Butter Chicken Recipe Without Butter

This dish pays homage to the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine while incorporating the culinary trend of vegetable-forward cooking. Inspired by the traditional butter chicken, this inventive take uses the creaminess of cauliflower puree and the richness of Greek yogurt to replace the butter, offering a wholesome and lighter alternative without compromising the robust, savory, and tangy flavors that are iconic to the original dish.

Ingredient List

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 large cauliflower head

• 2 cups Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon garam masala

• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric

• 1 tablespoon ground coriander

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 4 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Preparation Steps

1. Start by marinating the chicken breasts in 1 cup of Greek yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor infusion.

2. For the cauliflower, cut it into florets and steam until tender. Once cooked, blend the cauliflower florets with the remaining Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.

3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté until the onions become translucent.

4. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and sear each side until golden brown.

5. Add the tomato paste, cauliflower puree, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well until all ingredients are combined and the chicken is fully coated with the sauce.

6. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and serve with basmati rice or naan bread.

Cooking Time & Servings

Preparation Time: 2 hours 15 minutes Cooking Time: 40 minutes Yields: 4 servings

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 350 Total Carbs: 18g Fat: 10g Protein: 45g

Chef's Tips

• You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less chicken broth.

• Feel free to add a bit of chili powder or fresh chopped chili if you prefer your dish to be spicy.

• The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Try to marinate overnight for an intense flavor profile.

• If you have leftovers, this dish is even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.

Drink Pairing

Pair this dish with a Riesling. Its sweetness and acidity cut through the creaminess of the dish and balance out the spice, making it a delightful companion. For a non-alcoholic option, a chilled mango lassi would be delightful.