Butter Chicken Calories Calculator
Butter chicken (murgh makhani) is India's most internationally recognised dish — tandoor-cooked chicken pieces in a silky tomato-cream-butter sauce flavoured with aromatic spices. A 200g restaurant serving contains approximately 320 kcal with 36g of protein.
Butter Chicken Calculator
To burn about 320 kcal you may need roughly:
✨ Healthy Alternative Tips
Butter Chicken — India Calorie Guide
Butter Chicken is a well-loved Indian food enjoyed across the country. The calorie content per 100g is 160 kcal, with 18g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. Serving size is typically 1 serving (~200g). Restaurant and home-cooked versions can vary depending on oil quantity, preparation method, and ingredients used.
Portion Size Guide
| Portion | Est. Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small serving (~75g) | ~120 kcal | Light portion |
| Standard (1 serving (~200g)) | ~320 kcal | Typical serving |
| Large serving (~200g) | ~320 kcal | Restaurant generous |
Macronutrient Breakdown per 100g
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fat | 7g |
Weight Loss Tips
When tracking calories, the key variable for Butter Chicken is portion control and cooking method. Home-cooked versions with measured oil are typically 20–30% lower in calories than restaurant servings. For weight loss, keep your serving to the standard portion and balance the meal with high-fiber vegetables or a protein side. Avoid extra ghee, cream, or fried accompaniments that can double the calorie count of the meal.
Muscle Gain and Active Lifestyle
Butter Chicken provides excellent protein suitable for muscle building and recovery. With 18g of protein per 100g, it is one of the stronger protein sources in Indian cuisine.
India-Specific Context
Butter Chicken is deeply embedded in Indian food culture. Preparation styles, serving sizes, and spice levels vary significantly by region — from milder versions in the south to boldly spiced preparations in the north and west. Understanding the calorie range for your regional version helps you track more accurately, since a restaurant serving in Mumbai may differ from a home portion in Delhi or a street-food version in Kolkata.
Related Tools
FAQs
How many calories in butter chicken?
A 200g serving of butter chicken contains approximately 320 kcal with 36g of protein. Restaurant versions with more cream and butter can reach 400–450 kcal per serving.
Is butter chicken good for weight loss?
The chicken itself is lean and high in protein. The calorie load comes from butter and cream in the sauce. Requesting less cream or choosing a tomato-only version can reduce calories to 250–280 kcal per serving.
How do I use the Butter Chicken calories calculator?
Enter your portion size in grams. The calculator shows calories, protein, carbs, and fat in real time. Use the Burn This Food section to see how much activity burns your portion. Click Full Food Detail for a complete nutrition breakdown.
What is the difference between home-cooked and restaurant Butter Chicken?
Home-cooked versions typically use less oil and butter than restaurant servings, resulting in 20–35% fewer calories. Restaurant portions are also often larger. Use the calculator at your specific portion weight for the most accurate estimate.
📊 Data source note: Nutrition values are estimates based on standard Indian food composition databases and common recipe data. Actual values vary by cooking method, oil quantity, ingredient brand, and serving size. See our Data Sources and Methodology pages.