Imagine diving fork-first into a rich, velvety curry that transports your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of India-without a hint of guilt or carb overload. Keto Butter Chicken: Creamy, Low-Carb indian Delight Recipe combines the indulgent flavors of conventional butter chicken with the health-conscious principles of the ketogenic lifestyle. This dish marries tender, spiced chicken simmered in a luscious buttery tomato sauce, all while keeping carbs at bay. Whether you’re a keto enthusiast or simply craving a decadent yet wholesome meal, this recipe promises a satisfying journey into India’s culinary heritage with a modern, diet-amiable twist.
Keto Butter Chicken is a delightful low-carb rendition of the iconic Indian classic,offering rich,creamy flavors without the heavy carb load. Originating from the Punjabi kitchens of Northern India, this dish traditionally combines succulent chicken in a buttery tomato sauce with aromatic spices. Our keto twist elevates the experience by swapping out sugar and cream-laden ingredients for healthier, keto-friendly alternatives, making it perfect for those embracing a ketogenic lifestyle without sacrificing authenticity.
Prep and Cook Time
- Planning: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
Yield
- Serves 4 generous portions
Difficulty Level
- Medium – approachable for home cooks familiar with basic Indian cooking techniques
Ingredients
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp ghee or unsalted butter
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or full-fat coconut cream
- 1/2 cup tomato puree (fresh or canned, no added sugar)
- 1/4 cup greek yogurt (full-fat, plain)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder (mild heat and vibrant color)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon
Step-by-Step guide to Perfectly Cooked Keto Butter Chicken
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Greek yogurt, half the ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix well and let it rest for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavors.
- Toast the spices: In a heavy-bottom pan, heat 2 tbsp ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and sauté until fragrant,about 30 seconds.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the remaining ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Create the sauce base: Pour in the tomato puree and stir well. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil slightly separates and the tomato deepens in color. Add Kashmiri chili powder, ground coriander, and garam masala. Adjust salt to taste.
- Cook the chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Add creaminess: Stir in the almond milk or coconut cream and heavy cream if using. Simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes to thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- Finish and garnish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Swirl in 1 tbsp butter for extra richness and garnish with chopped cilantro just before serving.
Chef’s Notes: Tips for Success
- Protein choice: Using chicken thighs ensures juicy, tender meat that stays moist. You can substitute with chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time to avoid dryness.
- Tomato puree: Use unsweetened, low-carb tomato puree for a smoother, authentic base without extra sugars.
- Spice balance: adjust chili and garam masala to personal heat preferences for mild or bold flavor profiles.
- Make ahead: This dish tastes even better after resting overnight as spices meld further. Reheat gently on low to maintain creaminess.
- Dairy-free variation: Substitute Greek yogurt and heavy cream with coconut yogurt and extra coconut cream.
- Sauté tips: Use medium heat and stir often; heavy cream can curdle if cooked too long or over high heat.
Serving Suggestions and tips for Enhancing Flavor and Texture
Present your keto butter chicken alongside fluffy, low-carb cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach for a balanced plate that celebrates classic Indian flavors with a ketogenic flair.Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a wedge of lemon to add freshness and a pop of color. For extra texture, sprinkle toasted almond slivers or crushed keto-friendly nuts over the top to add a subtle crunch.A dollop of cooling cucumber raita or a crisp green salad with lemon dressing pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness of the sauce.
| Nutrient | per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g net carbs |
| Fat | 22 g |
For a deeper dive into keto-friendly Indian spices and cooking methods, explore our Comprehensive keto Indian Spices Guide. To understand the health benefits of ghee and saturated fats in ketogenic diets, check the insights at Healthline.
Q&A
Q&A: Discovering Keto Butter Chicken – A Creamy, Low-Carb Indian Delight
Q1: What makes butter chicken a great candidate for a keto recipe?
A1: Butter chicken is naturally rich in fats and proteins, thanks to its creamy tomato-based sauce and tender chicken pieces. By minimizing sugar and carb-heavy ingredients like rice or naan, it fits perfectly into a low-carb, high-fat keto lifestyle without sacrificing that beloved Indian flavor.
Q2: How do you keep the sauce creamy without adding extra carbs?
A2: The secret lies in using heavy cream, ghee (clarified butter), and sometimes full-fat coconut milk instead of starchy thickeners or sugar-laden ingredients. These fats create that luscious, velvety texture keto followers crave, making the sauce rich and satisfying.
Q3: Can you substitute any ingredients for those with dietary restrictions?
A3: Absolutely! For dairy-free options, swap heavy cream with coconut cream and ghee with avocado or olive oil. Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds to thicken, if needed. Just keep an eye on carb counts to stay in ketosis.
Q4: What spices give keto butter chicken its signature flavor?
A4: Traditional Indian spices like garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a hint of chili powder are key. They infuse warmth and depth, balancing the creamy sauce without adding carbs. Fresh ginger and garlic add a punch of zest that rounds out the dish beautifully.
Q5: How do you serve butter chicken on a keto diet?
A5: Instead of pairing with rice or naan, keto butter chicken shines when served alongside cauliflower rice, sautéed greens, or roasted low-carb vegetables. This keeps the meal hearty, filling, and perfect for maintaining ketosis.
Q6: Is it easy to make keto butter chicken at home?
A6: Yes! With a handful of pantry staples and simple steps, you can whip up this creamy delight in under 40 minutes. Marinate the chicken, blend your spices, simmer in your creamy sauce, and you have a gourmet keto meal anytime.
Q7: Why should anyone try keto butter chicken?
A7: Because it’s proof you don’t have to give up flavor or indulgence while staying low-carb.It satisfies comfort food cravings with its rich creaminess and aromatic spices, all while supporting your health goals. A tasty way to keep ketosis exciting!
Enjoy crafting your own keto butter chicken masterpiece, where traditional Indian warmth meets modern low-carb goodness!
To Wrap It Up
in the vibrant world of low-carb cuisine, Keto Butter Chicken emerges as a star-infusing traditional Indian flavors with a creamy, satisfying twist that keeps your carb count in check. This recipe not only honors the rich heritage of classic butter chicken but also caters perfectly to those embracing a ketogenic lifestyle.Whether you’re a seasoned keto enthusiast or simply exploring new culinary horizons, this creamy, aromatic dish promises a delightful journey for your taste buds without compromising your dietary goals. So go ahead, savor every luscious bite of this Indian delight, and let your keto kitchen be filled with the warm, inviting aromas of authentic flavor made fresh and guilt-free.
