine.
  6. Divide the chicken and sauce among bowls. Top with the brown rice, cabbage and cilantro.

Advertisement

Nutrition information (per serving)

Makes 4 servings

Calories: 284
Total fat: 10 g
Saturated fat: 1 g
Protein: 23 g
Carbohydrate: 26 g
Dietary fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 4 g
Added sugar: 0 g
Cholesterol: 43 mg
Sodium: 539 mg

— Developed by Sara Quessenberry for Cleveland Clinic Wellness.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Baked boneless chicken strips coated in orange sauce on a cooling rack
September 24, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Baked Boneless Buffalo Chicken Strips

A healthier way to snack during the big game!

Platter of grilled chicken and vegetables over linguine
September 17, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Grilled Chicken and Veggies Over Linguine

A deliciously low-fat, high-fiber dish for the grill

Grilled chicken with summer vegetables on cutting board
August 6, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Grilled Fresh-Herbed Chicken With Summer Vegetables

A simple warm-weather meal with fresh summer herbs

Cabbage bowl with ground turkey
August 1, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Cabbage Cups With Gingery Ground Turkey

Makes a delicious light lunch!

Seasoned chicken chunks with green and red peppers
July 2, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Just-Right Spicy Chicken

Not too hot but just spicy enough for everyone’s tastes

Bowl of Asian chicken slaw mixture with stacked tortillas, ginger and hoisin sauce
June 11, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Asian Chicken Wraps With Shiitake Mushrooms

Make these tasty wraps in under 30 minutes

Fish and mango soft taco
May 24, 2024/Recipes
Recipe Adventure: 7 Easy Summer Meals That Won’t Make You Sweat

From grilled peaches to grilled chicken pesto pizza, these easy summer recipes are sure to delight all summer long

Turkey burger with sun dried tomatoes and avocado cream
May 21, 2024/Recipes
Recipe: Turkey Burgers With Sun-Dried Tomato and Avocado Cream

A twist on the classic burger, full of amazing flavor

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad