Keto Butter Chicken
Keto Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy, and comforting low-carb dish that combines the classic flavors of traditional butter chicken with keto-friendly ingredients. This recipe is quick to prepare, ready in under 30 minutes, and perfect for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle craving a flavorful and satisfying meal.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
- Diet: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten Free
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Fats and Dairy
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Base and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic and ginger paste
Spices
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Thin slices of green chili
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken thighs with garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and optionally a splash of yogurt or lemon juice. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse bold flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sear the marinated chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside, keeping it warm.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add remaining butter and sauté the garlic and ginger paste until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and the remaining spices, cooking for 2-3 minutes to develop a deep, rich base.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to combine with the spiced tomato base. Allow the sauce to gently simmer and thicken, creating a silky, luscious texture.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce and coat each piece thoroughly. Simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to marry the flavors perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or thin slices of green chili on top just before serving to add fresh herbal notes and a vibrant contrast.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra moisture and rich flavor if preferred.
- Don’t rush cooking the spices with butter and tomato paste to ensure full aroma and depth.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute part of the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk.
- Season gradually with salt as butter and cream contribute natural saltiness.
- Add fresh herbs like cilantro only just before serving to preserve their bright flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: keto butter chicken, low carb butter chicken, creamy butter chicken, keto dinner, Indian keto recipe