YT Recipe

Macro-Friendly, High Protein Butter Chicken

Macro-Friendly, High Protein Butter Chicken is a medium Indian recipe that serves 7. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Stealth Health Life on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 6 hrs 15 min | Total: 6 hrs 50 min

Cost: $25.98 total, $3.71 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Chicken Breast (skinless, boneless, cut into 1‑inch cubes)
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces)
  • 1 large Yellow Onion (roughly chopped)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (concentrated)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger (peeled and grated)
  • 1 can Fire‑Roasted Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz, undrained)
  • 2 tbsp Butter Chicken Seasoning Blend (store‑bought or homemade blend of garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and salt)
  • 1 cup Fat‑Free Plain Yogurt (non‑fat, plain)
  • 1 scoop Whey Protein Isolate (unflavored, adds extra protein)
  • 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions

    Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add the roughly chopped onion, and sauté until deep golden and caramelized, about 8 minutes.

    Time: PT8M

  2. Add Garlic, Ginger, and Tomato Paste

    Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, and tomato paste; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Season and Deglaze

    Sprinkle the butter chicken seasoning blend, add the fire‑roasted diced tomatoes, and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up all browned bits.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Blend Sauce

    Transfer the skillet contents to a blender, add the whey protein isolate, and blend on high for about 2 minutes until the sauce is completely smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Add Chicken and Sauce to Slow Cooker

    Place the diced chicken in the slow cooker, pour the blended sauce over the chicken, and stir to coat evenly.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Slow Cook Butter Chicken

    Cover and cook on the low setting for 6 hours (or high for 3 hours) until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.

    Time: PT6H

  7. Finish Sauce

    Stir in the remaining 2 tbsp butter and the cup of fat‑free plain yogurt, mix gently, and let the mixture sit for 10‑15 minutes for the flavors to meld.

    Time: PT15M

  8. Serve

    Serve the butter chicken hot over cauliflower rice, quinoa, or your favorite low‑carb side. Enjoy!

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
38 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: High‑protein, Low‑carb, Gluten‑free, Keto‑friendly, Dairy‑included, Nut‑free

Allergens: Dairy (butter, yogurt), Milk protein (whey isolate)

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Macro-Friendly, High Protein Butter Chicken

Recipe by Stealth Health Life

A high‑protein, low‑calorie version of classic butter chicken made in a slow cooker. Each serving delivers 38 g of protein and only 460 calories. Perfect for meal‑prepping lunches for the week.

MediumIndianServes 7

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
17m
Prep
6h 18m
Cook
47m
Cleanup
7h 22m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$25.98
Total cost
$3.71
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Caramelizing the onions until deep golden
  • • Blending the sauce until completely smooth
  • • Cooking the chicken until tender in the slow cooker
  • • Adding yogurt off the heat to avoid curdling

Safety Warnings

  • • The skillet and sauce will be very hot; use oven mitts.
  • • When blending hot sauce, vent the lid slightly to prevent pressure buildup.
  • • Handle raw chicken with clean utensils and wash hands thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of butter chicken in Indian cuisine?

A

Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, originated in Delhi in the 1950s as a way to use leftover tandoori chicken, simmered in a tomato‑butter sauce. It quickly became a beloved comfort dish across India and worldwide, symbolizing the blend of rich spices with creamy textures.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of butter chicken in North Indian cuisine?

A

In Punjab, butter chicken is often richer with added cream and cashew paste, while in Delhi the sauce is lighter and relies on tomato puree and butter. Some regions add fenugreek leaves for a slightly bitter note.

cultural
Q

How is authentic butter chicken traditionally served in Indian households?

A

Traditionally it is served hot with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice, accompanied by a side of cucumber raita and fresh cilantro. It is a staple for family meals and festive gatherings.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is butter chicken traditionally associated with in Indian culture?

A

Butter chicken is popular at weddings, festivals like Diwali, and weekend family feasts because it is both indulgent and crowd‑pleasing. Its rich flavor makes it a celebratory centerpiece.

cultural
Q

What makes this slow cooker butter chicken special or unique in the context of health‑focused Indian cooking?

A

This version swaps heavy cream for fat‑free yogurt and adds whey protein for extra protein, keeping the dish macro‑friendly while preserving the classic buttery, spiced flavor. It also uses a slow cooker to lock in moisture without extra oil.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making slow cooker butter chicken?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken on high heat, which can dry it out, and adding yogurt while the sauce is still boiling, which causes curdling. Also, under‑caramelizing the onions reduces the depth of flavor.

technical
Q

Why does this butter chicken recipe use whey protein isolate instead of regular cream?

A

Whey protein isolate boosts the protein content without adding fat, keeping the calorie count low while still providing a creamy mouthfeel when blended into the sauce. Cream would increase calories and saturated fat.

technical
Q

Can I make this butter chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Store the cooked butter chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for 2‑3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the butter chicken is done?

A

The sauce should be smooth, glossy, and coat the chicken pieces evenly. The chicken should be tender, easily pierced with a fork, and the sauce should have a rich amber‑orange hue.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Stealth Health Life specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Stealth Health Life focuses on high‑protein, low‑calorie meals that fit into clean‑eating and fitness lifestyles, offering macro‑friendly twists on classic comfort foods.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Stealth Health Life's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Stealth Health Life emphasizes nutritional optimization—adding protein powders, reducing saturated fats, and using meal‑prep friendly methods like slow cooking—while still honoring authentic Indian spice profiles, unlike many channels that prioritize traditional richness over health metrics.

channel
More like this:Indian RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by Stealth Health Life

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