Go Back
TrendyTadka Editorial

High-Protein Greek Yogurt Butter Chicken

Macro-friendly butter chicken delivering over 42 grams of protein per serving by substituting heavy cream with creamy Greek yogurt and using lean chicken breast.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian-American

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs 680 g boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized 1-inch cubes)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 can 15 oz / 425 g smooth tomato puree or passata
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup plain nonfat or 2% Greek yogurt at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder or mild paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar or maple syrup balances acidity
  • 1 tsp dried fenugreek leaves kasuri methi, crushed
  • Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Brown the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast cubes in a single layer and sear for 3 to 4 minutes without moving until a golden crust forms on the bottom. Flip and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until no longer pink outside (chicken will finish cooking in sauce). Transfer to a plate.
  2. Build the Aromatic Base: Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tbsp butter and the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for 4 minutes until soft. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Bloom Spices: Stir in garam masala, cumin, coriander, Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to bloom the spices in the warm fat.
  4. Simmer Tomato Gravy: Add the tomato puree, chicken broth, and sugar. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and reduces.
  5. Temper the Greek Yogurt (Crucial Step): Turn heat to low. Spoon 3 to 4 tablespoons of the hot tomato sauce from the skillet into the bowl of room-temperature Greek yogurt. Whisk vigorously until smooth and warm. (This gradual temperature equalization prevents the yogurt from breaking or curdling).
  6. Combine & Finish: Pour the tempered yogurt mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly until fully integrated into a silky orange-red sauce. Return the seared chicken and any resting juices to the pan.
  7. Simmer on low for 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Do not let the sauce boil rapidly once yogurt is added. Remove from heat, stir in crushed kasuri methi, garnish with cilantro, and serve over basmati rice, cauliflower rice, or with warm naan.

Notes

Recipe development note: This recipe was developed using culinary research and established cooking techniques. TrendyTadka does not operate a physical test kitchen, so results can vary with ingredients, equipment, and technique.