Keto Butter Chicken: A Creamy, Low-Carb Delight

When it comes to comfort food that’s both satisfying and flavorful, Butter Chicken is always a top choice. This Keto Butter Chicken recipe takes the classic dish and transforms it into a low-carb masterpiece, perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. Rich, creamy, and bursting with warm spices, it’s a dish that delivers bold flavors without the extra carbs.

What Makes Keto Butter Chicken Special?

The key to Butter Chicken lies in its balance of spices and creaminess. This keto-friendly version keeps all the flavors intact while skipping the carb-heavy elements like sugar or traditional rice. Instead, we use coconut milk or heavy cream to achieve that luxurious texture, and the spices—garam masala, cumin, paprika, and turmeric—create layers of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds.

Quick and Easy Dinner Option

This recipe is ideal for weeknights when you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. In just 40 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality dish ready to enjoy. Pair it with cauliflower rice or keto naan for a meal that feels indulgent but is actually guilt-free.

How to Serve Keto Butter Chicken

While traditional butter chicken is served with basmati rice or naan, the keto version pairs beautifully with:

  • Cauliflower Rice: A great low-carb substitute that soaks up the rich, creamy sauce.
  • Zucchini Noodles: For a fun twist, serve the butter chicken over zoodles.
  • Keto Naan or Flatbread: Perfect for scooping up every last bit of the sauce.

Tips for Success

  • Use Chicken Thighs: They stay tender and juicy during cooking, but chicken breasts work too if preferred.
  • Simmer for Flavor: Letting the sauce simmer allows the spices to meld together and creates a richer, deeper flavor.
  • Make It Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for ghee or coconut oil, and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Not only is this dish easy to make, but it also stores and reheats beautifully. Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week for quick, satisfying lunches or dinners. It also freezes well, so you can have a delicious keto meal ready whenever you need it.

Final Thoughts

Keto Butter Chicken is the perfect marriage of traditional flavors and modern dietary needs. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bold spices, it’s a dish that proves you don’t have to sacrifice taste to stay on track with your keto goals. Try it tonight and savor the richness of this low-carb classic!

Keto Butter Chicken Keto Butter ChickenCOOKING TIME: 30 minutes
PREPPING TIME: 10 minutes
SERVINGS: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
  • 1 ½ cups canned unsweetened coconut milk or heavy cream
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Aromatics:
    In a large skillet or pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until lightly browned, about 5-6 minutes.
  3. Add the Spices:
    Stir in garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
  4. Prepare the Sauce:
    Pour in the tomato puree and coconut milk (or heavy cream). Stir to combine, reduce the heat to low, and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened and the chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Garnish and Serve:
    Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. This dish pairs well with cauliflower rice or keto naan for a complete keto-friendly meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Protein: 26g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Net Carbs: 4g
  • Sodium: 750mg

Recipe Block Summary:

Keto Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced dish that fits seamlessly into a low-carb lifestyle. Tender chicken pieces are simmered in a luscious tomato and coconut milk sauce, infused with traditional Indian spices. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that can be ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Equipment Needed:

  1. Large skillet or pot – For cooking the chicken and simmering the sauce.
  2. Knife and cutting board – To dice the chicken and chop vegetables.
  3. Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the sauce and chicken.
  4. Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure precise amounts of ingredients.
  5. Serving dish – For plating the finished dish.

Notes:

  • Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder to control the heat level. Omit it if you prefer a milder dish.
  • Cream Options: Use heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.