Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe with Authentic Indian Spices

My kids have been learning to cook at school and they keep bringing home easy, delicious recipes — including this Healthy Butter Chicken. This Weight Watchers–friendly version has no butter, a creamy tomato base, is gluten-free, and is simple to prepare.

I wasn’t always a big fan of restaurant butter chicken, but this lighter version changed my mind. The original recipe I tried was very high in fat, which explains its rich flavor. I set out to create a healthier butter chicken that retains the classic taste but fits a Weight Watchers plan. The result is a creamy, satisfying dish I could bring down to just 4 WW points per serving — and my family prefers it to the richer version!

🍒Reader Review

“I just made this for tonight’s dinner:)) Easy Peasy recipe. It smells and looks delicious. No more buying store bought Butter chicken sauce in a jar!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🥘 Ingredient Notes

This lighter butter chicken uses nonfat Greek yogurt to create a creamy sauce without the heavy cream and butter from the traditional version. My kids insisted this version was better — a solid sign it works!

Key ingredients for this low-fat version include:

• Boneless skinless chicken breast: Lean, versatile, and zero WW points on many plans.
• Spices: Garam masala, ground coriander, cayenne, turmeric, paprika, and cumin give authentic butter chicken flavor.
• Water: Adds low-calorie liquid to thin and warm the sauce.
• Nonfat Greek yogurt: Replaces cream to thicken the sauce while keeping points low.
• Sweetened condensed milk: A small amount balances the yogurt’s tang and mimics the mild sweetness of cream. Choose the brand that fits your WW tracking best.

*See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and full details.

📖 Variations & Substitutions

• Rice: Serve with jasmine, basmati, white, or brown rice — or cauliflower rice for fewer points.
• Spice level: Reduce cayenne or garam masala for a milder dish.
• Chicken: Swap in boneless skinless thighs or use cooked rotisserie chicken (note: points will change).
• Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, or diced fresh tomatoes all work.
• Garlic: Fresh is best, but jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
• Oil: Olive oil is suggested, but canola, vegetable, or avocado oil will work too.

🔪Step-by-Step: How to Make Healthy Butter Chicken

1. Step 1: Cook chicken breasts on the stovetop over medium-high heat until no pink remains and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cut into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

2. Step 2: Heat oil in a medium pot over medium heat for 1–2 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté 3–4 minutes until fragrant.

3. Step 3: Add tomatoes and tomato paste, stir in the spices, and cook about 5 minutes to develop the flavors.

4. Step 4: Stir in water and bring the sauce to a warm simmer over medium-high heat.

5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and whisk in the nonfat Greek yogurt and sweetened condensed milk, whisking constantly until just warmed through. Remove from heat to avoid separation.

6. Step 6: Stir the cooked chicken into the sauce and serve over jasmine, basmati, or cauliflower rice.

HINT: When adding the Greek yogurt and condensed milk, lower the heat to low and whisk constantly. Warm the mixture only until it’s combined and taken off the heat immediately to reduce the chance of curdling.

Expert Recipe Tips

• Use fresh spices — Spices lose potency over time, so fresh garam masala, cumin, and coriander yield the best flavor.
• Prevent yogurt from curdling — Remove the pot from heat before adding yogurt and whisk constantly; don’t overheat.
• Balance sweetness — Reduce the sweetened condensed milk or swap for a little honey or agave if you prefer less sweetness.
• Tender chicken tip — Avoid overcooking. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for juicy results.

🥗 What to serve with Weight Watchers Butter Chicken

This butter chicken pairs well with jasmine or basmati rice, cauliflower rice for fewer points, a garden salad, or steamed vegetables. Lighter sides like cucumber kimchi, cloud bread, or a skinny coleslaw complement the flavors and keep the meal WW-friendly.

Jasmine rice adds a subtle floral aroma and a soft texture that many enjoy with saucy dishes like butter chicken. Basmati rice is another classic option; it has a different grain shape and aroma but works just as well.

🔢 WW Points

This version of Weight Watchers butter chicken calculates to about 4 WW points per serving (sauce and chicken only); rice is not included in that calculation. For even fewer points, serve the butter chicken over cauliflower rice.

🌡️ Storage

• Store the sauce and chicken in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. If you prepare rice, keep it in a separate container and reheat as needed.
• This low-fat butter chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

👪 Serving Size

The recipe yields four generous servings. It’s easy to double or triple for a larger family or to have leftovers — which reheat very well. You can also halve the recipe if you only need one or two servings.

❔ Recipe FAQ’s

Did your family love this recipe? Comment and rate the recipe if you enjoyed it — ratings and reviews are a big help to creators. Share photos with the hashtag #foodmeanderings or tag @foodmeanderings if you post on social media.