Keto Butter Chicken
A rich, creamy, and aromatic low-carb Keto Butter Chicken recipe featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs cooked in a luscious tomato-based butter sauce infused with fragrant spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a healthy keto lifestyle, providing flavorful comfort without the carbs.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Keto, Gluten Free, Low-Carb
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Dairy
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Produce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Spices & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Lightly season with salt and pepper, then set aside while preparing the sauce ingredients.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
- Toast Spices: Add garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder to the pan. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aromas.
- Add Chicken and Tomato Paste: Stir the chicken pieces into the spiced butter mixture and cook until lightly browned. Add the tomato paste and mix well, allowing it to cook down slightly for about 3 minutes.
- Pour in Heavy Cream and Simmer: Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring to combine and create a silky sauce. Reduce heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce until cooked through and tender, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Finish with Fresh Cilantro: Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
- Use thigh meat for juicier, more flavorful results; chicken breast can be used but may be less tender.
- Butter is essential for authentic richness; ghee is a great alternative for dairy-free versions.
- Toast spices well to enhance the aroma and depth of flavor.
- Simmer the sauce on low heat to thicken naturally and meld flavors.
- Adjust cream quantity to achieve desired sauce consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
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