If you're a fan of Indian cuisine, you've probably tasted or at least heard of, butter chicken. This delicious dish can be enjoyed on its own or with rice or naan, but many wonder about its nutritional content. So, let's take a closer look at this popular dish. A 1/2 cup (140 g) serving of butter chicken contains around 160 calories, making it a moderate calorie food option.

Butter chicken is rich in fat, protein, and some essential vitamins and minerals. The exact nutritional content of the dish can vary depending on the recipe and cooking method. But on average, here is what you can expect from a 1/2 cup (140 g) serving of butter chicken:

Now, let's dive deeper into the nutritional breakdown of butter chicken.

Calories in Butter Chicken

As mentioned earlier, a 1/2 cup (140 g) serving of butter chicken contains around 160 calories. This calorie count may vary based on the recipe and ingredients used. If you're looking to lower your calorie intake, you can try to eat smaller portions of butter chicken or pair it with low-calorie sides like steamed veggies or a salad. You can also try making a lighter version of butter chicken by replacing heavy cream with yogurt or coconut milk and using skinless chicken breast instead of thighs.

Fat Content of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is typically high in fat. A 1/2 cup (140 g) serving can contain around 10 grams of fat. Most of the fat in butter chicken comes from butter or ghee (clarified butter), cream, and chicken thighs. While fat is important for the body, you should try to limit your intake of saturated and trans fats. You can try making a healthier version of butter chicken by using less butter or ghee, opting for low-fat cream, or using skinless chicken breast instead of thighs.

Protein Content of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is a good source of protein, providing around 15 grams per 1/2 cup (140 g) serving. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, and maintaining muscle mass. If you're following a high-protein diet, butter chicken can be a great addition to your meals. You can also try adding some protein-rich sides like lentils or chickpeas to your butter chicken to increase its protein content.

Carbohydrate Content of Butter Chicken

A 1/2 cup (140 g) serving of butter chicken typically contains around 7 grams of carbohydrates. The carbs in butter chicken come from the tomato puree and the spices used to flavor the dish. If you're following a low-carb diet, you can still enjoy butter chicken in moderation. Try pairing it with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Fiber Content of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is not a significant source of fiber. A 1/2 cup (140 g) serving may contain around 1 gram of fiber. You can increase the fiber content of your meal by pairing butter chicken with fiber-rich sides like roasted veggies or a hearty salad.

Sugar Content of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken typically contains some sugar, mostly from the tomato puree and any added sugar in the recipe. A 1/2 cup (140 g) serving may contain around 2 grams of sugar. If you're watching your sugar intake, it's best to try making your own butter chicken so you can control the amount of sugar added. You can also try using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar.

Sodium Content of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken can be high in sodium, especially if the recipe contains a lot of salt or uses canned tomato puree. A 1/2 cup (140 g) serving can contain around 450 milligrams of sodium. If you're watching your sodium intake, you can try making your own butter chicken using fresh tomato puree and using herbs and spices to flavor the dish instead of salt.

Cholesterol Content of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken contains cholesterol, mostly from the chicken thighs and the cream used in the recipe. A 1/2 cup (140 g) serving can contain around 75 milligrams of cholesterol. If you're watching your cholesterol intake, you can try using skinless chicken breast or turkey breast instead of thighs and using low-fat cream or yogurt instead of heavy cream.

Vitamin A Content of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is a good source of vitamin A, providing around 15% of the daily recommended intake per 1/2 cup (140 g) serving. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision and skin, and supporting the immune system.

Calcium Content of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken contains some calcium, mostly from the cream or yogurt used in the recipe. A 1/2 cup (140 g) serving can provide around 6% of the daily recommended intake of calcium. If you're looking to increase your calcium intake, try pairing butter chicken with sides like broccoli or kale, which are high in calcium.