A lower-calorie way to make Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken — with grilled yogurt chicken and tomato-cashew sauce
Yogurt-marinated chicken grills before a silky tomato-cashew sauce replaces butter and cream, about 455 calories per serving.
Dry the main ingredient thoroughly, cook wet and firm components separately, and use high heat only after the interior texture is under control. The finished butter chicken has clear browning and distinct textures with no greasy or watery layer.
What changes—and what stays
From with butter, cream and much rice often 650–850 kcal to 455 calories
Grill chicken and use yogurt with a little cashew instead of butter and cream. Charred yogurt marinade, fenugreek leaf, ginger, coriander and a reduced tomato-cashew base build the familiar richness.
| Part | Conventional | Lighter | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core method | More added fat or a heavier proportion | Grill chicken and use yogurt with a little cashew instead of butter and cream | Charred yogurt marinade, fenugreek leaf, ginger, coriander and a reduced tomato-cashew base build the familiar richness. |
How the flavor stays
Charred yogurt marinade, fenugreek leaf, ginger, coriander and a reduced tomato-cashew base build the familiar richness.
A cost rule that survives inflation
Tomato and yogurt make 1.4 kilograms of chicken serve eight.
Ingredients for 8
Measure first; timing is part of how this recipe uses less fat.
- 1.4 kgchicken breast
- 500 gplain yogurt
- 1.2 kgtomatoes
- 450 gonion
- 80 gcashews
- 35 gginger
- 25 ggarlic
- 16 gcanola oil
- 15 ggaram masala and fenugreek
Method
Each step includes heat, a visible cue, and a recovery.
Step 1 · follow the visible cue
Marinate in a thin yogurt coat
Coat equal chicken pieces lightly with yogurt and spices.
Look for: Marinade clings without dripping.
Step 2 · follow the visible cue
Grill to charred edges
Space pieces and grill until spotted before centers fully cook.
Look for: Edges are dark while centers remain juicy.
Step 3 · follow the visible cue
Reduce and blend sauce
Brown aromatics, add tomato and cashew, reduce and blend.
Look for: Sauce leaves a lasting spoon trail.
Step 4 · follow the visible cue
Finish without boiling
Simmer chicken briefly and add tempered yogurt off fierce heat.
Look for: Sauce stays smooth with no oil ring.
Calories at the same serving size
205 kcal · 31% lower estimated
The estimate uses the listed ingredients divided into 8 servings. Brand labels, trimming, and the amount left in the pan can change the result.
Keep the leftovers in the same spirit
Cool Butter Chicken within two hours and refrigerate sealed for up to three days. Reheat only what is needed.
Cool Butter Chicken within two hours and refrigerate sealed for up to three days. Reheat only what is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can Butter Chicken be prepared a day ahead?
Yes. Keep crisp, fresh and starchy components separate until serving. Cool Butter Chicken within two hours and refrigerate sealed for up to three days. Reheat only what is needed.
What does the calorie figure for Butter Chicken include?
It covers one stated serving from the listed quantities only; extra sides are not included. Grill chicken and use yogurt with a little cashew instead of butter and cream.
- chicken breast1.4 kg
- plain yogurt500 g
- tomatoes1.2 kg
- onion450 g
CaloNote · mobile analysis example
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Recipe development and nutrition review: CaloNote Editorial
This editorial recipe uses ingredient-level nutrition estimates and reviewed cooking principles. It is not represented as physically test-cooked, and nutrition is approximate.
Published and last reviewed: August 25, 2026
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