Coco's Revamped Butter Chicken
Experience a delightful twist on the classic butter chicken with Coco's Revamped Butter Chicken. This healthier version retains all the rich flavors you adore, yet eliminates excess butter and heavy cream typically used in traditional recipes. It combines the warming spices of ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon with a tomato base to create a robust sauce that envelops tender pieces of rotisserie chicken. Topped with a light creamy finish and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice for a complete meal that feels indulgent without the guilt.
N/A
Servings
500
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 (tablespoons)
onion
1 (cup, chopped)
garlic
2 (teaspoons, minced)
gingerroot
1 (tablespoon, grated)
chili powder
1 (teaspoon)
ground turmeric
1/2 (teaspoon)
ground cinnamon
1/4 (teaspoon)
crushed tomatoes
1 (19-ounce can, undrained)
tomato paste
2 (tablespoons)
brown sugar
1 (tablespoon)
salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
black pepper
1/4 (teaspoon, freshly ground)
rotisserie-cooked chicken
1 (whole, skin removed and meat cut up)
light cream
1/3 (cup)
light sour cream
1/4 (cup or use light plain yogurt)
fresh cilantro
1 (tablespoon, minced)
basmati rice
to taste (hot cooked, optional)
Instructions
1
In a deep 10-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook slowly, stirring frequently, until the onions become tender, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the grated ginger, chili powder, turmeric, and cinnamon, and cook for an additional minute to bloom the spices.
4
Pour in the undrained crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
Add the cut-up rotisserie chicken to the skillet, followed by the light cream and light sour cream. Simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Remove from heat and fold in the minced fresh cilantro. Serve warm over hot basmati rice if desired.
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
32g
Carbs
44g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coco's Revamped Butter Chicken?
It is a healthier version of the classic Indian dish that eliminates excess butter and heavy cream, using rotisserie chicken for convenience.
How is this version of butter chicken healthier?
This recipe is healthier because it uses light cream, light sour cream, and a limited amount of butter compared to traditional high-fat recipes.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 500 calories.
How much protein is in a serving?
This dish is high in protein, providing 44 grams per serving.
What are the fat and carbohydrate contents?
The dish contains 22 grams of fat and 32 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for one whole rotisserie-cooked chicken with the skin removed and meat cut into pieces.
What spices are needed for the base?
You will need grated gingerroot, chili powder, ground turmeric, and ground cinnamon to create the warming spice profile.
Can I substitute the light sour cream?
Yes, you can use light plain yogurt as a substitute for the light sour cream.
How long does it take to cook the onions and garlic?
The onions and garlic should be cooked slowly over medium heat for about 5 minutes until tender.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses a 19-ounce can of undrained crushed tomatoes and two tablespoons of tomato paste.
Is there any sugar in this butter chicken?
Yes, one tablespoon of brown sugar is included to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the heat of the spices.
How do I prepare the spices for the best flavor?
You should stir the ginger, chili powder, turmeric, and cinnamon into the butter and cook for one minute to bloom the spices.
How long should the tomato sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer covered on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
When do I add the chicken to the skillet?
The cut-up rotisserie chicken is added after the initial 10-minute simmer of the tomato base.
What provides the creamy finish in this healthy version?
The creamy texture comes from adding 1/3 cup of light cream and 1/4 cup of light sour cream at the end.
How long is the final simmering stage?
After adding the chicken and creams, simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
What garnish is recommended for this dish?
The recipe suggests folding in one tablespoon of minced fresh cilantro before serving.
What should I serve with Coco's Revamped Butter Chicken?
It is traditionally served over hot, fluffy basmati rice.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it is tagged as spicy, though the heat level is moderated by the tomato base and cream.
What size pan is best for this recipe?
A deep 10-inch skillet is ideal for preparing this one-dish meal.
How much butter is actually used?
The recipe uses only 2 tablespoons of butter for the entire dish.
Does the recipe require fresh ginger?
Yes, it calls for 1 tablespoon of grated gingerroot for the best flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 total ingredients required, including the optional rice.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and utilizes a pre-cooked chicken to simplify the process.
Can I use frozen chicken?
The recipe is designed for pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, but you could use cooked frozen chicken as long as it is thawed and cut up.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes?
No, use the 19-ounce can of crushed tomatoes undrained to provide enough liquid for the sauce.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, as a robust one-dish meal, it stores well and can be reheated easily.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste?
The tomato paste helps thicken the sauce and provides a deeper tomato flavor.
Can I use a different type of rice?
While basmati rice is recommended for its fragrance, you can use any rice you prefer.
Is the chicken skin included?
No, the recipe specifies that the skin should be removed from the rotisserie chicken to keep the dish healthier.