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Low sodium butter chicken served on a plate with naan bread, a lemon wedge, and a side of basmati rice.

Low Sodium Butter Chicken

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4 from 2 reviews

This low sodium butter chicken recipe is a great way to enjoy your favorite Indian flavors without going overboard on sodium. With simple ingredient swaps and easy instructions, you can create a delicious and healthy version of this classic dish.

  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Units
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 15 oz can no-salt-added tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup unsalted chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (beaten with 2 tbsp water)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped (for garnish))
  • Cooked rice or naan for serving

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  2. Cook the Aromatics: In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the Spices: Stir in garam masala, chili powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
  5. Finish the Dish: Stir in the beaten yogurt, lemon juice, and honey. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, coating it in the sauce. Simmer for another 8-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over rice or with naan.

Notes

Approximate sodium content: 150mg per serving
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

  • Author: Jason Norris
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 28 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Indian
  • Diet: Low Salt