For those following a ketogenic diet, finding satisfying and flavorful meals can sometimes be a challenge. But with this Keto Butter Chicken recipe, you can enjoy a classic Indian dish without compromising your low-carb lifestyle. This recipe is designed to be easy to make any night of the week, using simple ingredients and taking less than 30 minutes to prepare.
Why Butter Chicken is a Great Keto Option
Traditional butter chicken can often be loaded with sugar and non-keto-friendly thickening agents. This keto version eliminates those unwanted ingredients while retaining all the rich, aromatic flavors that make butter chicken so beloved. The base of the sauce is made with tomato sauce and tomato paste, combined with heavy cream and butter to create a creamy, decadent texture.
Two Approaches: Stovetop or Instant Pot
This article provides two methods for making keto butter chicken: the traditional stovetop method and a quicker Instant Pot version. Both methods deliver delicious results, so choose the one that best suits your preferences and available equipment.
Keto Butter Chicken Recipe (Stovetop)
This stovetop recipe is simple and quick, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken (any cut, but thighs are recommended for flavor and fat content)
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Salt
- Chili powder
- Cinnamon
- Butter
- Onion
- Garlic
- Heavy whipping cream
- Tomato paste
Instructions:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and generously coat them in turmeric, ginger, salt, chili powder, and cinnamon. Set aside in a bowl.
- Heat a skillet to medium heat and add the butter. As the butter melts, dice the onion and garlic and add them to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Increase the pan heat to medium-high and add the chicken. Cook it almost entirely through - the outside should be white, about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the chicken looks almost fully cooked, add in the heavy whipping cream and tomato paste. Using a spatula, mix in the tomato paste so it runs smoothly through the heavy whipping cream, creating an orange color.
- Turn the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the lid and combine. The chicken should be fully cooked. If you prefer a thicker curry sauce, allow it to reduce with the lid off until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Serve with low-carb naan or over cauliflower rice.
Keto Butter Chicken Recipe (Instant Pot)
The Instant Pot method creates incredibly tender chicken and a rich, creamy sauce with minimal effort.
Read also: Creamy Keto Dessert
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- Butter
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Tomato sauce (no added sugar)
- Tomato paste
- Red curry paste
- Garam masala
- Ground ginger
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Heavy cream
- Cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Set your Instant Pot to SAUTE. Add the butter, onion, and garlic. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes until the onions are tender. Press OFF to cancel the saute.
- Add the chicken broth to the pot and use a spatula or spoon to scrape up any browned bits off of the bottom.
- Add the tomato sauce, red curry paste, and tomato paste to the pot. Sprinkle in the garam masala, ground ginger, salt, and smoked paprika and stir everything together.
- Add the chicken to the liquid and lock the lid in place. Turn the pressure valve to seal it. Set to HIGH PRESSURE for 7 minutes.
- When the timer goes off, do a natural release for 5 minutes and then turn the valve on top to VENTING to let the remaining steam out of the pressure cooker.
- Remove the lid and, using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the sauce and set aside.
- Add the heavy cream to the pot and, using an immersion blender, puree the sauce until smooth (optional).
- Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE and stir the sauce while simmering for 7-10 minutes, or until it thickens. Turn OFF saute.
- Add the chicken back to the sauce, stir together, and serve with a garnish of cilantro.
Tips for the Best Keto Butter Chicken
- Choosing Your Chicken: While any cut of chicken can be used, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their flavor, tenderness, and higher fat content, which is beneficial for keto.
- Spice Level: Butter chicken is generally not a spicy dish. The level of heat will depend on the spiciness of the red curry paste you choose. For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Thickening the Sauce: Cornstarch is often used to thicken butter chicken sauce, but it's not necessary for a keto version. Simmering the sauce in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop will naturally thicken it.
- Tomato Options: Canned tomato sauce will give you a smooth and velvety sauce. Pomi Chopped Tomatoes or diced tomatoes (undrained) can also be used, but they will result in a chunkier sauce.
- Cream Alternatives: While heavy cream is recommended for the creamiest texture, full-fat Greek yogurt or coconut milk can also be used.
Serving Suggestions
- Cauliflower Rice: Serve your keto butter chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice for a classic and satisfying low-carb meal.
- Low-Carb Naan: Enjoy with homemade or store-bought low-carb naan for dipping into the delicious sauce.
- Vegetables: Pair with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or spinach.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Let the butter chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
- Freezer: Let the butter chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra cream or butter to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. If reheating frozen keto butter chicken, thaw it for 24 hours in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations
- Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Lemon Asparagus: For a different take on butter chicken, try making garlic butter chicken bites with lemon asparagus. This one-skillet dish features tender chicken pieces in a garlic-butter sauce, served with crisp asparagus.
- Vegetarian Butter Chicken: Substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) for a vegetarian version.
Nutritional Information
Keto Butter Chicken is a great option for those watching their carbohydrate intake. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but this recipe is generally low in carbs and high in fat.
Read also: Easy Keto Cake Recipe
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