How many calories does butter chicken usually have?

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a typical serving of butter chicken can contain anywhere from 350 to over 800 calories, depending on the recipe and portion size. This rich and creamy Indian favorite, also known as Murgh Makhani, can vary dramatically in its nutritional profile, making it a tricky dish to track for those counting calories.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of butter chicken varies significantly by recipe, portion size, and ingredients. Homemade versions can be lighter than restaurant dishes, which are often richer in butter and cream. You can make mindful adjustments to reduce the calorie impact.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The calorie count for butter chicken can range significantly from 350 to over 900 calories per serving, depending on ingredients, portion size, and preparation.
Restaurant vs. Homemade: Restaurant butter chicken is typically much higher in calories, fat, and sodium due to larger portions and more liberal use of butter and cream.
Rich Ingredients: The high calorie count is primarily due to heavy cream, butter, and sometimes cashews, which add richness but also significant fat.
High Protein: The chicken provides a substantial amount of protein, which is beneficial for muscle health and helps with feelings of fullness.
Nutrient Benefits: The tomato sauce and spices offer beneficial nutrients, including antioxidants like lycopene and anti-inflammatory compounds from turmeric.
Mindful Modifications: To reduce calories, consider using lean chicken breast, substituting heavy cream with low-fat yogurt or evaporated milk, and controlling portion sizes.

Understanding the Calorie Count of Butter Chicken

Butter chicken, a beloved Indian dish, is famous for its rich, creamy tomato gravy and tender pieces of chicken. The name itself, however, is a hint that it's not a low-calorie meal. The generous use of butter and heavy cream is what gives the dish its signature indulgent flavor, but also its high-calorie density. The exact number of calories can fluctuate widely, influenced by several key factors including the recipe, portion size, and preparation method.

Factors That Influence the Calorie Count

Portion Size: This is arguably the most significant factor. Restaurant servings are often much larger than a standard portion, which can double or triple the calorie intake. For example, some restaurant meals can exceed 800-900 calories, especially when served with sides like naan bread and pilau rice. In contrast, a controlled, homemade portion might be closer to 350-450 calories.
Recipe Ingredients: Authentic butter chicken uses a considerable amount of butter and heavy cream. Some recipes also incorporate cashews for added creaminess, which further increases the calorie count. Lighter recipes might substitute some of the heavy cream with low-fat yogurt or evaporated milk, and reduce the overall butter content to lower the fat and calorie levels.
Preparation Method: The cooking method also plays a role. Using lean, boneless, skinless chicken breast versus fattier cuts like chicken thighs will affect the total fat and protein content. The cooking oil used, and the amount of butter added, directly impacts the final calorie count.

Homemade vs. Restaurant Butter Chicken

For those managing their calorie intake, understanding the difference between homemade and restaurant-style butter chicken is crucial. Here is a comparison of how different ingredients can change the nutritional profile.


Feature	Homemade (Lighter)	Restaurant (Standard)
Portion Size	Typically 1-1.5 cups (approx. 250-300g)	Often 2+ cups (approx. 400g) or more
Butter/Ghee	Used sparingly, often just 1-2 tbsp total	Used generously, up to 1 cup or more
Cream Base	Often uses low-fat Greek yogurt, evaporated milk, or a small amount of light cream	Almost always uses heavy cream, sometimes in large quantities
Approx. Calories	350-500 calories per serving	700-900+ calories per serving (often not including rice or naan)
Sodium Content	Easier to control and reduce by limiting added salt	Can be very high due to pre-packaged pastes and sauces

Nutritional Breakdown and Health Considerations

While the high calorie and fat content are notable, butter chicken is not devoid of nutrition. The chicken provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and satiety. Additionally, the tomato-based sauce contains lycopene, an antioxidant, and the various spices offer their own health benefits. Turmeric contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while cumin aids digestion.

However, it's the saturated fat and sodium levels that require moderation. Excessive saturated fat intake can contribute to high cholesterol, while high sodium can lead to elevated blood pressure. It is recommended to keep daily saturated fat consumption below 22 grams, a figure that a rich restaurant butter chicken can easily surpass in a single serving.

How to Enjoy Butter Chicken Mindfully

For those who love the flavors but want a healthier option, here are several ways to reduce the calorie impact:

Modify your recipe: When cooking at home, reduce the amount of butter and heavy cream. Use alternatives like low-fat Greek yogurt, evaporated milk, or even coconut milk to achieve a creamy texture with fewer calories.
Control portion sizes: Use a measuring cup to serve a controlled portion of the curry and pair it with a larger portion of vegetables instead of relying on multiple helpings.
Choose lean protein: Stick to boneless, skinless chicken breast. Ensure you are getting a good protein-to-sauce ratio.
Be mindful of sides: Swap out high-calorie sides like butter naan and rich pilau rice for healthier options. Consider pairing with a whole wheat naan, brown rice, or a vegetable-based side dish to increase fiber intake.
Eat out strategically: If ordering from a restaurant, ask for a smaller portion or split it with a friend. You can also ask if they have a lighter version available, though this is less common.

Conclusion

The number of calories in butter chicken is not a fixed number and is highly dependent on how it's prepared and served. While a restaurant serving can be a high-calorie indulgence, a homemade version can be a much more balanced meal with simple, thoughtful adjustments. The key is to be aware of the ingredients and portion sizes to enjoy this delicious dish without derailing your nutritional goals. By making mindful choices, you can savor the rich, complex flavors of butter chicken while controlling its calorie impact.

To learn more about the health benefits of Indian spices and how to incorporate them into your cooking, visit this resource: Health Benefits of Butter Chicken: A Tasty Healthy Indian Dish

Frequently Asked Questions

The high calorie content primarily comes from the liberal use of heavy cream and butter in the sauce, which makes the dish rich and creamy but also adds a significant amount of saturated fat.

Yes, homemade butter chicken is generally healthier because you can control the ingredients. By reducing the amount of butter and substituting heavy cream with low-fat yogurt or evaporated milk, you can significantly lower the fat and calorie count.

When ordering out, opt for a smaller portion, share it with someone, or ask if the restaurant offers a lighter version with less cream and butter. Being mindful of the sides and choosing healthier pairings like brown rice instead of naan is also helpful.

Other curries can be healthier, especially those that are tomato or vegetable-based. Options like dal curry or a vegetable curry tend to be lower in calories, fat, and sodium.

Yes, in moderation and with modifications. A lighter, homemade version that controls portions and substitutes high-fat ingredients can be included in a balanced diet. Its high protein content can also help with satiety.

The calorie difference can be significant. A typical restaurant serving can be 700-900+ calories, while a modified, homemade version can be closer to 350-500 calories per serving.

Yes, using lean chicken breast over fatty cuts and controlling the amount of butter and oil directly affects the final fat and calorie count. Opting for a pressure cooker can also create a tender result with less added fat.