Creamy Butter Chicken
A Creamy Butter Chicken dish might seem impossible if you're counting calories, but never fear – this slimming recipe is perfect no matter what plan you're following!
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NutritionPer Serving
- Calories210
- Carbs9g
- Protein28g
- Fat2g
- Saturates0.5g
- Sugars4g
Your dishes
You’re amazing, look at the Creamy Butter Chicken dishes you’ve made…
For the full list of ingredients and comprehensive instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post. Before you scroll, there’s important stuff to know in the blurb!
Normally, butter chicken is packed full of… well, butter! Although you’d never believe it, there’s no real butter in our version but it’s still just as creamy.
We used to love a takeaway before we started our slimming journey and in our opinion there’s nothing better than a beautiful, warm creamy curry on a cold winters day. We’ve used almond flour and fat free natural yoghurt to give this Creamy Butter Chicken its creamy sauce and you can easily adjust the amount of chilli powder to give this dish more or less of a kick!
What diets is this Creamy Butter Chicken suitable for?
This Creamy Butter Chicken recipe can be made dairy free as long as you swap out the following ingredients for dairy free alternatives;
- Reduced fat spread
- Fat free natural yoghurt
- Creme fraiche
It can also be made gluten free by swapping the following ingredients for gluten free alternatives;
- Chicken stock cubes
Please make sure to double or triple check all of your ingredients if you’re cooking for people with allergies.
What do I need to make this Creamy Butter Chicken?
You’ll need a food processor or a stick blender to make this Creamy Butter Chicken dish and you can pick either of these up over on Amazon.
We’ve used a stick blender for this recipe and it’s one of our favourite kitchen gadgets – we use it for loads of our other curry recipes as well!
The Secret Ingredient!
We usually use almonds for this and blend them until fine. The only issue with using almonds is how high they are in calories and Points! 100g is around 600 calories, which is CRAZY! So instead of using almonds we use Sukrin Almond Flour instead because at just 315 calories per 100g it is SO much lower. Other almond flours probably won’t be this low as the almonds are not de-fatted like Sukrin.
You can usually find this, and other brands of defatted almond flour, online on Amazon or in some health food shops. With only 10g per serving in this Creamy Butter Chicken, you will find that a little goes a long way!
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‘Omg I have finally found a curry I can eat and its absolutely delicious without being spicy. This was a simple recipe to follow and we loved it that much we are having it again tonight. I love pinch of nom’
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You’ll need a food processor to make this Creamy Butter Chicken! You can pick this up over on Amazon!
Or you could get this stick blender. You can pick this up over on Amazon!
Defatted almond flour is available by other brands and can be found in some health shops, or online!
These fancy restaurant style curry serving dishes are the ideal finishing touch at dinner time!
How many calories are in this Creamy Butter Chicken?
There are 210 calories per portion in this Creamy Butter Chicken, which means it falls into our Everyday Light category.
A butter chicken from your local takeaway will set you back around 400 calories for a small portion, so our version is a fantastic saving!
This Creamy Butter Chicken is perfect if you’re following a calorie controlled diet and fits well with any one of the major diet plans such as Weight Watchers.
As a guide, an average man needs around 2,500kcal (10,500kJ) a day to maintain a healthy body weight. For an average woman, that figure is around 2,000kcal (8,400kJ) a day. Obviously, if your goal is to lose weight then you might want to adjust these slightly! You can read more about these recommendations on the NHS website.
Step 1
Finely chop the garlic, ginger and onion using a food processor or stick blender, then gently sauté in the low calorie cooking spray until soft and coloured slightly.
Step 2
Puree the tomatoes, almond flour, tomato paste, stock cubes and water together, then add it to the pan.
Step 3
Add the chicken, yoghurt, lime juice, spices, and reduced fat spread then stir well.
Step 4
Bring up to the boil, stirring continuously, then cover and simmer on LOW for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5
After 15-20 minutes check to see if the chicken is cooked through. If not let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 6
Serve over boiled rice.
What could I serve with this Creamy Butter Chicken?
This Creamy Butter Chicken works really well when served alongside lots of fluffy, boiled rice as well as any of the following dishes:
How do you know when this Creamy Butter Chicken is cooked?
You’ll need to cook this Creamy Butter Chicken for around 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Standard advice here in the UK is to cook food until it has reached 70°C and stayed at that temperature for 2 minutes. This is to keep your family safe.
How long can you keep this Creamy Butter Chicken in the fridge?
Once you’ve put it out, ideally you should eat it within 4 hours.
If you allow any leftovers to cool, make sure to refrigerate in a container with a lid and chill. You can keep leftovers of this Creamy Butter Chicken in the fridge for approximately 3 days or so.
Can I freeze this Creamy Butter Chicken recipe?
Yes you can! This recipe can be frozen, but please remember to do the following;
- Freeze it as soon as it is cold enough.
- Use a container or bag that is suitable for freezing.
Don’t forget to add a label with what it is, and on what date you put it in the freezer!
How do I reheat this Creamy Butter Chicken recipe?
From chilled: Place in a microwave proof container with loosely fitting lid and heat for 4-7 minutes until piping hot.
From frozen: Allow to defrost, and heat covered in the microwave for 3-5 minutes then stir. Cook for a further 5-7 minutes until piping hot.
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Creamy Butter Chicken
A Creamy Butter Chicken dish might seem impossible if you're counting calories, but never fear - this slimming recipe is perfect no matter what plan you're following!
-
Prep Time
10 MINS
-
Cook Time
25 MINS
- KCals 210
- Carbs 9G
Instructions
- Finely chop the garlic, ginger and onion using a food processor or stick blender, then gently sauté in the low calorie cooking spray until soft and coloured slightly.
- Puree the tomatoes, almond flour, tomato paste, stock cubes and water together, then add it to the pan.
- Add the chicken, yoghurt, lime juice, spices, and reduced fat spread then stir well.
- Bring up to the boil, stirring continuously, then cover and simmer on LOW for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 15-20 minutes check to see if the chicken is cooked through. If not let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve over boiled rice.
Looking for Slimming World Syns or Weight Watchers (WW) Points?
With ever-changing plans and point calculations, we have made the decision to remove WW Points from the website - referring to your individual plan or advice from your consultant is always going to give the most accurate results.
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151 comments
See what others have to say
Irene HarkisSunday 21st August 2022
Hi I would love to make the butter chicken for 2 people but I don’t understand how to convert measurements of the teaspoon and tablespoon amounts into uk measurements e.g. 0.1 tsp 0.7 tsp. Can you help please
Thank you
HollyTuesday 30th August 2022
Hey Irene, sometimes when changing the portions up or down it can make the measurements a little tricky to understand. You may be better making the full spice mix mixture and keeping in an air-tight container for next time then when making the recipe for 2 people it will make it easier to measure out. Hope that helps!
EmilyThursday 2nd June 2022
Is the calories including the rice? Or are the calories just worked out for the curry. And when you say per calories per severing how much is a suggested severing? 100g..150g? Thank you
HollyMonday 6th June 2022
Hi Emily, anything listed under the ingredients list to the side of the recipe card is included in the nutritional information. Any calories for accompaniments would need to be added by you as extra. We work out our recipes on the serving size not by weight. To work out your own weight of a serving you would need to make the finished dish and divide servings, as the weight will vary due to variation of ingredients and water content it’s not something we can do as an exact measure. If you scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page on the website there is a little arrow by servings and you can alter up or down to serve more or less people. Hope that helps!
MichelleFriday 6th May 2022
This was amazing.. So so tasty.. I made mine veggie.. Doubled the spices added fenugreek and coriander.. So so nice
HollyMonday 9th May 2022
Hey Michelle, so glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe the extra spices sound tasty too!
Helen ProcterFriday 4th March 2022
Like a lot of people struggling to find almond flour. When substituted with ground almonds, how many calories per portion.
HollyFriday 4th March 2022
Hi Helen, we have a handy guide HERE to help you work out the nutritional information for any alterations you make to our recipes hope that helps!
NicolaTuesday 25th January 2022
Even nicer than takeaway, kids loved it too.
HollyTuesday 25th January 2022
Hey Nicola, so glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe!
ButterfliSunday 19th December 2021
I have done this recipe several times now for my kids, different every time! As sometimes I used no lime as I didn’t have one and this time I didn’t have enough almond flour so made the rest up with coconut flour. Sometimes the batch comes out very light and loose and other times darker and thicker! But always enjoyed, great recipe 😊
HollyMonday 20th December 2021
Hey Melanie, thanks so much for your message. We are so glad to hear this is a favourite of you and your family!
Sharon WaltonMonday 9th August 2021
I’ve been wanting to make this but wasn’t able to purchase almond flour. Just read these comments, which I don’t normally do, and it’s helped me solve my dilemma. I’m going to read the comments every time now. Thanks
HollyThursday 12th August 2021
Hey Sharon, so glad to hear you’ve found the solution to your problem. Hope you enjoyed this recipe!
ButterfliWednesday 7th July 2021
Is found this so sharp! Just noticed the note on using half a lime. Followed the recipe precisely, including the almond flour but not as I hoped, not as orange as the pic?? Maybe worth a try again though as everyone else seems happy??
LisaThursday 8th July 2021
Hi
Sorry you found this a bit tart. As you’ve said, reducing the lime can help. You could also use a low fat yoghurt rather than a fat free one. It will add a few extra calories, but they tend to be creamier and less tart.
Amber-RoseTuesday 15th June 2021
Hi, where do I find the serving amount?
HollyTuesday 15th June 2021
Hey Amber-Rose if you scroll down to the bottom of the page you will find the recipe card which shows number of servings and a set of arrows. You can alter the servings up or down depending on how many you are cooking for. Hope that helps!
AmyThursday 27th May 2021
Is it just me or where does the spice mix go !
HollyFriday 4th June 2021
Hey Amy, the spices are added in step 3 along with the chicken, yoghurt, lime juice, and reduced fat spread. Hope that helps!
Sarah SandersMonday 24th May 2021
Hi cooked this tonight didn’t know what to expect but was lovely only used half the lime juice will be cooking again my son said better than ordering
HollyTuesday 25th May 2021
Hey Sarah, thanks so much for getting in touch we are so glad to hear you enjoyed the Creamy Butter Chicken!
TheresaSunday 16th May 2021
Hi is the line essential for this dish as I have a family member allergic to limes. Thanks
HollyTuesday 18th May 2021
Hey Theresa, you could omit the lime juice and the Creamy Butter Chicken will still taste great, hope that helps!
Sarah WestgateSaturday 3rd April 2021
Is this recipe ok to put in the slow cooker please?
HollyWednesday 7th April 2021
Hey Sarah, we wouldn’t suggest making this recipe in a slow cooker as the yoghurt may separate and curdle. Have a look at THIS article for some tips and advice on converting recipes for slow cookers, hope that helps!
Lisa GoodwinFriday 12th February 2021
Can not use almonds or almond flour as my kids has alleges so please what can i use instead? Thank you.
SharonWednesday 17th February 2021
Hi Lisa, almonds or almond flour are one of the main ingredients in this recipe and the flavour of the dish will be affected if they’re left out. I would suggest trying a similar recipe such as Creamy Chicken Curry. This is a creamy curry without nuts that your family might enjoy.
Nicki SteurerFriday 9th April 2021
I’ve made it using 30g coconut flour instead and it was really nice.
HollyFriday 16th April 2021
Hey Nicki, thanks so much for your advice for this recipe!
CatrionaThursday 11th February 2021
I would recommend slightly less lime juice, it’s a tad overpowering in the dish.
Otherwise it’s absolutely fabulous and my whole family love it (including the 14yr old who will only eat chicken nuggets!)
SharonFriday 12th February 2021
Hi Catriona, many thanks for your feedback and we’re so pleased your whole family enjoyed this recipe.
Heather WilkinsonWednesday 6th January 2021
I only have ground ginger is that ok? If so how much should I use ?
SharonWednesday 6th January 2021
Hi Heather, fresh ginger is preferable but if you haven’t got any you could start off by trying 1/2 tsp of ground ginger and add a little more if you feel it needs it. Hope you enjoy the Creamy Butter Curry.
Elaine GodfreySunday 13th December 2020
Hi if I can’t get almond flour could I use coconut flour x
HollyTuesday 15th December 2020
Hi Elaine, We haven’t tried this recipe using coconut flour but you can substitute the almond flour for ground almonds using an equivalent amount. Bear in mind our recipe uses defatted almond flour which is much lower in calories than ground almonds, so if you are keeping an eye on the nutritional values you will have to adjust them accordingly using this guide HERE hope that helps!
Charlene GowerSunday 22nd November 2020
Finding it difficult to find almond flour – can I not just use almond extract or almond flavouring plus it’s lower in calories ?
HollyTuesday 24th November 2020
Hi Charlene, You can substitute the almond flour for ground almonds using an equivalent amount. Bear in mind our recipe uses defatted almond flour which is much lower in calories than ground almonds, so if you are keeping an eye on the nutritional values you will have to adjust them accordingly using this guide HERE hope that helps!
MandySaturday 21st November 2020
I don’t have Almond flour, what quantity of ground almonds should I use?
HollyTuesday 24th November 2020
Hey Mandy, Use an equivalent amount of ground almonds to almond flour. Bear in mind our recipe uses defatted almond flour which is much lower in calories than ground almonds, so if you are keeping an eye on the nutritional values you will have to adjust them accordingly using this guide HERE hope that helps!
AnnaThursday 10th September 2020
This recipe has converted my curry hating husband to a curry lover!! Which after 10 years together is amazing! Thank you PON!
It’s a brilliant tasty recipe and now a firm favourite in our house!
LisaThursday 10th September 2020
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Anna. We love hearing stories like this. Hope you and your husband continue to enjoy the recipes!
JulieSunday 23rd August 2020
Made this using ground almonds as I didn’t have almond flour. It was delicious. My partner hates curry. He loved it!
SharonTuesday 25th August 2020
Hi Julie,
We’re so pleased to hear that you both loved the Creamy Butter Chicken, thanks for letting us know!
Chloe ShepherdMonday 17th August 2020
Oh my gosh! Wow! Hands down the best curry I have ever made! So glad I came across this recipe as I love Butter Chicken however I found it so hard to find a healthy lower calorie recipe!
I found it hard to find almond flour so swapped it out for ground almonds like suggested in the comments. I made these with the cumin roast potatoes that are alongside the chicken dopiaza recipe – 10/10 from me!
Got a few portions to freeze as well, can’t wait to make it again!
LisaTuesday 18th August 2020
Thank you for the lovely comment, Chloe. It’s one of our favourites too!
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