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keto butter chicken

Keto Butter Chicken

This keto butter chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that captures the essence of traditional Indian cuisine while keeping it low in carbs. It's perfect for those following a keto diet and can be served with cauliflower rice or keto naan.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
marinate 28 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 50 grams butter
  • 100 grams onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 grams fresh ginger, grated
  • 200 grams canned tomatoes, pureed
  • 100 ml heavy cream
  • 30 grams Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
  • 10 grams garam masala
  • 5 grams ground cumin
  • 5 grams ground coriander
  • 2 grams turmeric powder
  • 2 grams chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 10 grams fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Greek yogurt, half of the garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Cook the Chicken:In a large skillet, melt half the butter over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
  4. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the pureed tomatoes, remaining spices, and salt. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Finish the Dish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy with cauliflower rice or keto naan for a complete meal.

Notes

  1. Coconut Cream Butter Chicken:
    • Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version. This will add a subtle coconut flavor while keeping it keto-friendly.
  2. Paneer Butter Masala:
    • Substitute chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for a vegetarian option. Paneer is low in carbs and high in protein, making it a great keto choice.
  3. Spicy Butter Chicken:
    • Increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh green chilies to the sauce for a spicier version. Adjust the heat level to your preference while keeping it low-carb.
  4. Herb-Infused Butter Chicken:
    • Add fresh herbs like cilantro and mint to the sauce for an aromatic twist. This variation enhances the flavor profile without adding carbs.
  5. Lemon Butter Chicken:
    • Add a splash of lemon juice and zest to the sauce for a tangy variation. This adds a refreshing flavor while maintaining the keto-friendly nature of the dish.
  6. Garlic Butter Chicken:
    • Increase the amount of garlic in the recipe for a more pronounced garlic flavor. Garlic adds depth to the dish without increasing the carbohydrate content.
  7. Keto Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice:
    • Serve the butter chicken with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. This keeps the meal low in carbs while providing a satisfying base.
  8. Almond Butter Chicken:
    • Add a tablespoon of almond butter to the sauce for a nutty flavor. This variation adds healthy fats and richness to the dish.
  9. Keto Butter Chicken with Spinach:
    • Stir in fresh spinach leaves towards the end of cooking for added nutrients and color. Spinach is low in carbs and complements the creamy sauce well.
  10. Smoky Butter Chicken:
    • Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce for a smoky flavor. This variation adds complexity to the dish while keeping it keto-friendly.
These variations allow you to enjoy different flavors and textures while keeping the dish low in carbohydrates and suitable for a keto diet.