Butter chicken is a delicious and creamy Indian dish, but if you want to enjoy it without cream, you can still get a rich and flavorful result. In this recipe, we will use yogurt, cashews, and milk as substitutes for cream while keeping the authentic taste intact.
Ingredients
For Marination:
- 500g boneless chicken (cut into cubes)
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 2 large tomatoes (pureed)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 10-12 cashews (soaked in warm water)
- 1 cup milk (as a cream substitute)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
- Add the chicken pieces and coat them well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best for more flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook on medium heat until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy
- Heat the remaining butter in the same pan.
- Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
- Blend the soaked cashews with a little water to make a paste.
- Add pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates.
- Add the cashew paste, coriander powder, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala.
- Stir well and cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in the milk and mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked chicken to the gravy.
- Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add sugar and adjust salt to taste.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Tips for Best Results
- Marinate the chicken for at least an hour to absorb the flavors.
- Use full-fat milk for a richer texture.
- If you like a thicker gravy, let it simmer for a longer time.
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- Serve with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with basmati rice for a classic pairing.
- Enjoy with buttery naan for an authentic experience.
- Pair with roasted vegetables for a healthy twist.
This butter chicken recipe without cream is a great alternative for those who want a lighter yet flavorful dish. Try it at home and enjoy a comforting meal! Let us know in the comments how it turned out for you!