Delicious No-Butter Butter Chicken Recipe

Craving the creamy, luscious taste of butter chicken but looking for a healthier twist? This no-butter butter chicken recipe is perfect for you! Packed with flavors, this recipe skips the butter and heavy cream, making it lighter but just as indulgent. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 500 grams chicken (boneless, cut into pieces)

• 1 cup yogurt

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder

• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder

• Salt to taste

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee

• 2 large onions (finely chopped)

• 2 tomatoes (pureed)

• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder

• 1 teaspoon coriander powder

• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder

• 1 teaspoon fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)

• 1 cup coconut milk (or cashew milk for extra creaminess)

• 1/2 cup water

• Salt to taste

• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and mix well to coat them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).

2. Prepare the Gravy: Heat olive oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.

3. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook until the chicken is no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

4. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the tomato puree, tomato paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala powder. Cook for about 5 minutes until the oil separates from the masala.

5. Add Creaminess: Pour in the coconut milk (or cashew milk) and water. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Finishing Touches: Crush the fenugreek leaves between your palms and add them to the gravy. Adjust salt to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can grill the marinated chicken pieces before adding them to the gravy.

• If you prefer a thicker gravy, simmer the sauce a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency.

• Adjust the spices according to your heat preference.

Enjoy this guilt-free, creamy delight that perfectly balances health and taste. Your family and friends won't even miss the butter!

I hope you enjoy cooking and savoring this no-butter butter chicken as much as I enjoyed writing this recipe! Feel free to share your cooking experiences and any variations you might try. Happy cooking! 🍛

What do you think? Ready to impress everyone with this healthier version of a classic favorite? 😋