Butter chicken is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. But what if you’re keto and think you’ve lost the right to indulge? Wrong.
This keto butter chicken recipe slaps just as hard as the original, minus the carbs. No sad, flavorless “diet” food here. Just tender chicken swimming in a buttery, spiced tomato sauce that’ll make you forget you’re even on keto.
Ready to upgrade your meal prep game? Let’s go.
Why This Recipe Works
This isn’t just another bland keto imitation. The magic lies in balancing richness with bold spices.
Heavy cream and butter keep it low-carb while delivering that iconic velvety texture. Garam masala, turmeric, and cumin bring the heat (and the flavor). And since we’re skipping the sugar-laden sauces, you get all the indulgence without the guilt.
Pro tip: It’s also stupidly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, because we’re not savages)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (the keto MVP)
- 1/4 cup butter (no compromises)
- 1 cup tomato puree (sugar-free, obviously)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (fresh or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp garam masala (the soul of the dish)
- 1 tsp turmeric (for color and anti-inflammatory bragging rights)
- 1 tsp cumin (because why not?)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, unless you enjoy bland food)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish, aka Instagram appeal)
How to Make Keto Butter Chicken: Step-by-Step
- Marinate the chicken: Toss chicken thighs with half the garam masala, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 15 minutes (or overnight if you’re fancy).
- Sear the chicken: Melt half the butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden (about 4 minutes per side).
Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining butter and ginger-garlic paste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant (don’t burn it—this isn’t a tragedy).
- Build the sauce: Stir in tomato puree and the rest of the spices. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Finish with cream: Reduce heat to low, add heavy cream, and stir.
Return chicken to the pan and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Top with cilantro. Devour like you’ve earned it (you have).
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove (microwaving risks separating the sauce, and nobody wants that).
For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Why You Should Make This ASAP
Beyond tasting like a cheat meal, this dish is high in protein and healthy fats, keeping you full for hours. It’s also gluten-free, sugar-free, and packed with anti-inflammatory spices.
Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. Win-win.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken: It’ll turn rubbery. Cook just until done, then let the sauce finish it.
- Using light cream: This is keto.
Go full-fat or go home.
- Skipping the marination: The spices need time to work their magic. Patience, grasshopper.
- Blasting the heat: High heat can curdle the cream. Low and slow wins the race.
Ingredient Alternatives
No heavy cream?
Use coconut cream for a dairy-free twist. Chicken thighs too fatty? Swap for breasts (but expect less flavor).
Out of garam masala? Mix cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves as a quick fix. Tomato puree not your thing?
Crushed tomatoes work, but drain excess liquid.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cream?
Yes, but it’ll thicken the sauce more and add a tangy twist. Stick to full-fat yogurt to keep it keto-friendly.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not inherently. Adjust the garam masala and cumin to your tolerance.
Want heat? Add chili powder or cayenne.
Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Just store sauce and chicken together.
What sides go well with this?
Cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a simple salad. Or just eat it straight from the pan—we won’t judge.
Final Thoughts
This keto butter chicken proves you don’t need carbs to enjoy bold, satisfying flavors. It’s quick, foolproof, and tastes like a hug from the inside.
Make it once, and it’ll become a staple. Now go forth and keto-fy your life—one buttery bite at a time.
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Andreas – Keto recipe creator who lost 40lbs and discovered his love for low-carb cooking. 300+ tested recipes | 5 years of keto experience | Real food for real people. No certifications, just results that taste amazing!