You want restaurant flavor without the regret? Good. This Keto Indian Butter Chicken hits like a Friday-night takeout order but keeps carbs low and satisfaction high.
It’s rich, silky, and unapologetically bold—exactly what your taste buds have been begging for. No obscure ingredients, no culinary gymnastics. Just creamy tomato-butter perfection you can pull off on a weeknight and brag about the next day.
What Makes This Recipe Awesome
- Legit flavor, zero compromise: Classic butter chicken taste with a keto-friendly twist—no sugar-heavy sauces or carb traps.
- Weeknight-friendly: Marinate while you answer emails.
Cook in under 30 minutes. Eat like royalty.
- Meal-prep gold: Better the next day. The sauce thickens, the spices mellow, and your lunch is suddenly elite.
- Customizable heat: Mild or spicy—your call.
You control the chili, not the other way around.
- Restaurant-level sauce: Ghee, cream, and tomatoes blend into a silky finish that clings to every bite. Yes, please.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (juicier than breast, but breast works).
- Yogurt (for marinade): 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt (adds tang and tenderizes without carbs).
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (brightens and tenderizes).
- Ginger-garlic paste: 2 tablespoons (or 1 tbsp each minced ginger and garlic).
- Garam masala: 2 teaspoons (warm spice backbone).
- Kashmiri chili powder or paprika: 2 teaspoons (color without overpowering heat).
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon.
- Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt: 1–1.5 teaspoons, divided (season as you go).
- Ghee or butter: 3 tablespoons (ghee for deeper flavor; butter if that’s what you have).
- Tomato passata or crushed tomatoes: 1.5 cups (no added sugar; check the label).
- Heavy cream: 3/4 cup (or 1/2 cup for lighter; coconut cream if dairy-free).
- Fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi): 1–2 teaspoons, crushed (signature butter chicken aroma).
- Green chili: 1 small, slit (optional heat).
- Sweetener (optional): 1/2 teaspoon erythritol or allulose to balance acidity (optional but nice).
- Fresh cilantro: Small handful, chopped (garnish).
Cooking Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and 1 tsp salt. Add chicken pieces and coat thoroughly.
Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes, up to 12 hours for max flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a large skillet over medium-high. Shake off excess marinade and sear chicken in batches, 2–3 minutes per side until lightly charred. Don’t cook through; we’ll finish in sauce.
Remove and set aside.
- Build the sauce base: In the same pan, add remaining ghee. If the pan is dry, add a touch more. Toss in the slit green chili (if using).
Pour in tomatoes, scrape up brown bits, and simmer on medium for 6–8 minutes to reduce acidity.
- Season the sauce: Add 1/2 tsp salt, a pinch of chili powder if you want heat, and sweetener if your tomatoes are very tangy. Simmer another 2 minutes.
- Blend (optional but pro move): For ultra-smooth sauce, blend with an immersion blender right in the pan until velvety. Totally worth it IMO.
- Add cream and fenugreek: Stir in heavy cream and crushed fenugreek leaves.
Keep heat low; don’t let it boil hard or it may split. Taste and adjust salt.
- Finish the chicken: Return seared chicken and any juices to the pan. Simmer gently 8–10 minutes until cooked through and tender.
Sauce should be glossy and clingy.
- Final touch: Swirl in 1 tsp cold butter or a drizzle of ghee for sheen. Garnish with cilantro. Take a victory smell.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Flavor deepens by day two.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Low and slow on the stovetop. Add a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Keto friendly without weirdness: No flour thickeners, no sugar bombs.
Just classic technique with smart swaps.
- Protein-forward: Chicken thighs bring satiety and flavor. Pair with cauliflower rice or sautéed greens and you’re set.
- High flavor density: Spices, ghee, and fenugreek deliver big satisfaction, which means fewer cravings later.
- Flexible for guests: Spice level is adjustable. Dairy-free options work well and still taste luxe.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Curdled sauce: Boiling cream on high heat can split it.
Keep heat medium-low after adding cream.
- Watery tomatoes: If your sauce tastes thin, simmer longer before adding cream. Evaporation equals flavor.
- Undersalted chicken: Season marinade and sauce separately. Layered salt equals restaurant flavor.
- Skipping fenugreek: You can skip it, but it’s the “aha” flavor in butter chicken.
Try to find kasuri methi.
- Using low-fat yogurt: It can break in the pan and doesn’t tenderize as well. Full-fat only.
Mix It Up
- Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and coconut oil instead of heavy cream and ghee. Slightly sweeter; adjust salt and chili.
- Air fryer chicken: Air-fry marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, then finish in sauce for smoky notes.
- Extra smoky: Add 1/4 tsp liquid smoke or a tiny pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce.
Don’t overdo it.
- Veg swap: Sub paneer or extra-firm tofu (press dry) for a vegetarian twist. Still keto, still comforting.
- Serve smart: Pair with cauliflower rice, roasted broccoli, or keto naan (almond-flour based). Carbs stay low, happiness stays high.
FAQ
Is butter chicken actually keto?
Yes, when made without sugar and flour thickeners.
This version uses tomato, cream, ghee, and spices—no hidden carbs. Check tomato labels and choose heavy cream to keep carbs minimal.
Can I use chicken breast?
Absolutely. Cut into bite-size pieces and reduce simmer time slightly to avoid drying out.
Thighs are more forgiving, but breast works fine.
What if I don’t have garam masala?
Use a mix of ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, and a pinch of cloves. Not identical, but it gets you close enough for a Tuesday win.
How do I make it spicier?
Add more chili powder, a chopped green chili, or a dash of cayenne. Start small; you can always add heat, but you can’t take it back (sadly).
Can I skip the yogurt in the marinade?
You can use 2 tablespoons heavy cream plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice as a stand-in.
Yogurt tenderizes better, though, so expect a slightly firmer bite.
What’s the carb count per serving?
It varies by brand of tomatoes and cream, but typically around 5–7g net carbs per serving (1/4 of the recipe). Always check your labels for the most accurate numbers.
Why is fenugreek important?
Fenugreek leaves add a sweet-bitter aroma that screams “butter chicken.” Without it, the dish is still good—just less iconic.
How can I thicken the sauce without flour?
Simmer to reduce, blend for a silky texture, and finish with a touch of cream. If needed, a teaspoon of cream cheese melts in and thickens nicely, FYI.
My Take
Butter chicken is one of those “how is this legal?” comfort foods, and the keto version doesn’t need to feel like a compromise.
By respecting the sauce—reducing the tomatoes, keeping the heat gentle with cream, and finishing with fenugreek—you get that restaurant-level gloss at home. The marinade does the heavy lifting, the pan sear brings the drama, and the final simmer locks it all in. Cook it once and it slides straight into your weekly rotation—because great flavor beats willpower every time.
- PREMIUM KITCHENS OF INDIA CURRY PASTE COMBO: Experience the authentic taste of mouth-watering Indian cuisine with this p…
- READY IN MINUTES: Your favourite Indian dishes bursting with flavours can be ready in just minutes. Simply add water and…
- VERSATILE AUTHENTIC TASTE: Feel like a Master Chef as you create rich and flavourful traditional Indian curry sauces in …
- A DELICIOUS INDIAN SIMMER SAUCE: Maya Kaimal’s Butter Masala is a mild and buttery sauce with a hint of chili. Simmer wi…
- KITCHEN-CRAFTED INDIAN FOOD: Ready to eat recipes and flavors inspired by Maya’s family and her travels. Thoughtfully re…
- CLEAN INGREDIENTS, TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES: Our Indian sauces are made with premium all-natural ingredients and Maya’s ti…
- Extra Mild Version for All Tastes: This butter chicken sauce offers the same rich flavor with a much gentler spice level…
- Fast and Easy Indian Meal Prep: Make restaurant-style butter chicken at home without long cooking times. This simmer sau…
- Chef-Crafted, Trusted Quality: Developed by award-winning chef Chris Doutre, this butter chicken simmer sauce blends aut…
Printable Recipe Card
Want just the essential recipe details without scrolling through the article? Get our printable recipe card with just the ingredients and instructions.
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!