There’s something magical about butter chicken — a dish where cream, spice, and tomato swirl into a rich, velvety sauce that feels like a hug in a bowl. But what if you could have that same decadent flavor… without the heavy cream, gobs of butter, and post-meal guilt?

Say hello to The Better Butter Chicken — a lighter, modern spin on the beloved Indian classic that’s every bit as comforting, bold, and soul-warming as the original.

A Bit of Butter Chicken History 🧡

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, traces its flavorful roots to Delhi, India, in the 1950s. Created at the famed Moti Mahal restaurant, it was born from a clever reuse of leftover tandoori chicken. The chefs simmered it in a spiced tomato-butter-cream sauce — and just like that, a legend was born. Today, it’s one of the most recognized Indian dishes across the globe.

Our version? It honors the essence while gently modernizing the approach for health-conscious food lovers who crave all the flavor and none of the heaviness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • 🌱 Lighter, leaner, but still dreamy
  • 🍅 Packed with rich tomato flavor and warm Indian spices
  • ⏱ Quick to make – just 30 minutes
  • 🐔 Uses ready-made rotisserie chicken to save time
  • 🍽 Perfect with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan

Ingredients You’ll Need

🧄 Aromatics & Spices:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp grated gingerroot
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

🍅 Sauce Base:

  • 1 (19 oz) can crushed tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper

🐔 Protein & Cream:

  • 1 whole rotisserie-cooked chicken, skin removed, meat cut up
  • 1/3 cup light cream (5%)
  • 1/4 cup light sour cream or plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, minced
  • Optional: Hot cooked basmati rice or naan

How to Make The Better Butter Chicken

🔥 Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the butter in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions, cooking until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, ginger, chili powder, turmeric, and cinnamon — let them bloom in the heat for a minute, releasing their warm, earthy aroma.

🍅 Step 2: Build the Sauce

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes until it thickens and deepens in color. This is where the magic happens.

🍗 Step 3: Add the Chicken & Cream

Toss in your chopped rotisserie chicken. Stir until coated. Reduce heat to low and add the light cream and sour cream or yogurt. Stir gently until fully blended and warmed through — do not boil. The sauce should be silky, not split.

🌿 Step 4: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh cilantro just before serving. Pair with steamed basmati rice or fresh naan to scoop up every last drop.

Pro Tips for Butter Chicken Bliss

  • Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne or a fresh chili in the sauté stage.
  • No rotisserie chicken? Use poached or grilled chicken breast chunks.
  • Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for chickpeas, tofu, or paneer.
  • For extra creaminess, blend the sauce before adding the chicken.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)

Estimated based on 5 servings

  • Calories: ~310
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 14g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 480mg

(May vary based on cream/yogurt used and sides served.)

Final Thoughts

This Better Butter Chicken is everything you love about the original — only lighter, brighter, and more weeknight-friendly. It’s comfort food with a conscience, blending centuries of flavor tradition with modern wellness.

Serve it with love, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new signature dish. 💫