1 cup (medium) of Butter chicken (240 g) has 456 calories. That works out to 190 calories per 100 g. It contains 13.9 g of carbs, 34.1 g of protein, 29 g of fat and 2.6 g of fiber. Its 13.9 mg of B3 covers 87% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 35 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Butter chicken?

Butter chicken is a Punjabi-style dish of chicken simmered in a buttery tomato sauce, usually enriched with cream and warmed with spices. Often associated with Delhi and popular across India and beyond, it is sometimes confused with chicken tikka masala; recipes overlap, but the seasoning and preparation vary from kitchen to kitchen.

The sauce is smooth, gently tangy and mildly spiced, coating tender pieces of chicken. In India it is commonly served with naan or other flatbreads, or with rice; it also works well as a shared curry in restaurants around the world. Chicken makes it a protein-providing main, while the butter and cream give it a rich, energy-dense character. For a lighter meal, serve a modest portion with vegetables or choose rice instead of bread.

Butter chicken Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

190

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

5.8g

· 2% DV

Protein

14.2g

· 28% DV

Fat

12.1g

· 16% DV

Fiber

1.1g

· 4% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 12% · Protein 30% · Fat 58%

Butter chicken Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

5.8mg · 36% DV

0.34mg · 20% DV

0.72mg · 14% DV

B12

0.28µg · 12% DV

Minerals

Selenium

15.8µg · 29% DV

Phosphorus

155mg · 22% DV

Sodium

420mg · 18% DV

Zinc

1mg · 9% DV

How Nutritious Is Butter chicken?

Nutrient density

Medium

52/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

48/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Butter chicken Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

2.1

Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Butter chicken

To burn the 190 calories in 100 g:

🚶

47min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

19min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

26min

Cycling

🏊

22min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Butter chicken Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Butter chicken Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten free

Dairy yes

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Butter chicken Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

✓ Suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

— Not suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Butter chicken Fat Profile

SATURATED

5.1g

MONOUNSATURATED

4.1g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.9g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 13:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (13:1).

Compare Butter chicken

🍛vs🥩

Butter chicken vs Ground Beef60 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍛vs🍢

Butter chicken vs Chicken Skewer50 kcal more per 100 g

→🍛vs🥩

Butter chicken vs Sauteed Lamb40 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍛vs🍗

Butter chicken vs Smoked Turkey80 kcal more per 100 g

→

Foods Similar to Butter chicken

🥩

Ground Beef

250 kcal

🍢

Chicken Skewer

140 kcal

🥩

Sauteed Lamb

230 kcal

🍗

Smoked Turkey

110 kcal

🥩

Beef Kavurma

230 kcal

🍆🍖

Meatballs with Eggplant Purée

155 kcal

🥩

Beef Cubed

250 kcal

🍗

Chicken (Sauteed)

165 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Butter chicken

What is butter chicken made of?

Butter chicken is made with chicken cooked in a mildly spiced tomato sauce enriched with butter and often cream. Many recipes marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices first, then grill or sear it before simmering it in the sauce.

Is butter chicken the same as chicken tikka masala?

No. Butter chicken is typically creamier, richer and milder, while chicken tikka masala often has a more pronounced tomato-and-spice flavour. The dishes are closely related, and restaurant recipes do not always follow a strict distinction.

Where did butter chicken originate?

Butter chicken is widely associated with Delhi, India, and the Moti Mahal restaurant, where it is said to have been created using leftover tandoori chicken. The precise origin story is disputed, but the dish became popular internationally through Indian restaurants.

Why is butter chicken called butter chicken?

Butter chicken gets its name from the butter used to enrich its tomato-based sauce and give it a rounded, creamy taste. The sauce may also contain cream, but the amount of butter and the exact ingredients vary between recipes.

How spicy is butter chicken?

Butter chicken is usually mild to moderately spicy rather than intensely hot, though recipes vary. Its warm flavour comes from spices such as garam masala, cumin and coriander; restaurants can often adjust the chilli level when you order.

What should you serve with butter chicken?

Butter chicken is commonly served with basmati rice, naan or roti. Rice absorbs the sauce, while naan is useful for scooping it up. A simple cucumber salad or plain vegetables can add freshness alongside the rich curry.

Can you make butter chicken without a tandoor oven?

Yes. You can make butter chicken without a tandoor by roasting or pan-searing the marinated chicken until browned, then finishing it in the sauce. A very hot grill also adds charred edges, but the dish does not depend on special equipment.

Can butter chicken be made without cream?

Yes. You can make butter chicken without cream by using yogurt or a blended cashew mixture to give the sauce body. Add yogurt off the heat or over low heat and stir it in gradually to reduce the chance of curdling.

Can you freeze butter chicken?

Yes, butter chicken freezes well in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently until steaming hot throughout; a cream-based sauce may look slightly separated after thawing, so stir it as it warms.

How long does butter chicken last in the fridge?

Butter chicken keeps for 3–4 days in the refrigerator when cooled promptly and stored in a covered container. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat, bringing it thoroughly hot, rather than repeatedly warming and cooling the whole batch.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 25, 2026