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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

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.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Indian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 330 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ 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 or red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 15 oz can no-salt-added tomato sauce
  • ½ cup unsalted chicken broth
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt beaten with 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or naan for serving

Instructions
 

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
  • 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.
  • Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over rice or with naan.

Nutrition

Serving: 4gCalories: 330kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 41gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 104mgPotassium: 731mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 252IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 56mgIron: 2mg
Keyword low sodium butter chicken
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