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Keto Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

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Creamy, mild, and packed with flavor, this keto Indian butter chicken is everything you want in comfort food without the carbs. Perfect for easy dinners and totally beginner-friendly. Made in one skillet, it pairs great with green beans or cauliflower rice and works for anyone following a keto diet or looking for healthy dinner recipes.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into chunks)

  • 2 tbsp butter or ghee

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup tomato puree (no sugar added)

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp ground coriander

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 1/2 tsp turmeric

  • 1/2 tsp garam masala

  • 1/4 tsp ground cardamom

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Brown the chicken pieces for 4–5 minutes, then set aside.

  • In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Sauté chopped onions until golden. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute.

  • Stir in cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garam masala, and cardamom. Let it toast for 30–60 seconds.

  • Pour in tomato puree. Simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and reduce heat.

  • Return chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 12–15 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.

  • Add lemon juice, stir well, and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs are juicier than breasts—don’t substitute unless needed.

  • You can double the batch and freeze leftovers.

  • Use cauliflower rice or a Green Beans Skillet as a keto-friendly side.

  • Adjust seasoning to taste if you prefer more spice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.wellnesswarrior.org/keto-indian-butter-chicken/