Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
This Keto Butter Chicken is a delicious and easy low-carb skillet dinner that's ready in less than 30 minutes!
It's our favorite Indian recipe, and we've made a little twist by using ghee instead of butter to enhance its nutritional value. Let's try rich Indian food flavorswithout compromising your dietary goals with this butter chicken recipe.
What is ghee?
If you haven't tried ghee before, it is like concentrated butter, and it kind of has a nutty and butterier flavor but with even more nutritional benefits. This is great for those following a keto diet. Since ghee is essentially concentrated butter (without the milk solids), the nutrients and vitamins in regular butter are condensed in ghee. This makes it a nutritional powerhouse.
Compelled enough? Let's dig into the recipe right now!
Jump to:
- What is ghee?
- Preparation and cooking overview
- Chef's note
- 🥘 Ingredients for this keto butter chicken recipe
- Ingredient substitutions
- Additional ingredients
- Cooking tools required
- Tools substitute options
- How to make Keto Butter Chicken: step-by-step guide
- Cooking methods
- Preparation steps
- Cooking instructions
- What to serve with keto butter chicken?
- How to make it healthier?
- Time-saving tips
- What can I prepare ahead of time?
- Storage and reheating instructions
- Recipe wrap-up and conclusion
- Frequently asked questions
- 📖 Recipe
Preparation and cooking overview
To make Keto Butter Chicken, marinate 2-inch pieces of boneless chicken breasts with garam masala, ginger, garlic, and yogurt. Pan-sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side, add the sauce, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Finish by adding heavy cream and ghee, cook for one more minute, and serve with garnished cilantro and optional cauliflower rice.
Chef's note
Butter chicken and naan are a staple in Indian cuisine, but don't feel left out on your keto diet! Enjoy our low-carb flatbread Keto Naan with this recipe and scoop out all the creamy sauce. We bet you're never going to eat butter chicken alone!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 Minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Recipe Makes 6 Servings
For more inspiration check out our Chicken recipe.
🥘 Ingredients for this keto butter chicken recipe
To make this keto chicken recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 pound chicken breast cubed
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 3 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 ounce whole milk plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Butter chicken sauce
- 2 tablespoons ghee or butter
- 1 onion
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 14.5-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- ½ tablespoon garam masala
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Sea salt, to taste
Optional topping
- Minced cilantro
- Sliced fresh jalapeños
Ingredient substitutions
Do you see anything you want to replace due to personal preference? Here are some keto-friendly substitutes!
- Chicken breast: You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenderloins for a juicy and flavorful option.
- Garam masala: Make homemade garam masala using keto-friendly spices such as cumin, coriander, cinnamon, black pepper, and cardamom. Blend them in the food processor, and it's done!
- Fresh ginger: You can use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger powderfor a milder flavor.
- Greek yogurt: You can substitute Greek yogurt with coconut milk yogurt or almond milk yogurt for a dairy-free option. Alternatively, you can also use sour cream instead of it.
- Ghee: Can't find ghee? Use avocado or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Heavy cream: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream orfull-fat coconut milkfor a dairy-free option.
- Onion: Need a milder flavor? Use shallots or leaks instead of onions!
- Crushed tomatoes: Replace canned tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes or tomato sauce.
Additional ingredients
Check out these flavor-boosting additions:
- Turmeric powder: A crucial spice in Indian cuisine, turmeric powder adds that authentic Indian food flavor. Sprinkle a pinch of turmeric powder to enjoy its vibrant color and enriched taste.
- Jalapenos: Sprinkle some sliced jalapenos as a topping to this recipe!
- Fresh cilantro: Chop fresh cilantro and sprinkle it on top.
- Red chili flakes: Sprinkle some red chili flakes for added heat and spice.
To make this Keto Butter Chicken Recipe, you will need the following cooking tools:
- Large bowl
- Blender or food processor
- Large cast iron skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Mixing spoon
- Whisk (optional)
- Serving platter
Tools substitute options
- Cast iron skillet: If you don't have a cast iron skillet, use any large stainless steel skillet or a pan.
How to make Keto Butter Chicken: step-by-step guide
Cooking methods
- Pan-searing
- Simmering
Preparation steps
- Gather all the necessary ingredients.
- Measure the ingredients precisely.
- Wash and cut the vegetables as required.
- Grate ginger and mince garlic.
- Cube the chicken breasts if they are not cubed.
- Prepare any additional ingredients or toppings you want to choose.
Cooking instructions
- Cut the chicken into 2-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl.
- Add garam masala, grated ginger, and minced garlic to the bowl. Stir in the yogurt until well combined. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Place the onion, ginger, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and spices in a blender or food processor for the sauce. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken along with the marinade to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and cook for 5 to 6 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and ghee, and cook for another minute.
- Taste the dish and add additional salt if needed.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with cauliflower rice, if desired.
Chef's pro tip
For tastier and tender chicken, let it sit in the marinade in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the flavors soak into the meat, making it super tender. Take your time with this step, it really amps up the deliciousness of the recipe!
What to serve with keto butter chicken?
The best thing about our butter chicken is that you can pair it with other side dishes and low-carb bread to make a complete meal. Here are some keto-friendly options:
- Keto bread: Enjoy a slice of keto-friendly bread, like our Keto Dinner Rolls, alongside the butter chicken for a satisfying and balanced meal.
- Keto naan: We root for butter chicken and naan; everyone should! Our Keto Naanis such a great way to scoop up the delicious chicken curry. This keto flatbread goes perfectly with all low-carb chicken recipes!
- Cauliflower rice: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice and serve it with this creamy chicken.
- Cucumber raita: Prepare a refreshing cucumber raita by combining yogurt, cucumbers, and spices, and enjoy it with the spicy butter chicken.
- Mixed green salad: A simple green salad with fresh vegetables elevates the whole meal. You can also try Asian Cucumber, Arugula Salad, Broccoli Salad, or Caprese Salad for a light, refreshing side.
How to make it healthier?
- Use low-sodium or salt-free spices and seasonings instead of regular ones.
- Choose organic ingredientswhenever possible.
- Add more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish.
Time-saving tips
- Buy pre-diced chicken if you're really in a hurry.
What can I prepare ahead of time?
- Pre-cut and marinate the chicken: Cut the chicken into 2-inch pieces and season it with the marinadeahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
- Pre-blend the sauce ingredients: Blend the onion, ginger, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and spices for the sauce in advance. Store the blended sauce in the refrigerator for later use. This way, you'll have the sauce ready to go, and you can simply pour it into the skillet when needed.
Storage and reheating instructions
Storage tips
To keep your leftover butter chicken fresh, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Make sure the dish has cooled down before refrigerating to preserve its quality. Avoid freezing, as it can affect the texture and flavor of the dish.
Reheating best practices
- Stovetop: Place the desired portion of the leftovers in a skillet or pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
- Microwave: Transfer a portion of leftovers to a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches the desired temperature.
Note: If the dish thickens after refrigeration, don't worry! Just add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen up the sauce and bring back that perfect consistency. Enjoy your delicious butter chicken!
Recipe wrap-up and conclusion
This Keto Butter Chicken is perfect for those on a low-carb journey. Enjoy the fantastic flavors of traditional Indian cuisine with a keto twist. Creamy, flavorful sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic spices make it a truly satisfying dish. And the best part? It's easy to make and keeps you feeling full for hours!
Looking for more Keto Indian recipes? Check these out!
- Keto Chicken Tikka Masala Meatballs
- Keto Vegan Tofu Vindaloo
- Chicken Tikka Masala Soup
- Keto Halloumi Fries: Indian Style
- Low-Carb Biryani with Shrimp
- Keto Naan
- Curry In A Hurry
- Tandoori Chicken Bowls
- Keto Chicken Tikka Masala
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can! Simply use a butter substitute instead of the ghee or butter and swap the heavy cream for coconut milk. Miyoko's vegan butter is a great dairy-free option as well.
A bit, but it's pretty mild, especially if you leave out the sliced jalapeños.
This recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep! Just store them in airtight containers once the chicken is cooled down.
Yes, this butter chicken is keto-friendly. You can enjoy a delicious keto version of butter chicken by using keto-friendly substitutions and controlling the amount of carbs in the sauce.
Our recipe has 6g net carbs per serving. The carb content can vary depending on the recipe and specific ingredients used. However, with our keto twist to this recipe, the net carbs are very low. For detailed information on net carbs, please refer to our recipe card at the bottom.
Traditional butter chicken has dairy (butter, cream, yogurt), but a dairy-free version uses ghee/coconut oil and coconut/cashew cream, making it keto-friendly and dairy-free.
📖 Recipe
Keto Butter Chicken
This Keto Butter Chicken is a spin on our favorite Indian dish. It’s super easy to make, only takes about 30 minutes, and everyone at your table will love it!
4.51 from 57 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: 30-minute, butter chicken, easy, keto, low carb
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 293kcal
Ingredients
- 1.5 pound chicken breast cubed
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 3 teaspoons fresh ginger grated
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 ounce whole milk plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Butter chicken sauce
- 2 tablespoons ghee or butter
- 1 onion
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger grated
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 14.5- ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- ½ tablespoon garam masala
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Sea salt to taste
Optional topping
- Minced cilantro
- Sliced fresh jalapeños
US Customary - Metric
Instructions
Cut the chicken into 2-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl.
Add garam masala, grated ginger, and minced garlic to the bowl. Stir in the yogurt until well combined. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Place the onion, ginger, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and spices in a blender or food processor for the sauce. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated chicken along with the marinade to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned.
Pour in the prepared sauce and cook for 5 to 6 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and ghee, and cook for another minute.
Taste the dish and add additional salt if needed.
Garnish with cilantro and serve with cauliflower rice, if desired.
Notes
Nutritional information does not include cauliflower rice.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Keto Butter Chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 293Calories from Fat 153
% Daily Value*
Fat 17g26%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Cholesterol 111mg37%
Sodium 278mg12%
Potassium 724mg21%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 29g58%
Vitamin A 697IU14%
Vitamin C 10mg12%
Calcium 84mg8%
Iron 2mg11%
*
Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.
# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
