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Easy, Healthy Butter Chicken

A delicious and wholesome twist on traditional butter chicken, packed with flavor and health benefits.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste Rich, tangy sweetness
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt Creamy texture
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Fresh and zesty
  • 2 teaspoons cumin Aromatic spice
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala Blend of spices
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander Earthy flavor
  • 1 teaspoon salt Essential for flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger Warmth and kick
  • 3/4 teaspoons black pepper Mild spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric Anti-inflammatory properties
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Sweet warmth
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper For those who enjoy heat
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar Balances spices
For Cooking
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil For sautéing
  • 1 small onion, diced Base flavor
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced Rich aroma
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt For creamy finish
  • 1/2 cup water For sauce consistency

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine tomato paste, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, garam masala, ground coriander, salt, ground ginger, black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. Mix well.
  2. Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces and stir until well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours.
Sauté Aromatics
  1. Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Add the marinated chicken and all marinade into the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes to sear the chicken.
Simmer
  1. Stir in the additional Greek yogurt and water. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
Season and Serve
  1. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot with gravy over the top.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate overnight. Allowing the chicken to simmer helps develop a rich sauce.