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Keto Indian Butter Chicken
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Keto Indian Butter Chicken

Tender chicken is simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce to create this rich Keto Indian Butter Chicken. Infused with aromatic seasonings, it delivers bold flavor while remaining low-carb.
Course Mains
Cuisine Indian
Keyword Chicken
Dietary Preference Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, High-Protein
Cooking time Over 1 Hour
Main Ingredient Chicken
Skill Level Intermediate
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 4 people
Calories 1319 kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds chicken thighs
  • 1 ½ cups full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 ½ tablespoons ground turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons garam masala
  • 3 tablespoons cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 4 teaspoons olive oil
  • 2 medium yellow onions diced
  • 3 tablespoons ginger paste
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 medium tomatoes diced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and diced
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • ⅔ cup chicken stock
  • 1 ½ tsp tomato paste
  • 1 ½ cup heavy cream
  • fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  • Place 3 pounds chicken thighs in large bowl. Add 1 ½ cups full-fat Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 ½ tablespoons ground turmeric, 2 tablespoons garam masala, 3 tablespoons cumin powder, and 1 teaspoon curry powder. Mix well.
    1 ½ cups full-fat Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 ½ tablespoons ground turmeric, 2 tablespoons garam masala, 3 tablespoons cumin powder, 1 teaspoon curry powder, 3 pounds chicken thighs
  • Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 12 hours.
  • In large pan, melt ½ cup unsalted butter and 4 teaspoons olive oil over medium heat. Stir in 2 medium yellow onions and cook until soft.
    ½ cup unsalted butter, 2 medium yellow onions
  • Add 3 tablespoons ginger paste and 4 garlic cloves to pan and continue cooking until onions are golden brown.
    4 garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons ginger paste
  • Mix in 2 medium tomatoes, 1 jalapeño pepper and salt and pepper to taste. Then cook for an additional 7 to 10 minutes.
    2 medium tomatoes, 1 jalapeño pepper
  • Place chicken into pan with marinade and cook for five minutes before adding ⅔ cup chicken stock. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
  • Add 1 ½ tsp tomato paste and 1 ½ cup heavy cream, then simmer for five minutes.
    1 ½ cup heavy cream, 1 ½ tsp tomato paste
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
    fresh cilantro

Video

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, incorporate more jalapeño pepper or red chili flakes.
  • To make this a dairy-free butter chicken keto recipe, substitute full-fat Greek yogurt, heavy cream, and butter with unsweetened coconut yogurt, coconut cream, and olive oil.
  • Replace chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets for a delicious vegan-friendly option.
  • Make this meal in advance by marinating the chicken overnight and finishing final steps before serving.
  • Use a slow cooker for a more flavorful and tender chicken or make instant pot butter chicken if you are short of time. 

Nutrition

Calories: 1319kcal | Net carbs: 18g | Fat: 110g | Protein: 61g