Name: Low Calorie Butter Chicken - low calorie dinner recipes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into chunks; 1 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup low-fat milk; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Salt to taste

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Butter chicken is usually rich and heavy, but this version keeps all the cozy flavors without making you feel weighed down. I’ve made it lighter, but it still tastes indulgent. You know when you’re craving something that hugs you from the inside out? That’s what this dish does, minus the guilt trip. The sauce is smooth, the chicken is tender, and the spices warm you up in that way only a comforting dinner can. I’ve shared it with friends who swore they’d miss the calories, and not one of them pushed the bowl away. If you’ve ever wanted a meal that feels like a weekend takeout treat but actually fits the weekday goals, here you go. And don’t stop at dinner. Sure, this belongs on any list of low calorie dinner recipes, but it also fits right alongside your Low Calorie Dinners rotation, slides in with other low calorie recipes you love, and even pairs well with some of those Low Calorie Chicken Recipes you’ve bookmarked. It’s flexible enough that you can enjoy it after a Low Calorie Breakfast Recipes start to your day or warm up with it following your favorite Low Calorie Soup Recipes. Comfort without compromise.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Low Calorie Butter Chicken Recipe
3) Ingredients for Low Calorie Butter Chicken
4) How to Make Low Calorie Butter Chicken
5) Tips for Making Low Calorie Butter Chicken
6) Making Low Calorie Butter Chicken Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Low Calorie Butter Chicken
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Low Calorie Butter Chicken
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This butter chicken keeps the comfort but cuts the heaviness.
Marinating the chicken adds flavor and tenderness.
The spices carry warmth without overcomplicating the process.
Pairs well with rice or naan and can be made ahead.

2) Easy Low Calorie Butter Chicken Recipe

I’ve always had a soft spot for butter chicken, but I didn’t love how heavy it often made me feel. That’s when I started playing around with lighter versions. What surprised me most was how easy it was to keep the same comforting flavor while trimming the calories. This dish lands squarely in the family of low calorie dinner recipes, yet it still feels like you’re treating yourself.

When I serve it, friends usually raise their eyebrows when I say it’s lightened up. They expect diet food, bland and boring, but what they get is tender chicken in a sauce that tastes rich and cozy. If a meal can pull double duty as comfort food and still keep you on track, I say that’s a win. This recipe manages to do both without cutting corners where it matters.

So, if you’re chasing Low Calorie Dinners that don’t taste like a compromise, this one deserves a spot on your table. It slides right alongside other low calorie recipes you already love, and it’s proof that healthy can taste as good as takeout. I’ll admit, I was skeptical the first time I tried swapping heavy cream for low fat milk, but here’s the thing: it works. You won’t even miss it.

3) Ingredients for Low Calorie Butter Chicken

Chicken Breast: Boneless chunks of chicken breast give you lean protein without weighing the dish down. It cooks quickly and soaks up the flavors of the marinade beautifully.

Greek Yogurt: I use plain low fat yogurt to marinate the chicken. It tenderizes the meat while adding a subtle tang. Letting it sit even half an hour makes a noticeable difference, but overnight is the jackpot.

Lemon Juice: A splash of citrus brightens the marinade and cuts through the richness of the spices. It’s that small squeeze that wakes everything up.

Spices: Garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and a pinch of chili powder. They sound like a lot, but together they create depth without being overwhelming. The chili powder is optional, but I like a bit of heat.

Olive Oil: Just enough to sauté the onions and build a base for the sauce. It ties the flavors together without adding heaviness.

Onion, Garlic, and Ginger: The trio that starts almost every good curry. The onion caramelizes, the garlic brings punch, and the ginger adds warmth. Skip any one and you’ll notice the gap.

Crushed Tomatoes: They give body to the sauce and balance the spices with gentle acidity. Canned works just fine and keeps the recipe simple.

Milk: I go with low fat milk. It softens the edges of the spices and gives the sauce its creamy texture without the calorie load of cream.

Cilantro: A sprinkle at the end adds freshness and color. Even if you’re not big on herbs, I’d suggest trying it. It lifts the whole dish.

Salt: Adjust to taste. It brings the flavors together, and since the dish is lightened, seasoning properly makes a real difference.

4) How to Make Low Calorie Butter Chicken

Step 1. Mix yogurt, lemon juice, and half the spices in a bowl. Add the chicken and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you can plan ahead, leave it overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 2. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion until it softens and turns golden. Toss in the garlic and ginger and stir until fragrant. This is where the base of the sauce begins.

Step 3. Add the rest of the spices and stir until they bloom. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes and let the sauce simmer for about ten minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4. Add the marinated chicken with its yogurt mixture. Stir well and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes. The sauce will coat the pieces and turn rich in color.

Step 5. Pour in the milk and let it simmer for another five minutes. This softens the sauce and ties everything together. The smell at this stage fills the whole kitchen.

Step 6. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with rice or naan. I always like to scoop a little extra sauce onto the side—it’s too good to waste.

5) Tips for Making Low Calorie Butter Chicken

One thing I’ve learned is patience pays off with marinades. Letting the chicken rest overnight in yogurt and spices makes it tender in a way you can’t rush. If you only have half an hour, it’s fine, but if you can, leave it longer. The flavor difference is clear.

Don’t skimp on sautéing the onion. That caramelized base gives sweetness that balances the spices. It might feel like an extra few minutes, but it’s worth it every time. I’ve rushed it before and the sauce felt flat.

Milk may seem like a strange swap for cream, but trust me, it works. The sauce still feels full and satisfying. This little switch is what helps it join the family of Low Calorie Chicken Recipes without losing that indulgent touch.

6) Making Low Calorie Butter Chicken Ahead of Time

This recipe is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. The spices settle, the sauce thickens, and the chicken soaks up every bit of flavor. I’ve made it for dinner parties and had it reheated, and no one guessed it wasn’t fresh out of the pan.

If you want to prep it in advance, I suggest cooking it as written and storing it once cooled. Reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. The aroma comes back to life quickly, and it’s just as inviting as the first night.

For those who like meal prepping, this one deserves a spot. It fits into the weekly routine and feels special enough to break up the monotony of quick reheats. A perfect choice for anyone who likes low calorie dinner recipes that don’t feel like leftovers.

7) Storing Leftover Low Calorie Butter Chicken

Once cooled, store the butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to three days, which makes it a good make-ahead meal. Just be sure not to leave it out too long before refrigerating.

When you’re ready to reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a spoon of water or milk if the sauce thickens too much. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stirring halfway helps it heat evenly.

I’ve frozen portions before, and while the texture changes slightly, the flavor holds. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat gently. It’s handy when you crave comfort but don’t want to cook from scratch. Low Calorie Soup Recipes might warm you up, but this chicken satisfies in a heartier way.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Low Calorie Butter Chicken