Healthy Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) | Slimming Eats Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between butter chicken and murgh makhani? ›

Butter chicken, traditionally known as murgh makhani (pronounced [mʊrɣ ˈməkʰaːni]), is an Indian dish originating in Delhi. It is a type of curry made from chicken with a spiced tomato and butter (makhan) sauce. Its sauce is known for its rich texture.

Is butter chicken good for the heart? Both butter and cream are high in saturated fat. High intakes of saturated fat increase blood cholesterol levels and the chance of heart disease. Relying on your recipe, one serving of butter chicken may include about 28 grams of whole fat and 12 grams of saturated fat.

Butter chicken dishes are generally heavy in fat because of the use of cream and butter. The fat content, like the calorie count, can vary based on the ingredients used. On average, approximately 12 grams of saturated fat and 28 grams of total fat may be found in each serving of this recipe.

Although both dishes have high levels of saturated fat, chicken remains the preferred choice for maintaining good health. Compared to other meats, chicken dishes tend to be more nutritious. Chicken tikka masala is a healthier option than butter chicken as it contains less fat (7 grams vs. 4 grams) and more protein.

Butter chicken uses tandoori chicken, which is then finished in a spicy, buttery tomato-based sauce. The chicken in tikka masala is usually chargrilled, for a distinct flavor. Chicken tikka masala is most likely based on butter chicken, originally known as murgh makhani.

Any Indian curries that are tomato-based, like tandoori, madras, jalfrezi, rogan and bhuna, are the lowest in calories. They average around 200-300 calories. If you want an even healthier option, consider a sauce-free dish like fish tikka (which is only 180 calories).

Butter chicken isn't really healthy

Just one bowl of butter chicken can really set you back — as per Livestrong, you'll be consuming around 438 calories, 14 grams of carbs, and a whopping amount of fat: 28 grams. Here's the major problem with butter chicken: the dish has around 12 grams of saturated fat.

If you're eating for metabolic health, an ideal plate would be half vegetables and beans or lentils, such as palak paneer or chana masala, Ravula says. Divide the other half between a lean protein, such as tandoori chicken, and cucumber raita.

Many people consider white rice an “empty” or “bad” carb since it loses nutrients when the bran and germ are removed. However, white rice is typically enriched with added nutrients such as iron and B vitamins. So while brown rice does have more nutrients than white rice, white rice is still considered nutritious.

What is better chicken masala or butter chicken? ›

Chicken in tikka masala sauce tends to be more tender and juicy than butter chicken due to its marinade-containing yogurt. Butter chicken also tends to have a creamier texture. Both are tasty in their own right—it just depends on what you're craving! Try mixing them up if you want an exciting twist on your taste buds.

Skip: Chicken Tikka Masala

It's one of the most-ordered entrees at Indian joints. But like many Indian dishes that were originally low fat, the modern recipe for chicken tikka masala is anything but. An average portion has whopping 1,249 calories and 90.8 grams of fat. A lot of that comes from the ghee and heavy cream.

While dal makhani can be a healthy dish, adding butter or cream can increase calorie and fat content. Consuming dal makhani in moderation is recommended as part of a well-balanced diet, and watching portion sizes if following a weight loss diet.

Central Market Butter Chicken Murgh Makhani (1 tray) contains 53g total carbs, 51g net carbs, 16g fat, 24g protein, and 450 calories.

A typical serving of Indian butter chicken has 400–430 calories on average.

Makhani is simply a Punjabi word meaning butter. Makhani Chicken, or Murgh Makhani means 'Butter Chicken'. Your question is a bit like asking if Ginger is the same things as 'Ginger Beef'.

In this case, the base is the ubiquitous Butter Chicken aka Chicken Makhani (Makhani is usually used with paneer; Chicken is always with Butter). This would be cooked or, at worst, served, in a clay or brass 'Handi'. Most probably it would be available only in the restaurant which concocted the name.

The heat/ spice of the dish combines with the rich gravy and slight sweetness that make it very hard to resist. With most dishes that have fond memories it's the taste that lingers on even years later.

- In Indian cookbooks, murg is the word used for chicken. The word murg was used in Persia for bird or fowl. Murgi is the Hindi word for the hen. In the Indian subcontinent, one does not find the mention of many egg or chicken recipes, while, Ayurveda supports consumption of meat, birds and fishes.