Whole30 Dairy-Free Butter Chicken

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this flavorful Whole30 Dairy-Free Butter Chicken, a wholesome twist on the classic Indian dish. Perfectly tender chicken thighs are simmered in a creamy, velvety sauce made with coconut milk, tomato paste, and warming spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric. This recipe delivers all the comforting richness of traditional butter chicken without the use of dairy, making it both Whole30-compliant and suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Ready in just 50 minutes, this one-pan wonder is ideal for busy nights and pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, nutrient-packed meal. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it’s a dish that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons Coconut oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger, grated
• 3 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 13.5 ounces Canned coconut milk
• 14.5 ounces Diced tomatoes, canned
• 2 teaspoons Garam masala
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
• 4 cups Cauliflower rice (optional for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the tomato paste, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 6

Pour in the coconut milk and canned diced tomatoes, stirring to mix well.

Step 7

Stir in the garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, red chili powder, and salt.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 9

Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, ensuring they're fully submerged in the sauce.

Step 10

Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 11

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 12

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired.

Step 13

Serve hot with cauliflower rice for a hearty Whole30-compliant meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2704.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3016.5

Total Fat 200.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 124.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 850.5mg	0%
Sodium 3877.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 118.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.6g	0%
Total Sugars 50.9g
Protein 213.5g	0%

Vitamin D 47.6IU	0%
Calcium 580.1mg	0%
Iron 34.0mg	0%
Potassium 7247.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.7%

Protein: 27.2%

Carbs: 15.1%