Indian Butter Chicken Lettuce Cups

Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, grew famous in mid-century Delhi for its lush tomato-butter gravy. Here yogurt-spiced chicken sears in ghee, then simmers with cream for a lighter lunch tucked into crisp lettuce cups.

Serves 4 · 12 min prep · 18 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 390 cal
• 34g protein
• 8g carbs
• 25g fat
• 3g fiber

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 1.25 lb diced boneless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp ghee or butter
• 1 small diced onion
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp butter
• 12 large butter lettuce leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime lime wedges

Instructions

1. 1Pat the diced chicken dry and toss it in a bowl with Greek yogurt, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and salt until every piece is coated. Let it sit 5 minutes while you prep the aromatics.
2. 2Heat ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear 3 to 4 minutes per side until lightly browned and nearly cooked through; transfer to a plate.
3. 3Lower heat to medium and add the diced onion to the same skillet. Cook 3 minutes until softened and edges turn golden.
4. 4Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook 45 seconds until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook another minute, stirring constantly so it darkens slightly.
5. 5Pour in heavy cream and the remaining butter, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns silky orange-red.
6. 6Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet. Simmer gently 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and coated in glossy sauce. Taste and adjust salt.
7. 7Arrange butter lettuce leaves on a platter or in lunch containers. Spoon the hot butter chicken into each leaf.
8. 8Top with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Fold the lettuce the filling like soft tacos for a keto-friendly, high-protein midday meal that stays crisp if packed separately.