Recipe

This Healthy Butter Chicken Is Better Than Takeout

By Mikaela Jahrig at St. Francis Xavier University

Butter chicken is a classic Indian dish that many enjoy adding to their takeout order on a Friday night for something delicious to end the week with. Although very flavorful and a fan favorite, butter chicken is not the healthiest option and takeout can get a little pricey for a university student. This recipe is sure to satisfy you curry cravings with fewer calories and more money in your pocket.

Butter Chicken

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Servings: 5
  • Medium
Ingredients
  • 5 chicken thigh
  • 1 white onion
  • 18 oz diced stewed tomato (chilli flavored)
  • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon tumeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander
  • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoon peanut butter
  • 9 oz chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 2 cup rice
  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Cilantro (optional)
  • Chopped peanuts (optional)

Photo by Mikaela Jahrig

Step 1

Heat pan and add vegetable oil. Add the boneless, skinless, chicken thighs once pan is hot, season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook chicken thoroughly.

Photo by Mikaela Jahrig

Step 2

While chicken is cooking, dice the white onion and 2 cloves of garlic evenly. Add to a separate pan with butter and olive oil and saute until translucent (approx. 10 minutes).

Photo by Mikaela Jahrig

Step 3

Add all spices to the onions once translucent. Stir constantly over low heat so the oils are released from the spices.

Photo by Mikaela Jahrig

Step 4

Add canned tomatoes to the onions and stir. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

Photo by Mikaela Jahrig

Step 5

Add peanut butter and brown sugar to tomato and onion mixture and stir. While letting simmer, cut cooked chicken thighs into even pieces.

Photo by Mikaela Jahrig

Step 6

Use emulsifier or blender to blend tomato and onion mixture until smooth.

Photo by Mikaela Jahrig

Step 7

Add diced chicken to the mixture and stir. In the meantime, prepare rice of your choice in rice cooker or on the stove.

Photo by Mikaela Jahrig

Step 8

Plate chicken and sauce over prepared rice. For toppings add anything such as sour cream, cilantro, chopped peanuts or green onion to your liking.

Photo by Mikaela Jahrig

Like this recipe? Click these for some more flavor: