Keto Butter Chicken
A rich, restaurant-style butter chicken made keto with heavy cream and a spiced tomato-butter sauce. All the warmth of the classic without the sugar or starch.
The takeout favorite, made low carb
Butter chicken is one of those dishes people assume they have to give up on keto, mostly because restaurant versions lean on sugar and heavy tomato paste. The truth is the flavor comes from the spice bloom and the cream, not the sugar.
This version keeps the sauce silky with heavy cream and a modest amount of tomato, so you get all the warmth of the original while staying comfortably in single-digit net carbs per serving.
- Bloom the spices in butter for the deepest flavor
- Marinate the chicken while you prep the sauce
- Finish with a knob of cold butter for gloss
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks (net carbs →)
- 1/2 cup plain full-fat yogurt
- 1 tablespoon garam masala, divided
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (net carbs →)
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided (net carbs →)
- 1 small onion, finely diced (net carbs →)
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (net carbs →)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 3/4 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (net carbs →)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Fresh cilantro, for serving (net carbs →)
Instructions
- 1In a bowl, combine the chicken with the yogurt, half the garam masala, the ginger, and half the garlic. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
- 2Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken in batches until browned. Set aside.
- 3Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining butter, and cook the onion until soft, about 4 minutes.
- 4Stir in the remaining garlic, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and remaining garam masala. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5Add the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes to concentrate the flavor.
- 6Pour in the heavy cream, return the chicken with any juices, and simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
- 7Season with salt, garnish with cilantro, and serve over cauliflower rice.
Nutrition (per serving)
Recipe FAQ
What should I serve with keto butter chicken?
Cauliflower rice is the classic pairing and soaks up the sauce beautifully. Sauteed spinach or a simple cucumber salad also work well if you want to keep the carb count low.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, though thighs stay juicier in the simmering sauce. If you use breast, cut it into large chunks and add it toward the end of cooking so it does not dry out.
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What should I eat today?
Turn the ingredients you like or already have into a keto breakfast, lunch & dinner — net carbs counted.