Try This Instant Pot Keto Butter Chicken With Rich and Bold Flavors
What Are the Ingredients in a Keto Butter Chicken Recipe?
🧑🍳 A traditional keto butter chicken recipe usually includes boneless chicken thighs, butter, heavy cream, tomato puree, garlic, ginger, and spices like garam masala and turmeric. These ingredients make a rich, flavorful dish that fits well with a keto diet and tastes great.
Enjoy a delicious and easy Instant Pot butter chicken recipe perfect for keto lovers! Packed with warm spices like garam masala and curry powder, this creamy tomato-based dish brings authentic Indian flavors right to your table.
Butter chicken is a popular dish celebrated for its creamy and rich flavor. This keto-friendly version allows you to savor the classic tastes without any guilt. Prepared with a blend of Indian spices and a creamy tomato sauce, it incorporates keto-friendly substitutes for a delicious meal that everyone can enjoy.
One of the standout features of this keto butter chicken is its compatibility with a low-carb diet, making it a healthier option for those conscious about their carb intake. By using fewer net carbs, this dish aligns perfectly with keto guidelines while still delivering on taste and satisfaction.
Indulge in a hassle-free, flavorful dinner with this irresistible butter chicken in creamy tomato sauce that’s sure to keep you coming back for more!
Table of Contents
- Why You Should Try This Keto Butter Chicken
- Essential Ingredients for Keto Butter Chicken
- Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Expert Tips for Mastering Butter Chicken
- Serving Suggestions
- Storage Instructions
- More Keto Chicken Recipes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Why You Should Try This Keto Butter Chicken
This keto butter chicken recipe is tasty, easy to make, and healthy. Many restaurant versions have sugar and high carbs, but this homemade Instant Pot butter chicken recipe keeps carbs low without losing flavor.
If you don’t cook Indian food often, you can also use this dish as a simple introduction to this cuisine. The creamy tomato sauce with garam masala offers a rich, beloved flavor. It takes about 30 minutes to make and can be cooked in a crockpot or slow cooker, making it great for busy days.
Unique Flavors of Keto Butter Chicken
The best butter chicken recipes come from mixing spices with a creamy sauce. Garam masala adds warm, earthy flavors common in Indian dishes. The tangy tomato paste and tomato sauce give the dish bold flavors that cover every piece of chicken.
The creamy tomato sauce combines with butter, resulting in a smooth and rich finish. This is what makes it a favorite comfort food for many people. When you add fresh things like ginger, garlic, and onion, each bite has a strong, tasty seasoning.
Butter chicken has a perfect mix of salty and mild spices, making it rich but not too heavy. If you’re new to Indian food or looking for a new recipe, the diverse textures and spices will make you want to try it again.
Health Benefits of This Keto-Friendly Meal
Low-carb meals, such as butter chicken, are excellent choices for anyone following a keto diet. Each serving contains only about 5-6 grams of net carbs, making it easy to stay within daily carb limits.
By using keto-friendly things like coconut cream, heavy cream, and butter, the recipe helps you stick to your macros and still gives you that rich, creamy taste.
Chicken is high in protein, helping to meet your nutritional needs and keep you fuller for longer. This dish avoids carb-heavy thickeners and sugars often found in restaurant sauces, making it a healthier choice.
Pair this keto butter chicken with basmati rice, almond flour naan, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal. It helps you avoid too many carbs while still enjoying bold flavors. Try this dish for a healthy and tasty dinner.
Essential Ingredients for Keto Butter Chicken
Making keto butter chicken, you use a mix of spices, some creamy choices, and chicken with lots of protein.
You will use garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder to add bold flavors. Tomato sauce or canned diced tomatoes bring the tangy and creamy taste found in butter chicken.
Heavy whipping cream or coconut cream can be added for the creamy base. These help the sauce stay smooth and work for the keto diet.
Choosing the Right Type of Chicken
Chicken thighs are excellent for making butter chicken. They are tender and full of flavor, and the extra fat helps the creamy sauce adhere to the meat while keeping it juicy.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this dish because they absorb the spices well as they cook.
If you don’t have thighs, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They are lean and perfect for keto diets, and they also pair well with garam masala and tomato sauce.
No matter which cut you use, cut the chicken into even pieces so they cook evenly. Whether thighs or breasts, marinate the chicken in the spice mix to soak in the flavors and keep it juicy.
Taking this extra step makes your butter chicken taste better.
Keto Substitutes for Traditional Ingredients
Traditional butter chicken is known to use a lot of dairy. But there are now keto-friendly dairy-free substitutes that help keep this dish creamy and still meet different dietary needs.
Using heavy whipping cream or full-fat Greek yogurt gives the dish a rich taste and helps to keep the carbs down.
You can also use coconut milk or coconut cream if you need a no-dairy option, which adds a smooth and slightly tropical flavor.
If you want the dish to be more tangy, sour cream is a great add-in. Its simple and tart taste goes well with the smoky flavor you get from garam masala and curry powder.
Each of these simple options makes it easy to change up butter chicken to fit your way of eating. If you want to skip dairy or lower the carbs, these substitutes still hold on to the true taste and feel of the original dish.
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need for this tasty recipe:
- 2 tbsp ghee or coconut oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, minced
- 2 lb chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
- 1 15-oz canned tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
- Cilantro or parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Make dairy-free keto butter chicken with these simple steps. First, season the chicken pieces with turmeric, chili, and garam masala to add flavor.
Let the chicken marinate for creamy, delicious results. Start by setting the Instant Pot to Sauté and heating oil.
Cut chicken breasts or thighs into small, easy-to-eat pieces. After that, cover the chicken with turmeric powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to give it a strong flavor.
Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in the Instant Pot for 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft.
Add the marinated chicken to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until it is mostly browned.
Pour in half the tomato sauce and stir well.
Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to MANUAL for 5 minutes. After it beeps, let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before manually releasing the pressure.
Open the lid and stir in the coconut milk and remaining tomato sauce.
Garnish with parsley or cilantro, and serve with basmati rice, naan, or cauliflower rice for a satisfying keto butter chicken meal.
Nutrition
Each serving of this keto butter chicken contains:
- Calories: 322
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 5g
- Protein: 28g
Expert Tips for the Best Butter Chicken
Perfecting butter chicken comes down to paying attention to small things. Always go for high-quality garam masala and fresh cilantro. These give the true taste that people look for.
If you want soft and tender chicken, marinate it overnight. You can use yogurt or sour cream with your blend of spices for the best results.
To bring out more flavor, sauté your spices first before adding any cream or sauce at medium heat. This step helps create a creamy yet thick sauce with a rich aroma and taste.
If you use these tips, you can turn a simple recipe into the best butter chicken that you or anyone else will love.
Marination Secrets for Tender Chicken
If you want to get tender chicken every time, marination is the key. You can mix yogurt, chili powder, and chopped cilantro to make a tasty base.
Put your chicken pieces in the mix and make sure they are covered. Leave the bowl in the fridge for a few hours.
This step makes the chicken tender and juicy by breaking down the tough parts. You can also add other seasonings like paprika or garlic powder to boost the flavor.
When the chicken pieces soak in the marinade, they take in all the spices and taste great when cooked. This helps your dish be full of good flavor at the end.
Balancing Spices in Butter Chicken
To make delicious butter chicken, focus on blending the spices well. Start with garam masala for warmth and richness, and add curry powder for a mild heat that complements the other flavors.
Tikka masala can make the dish both creamy and spicy. Use just a little bit because it is a bit sweet. It goes well with the tomato in butter chicken. You can add chili powder to make it more or less spicy. If you cook for kids, keep it mild.
With these spices, butter chicken tastes rich and bold, but it is still easy for most people to enjoy. Use garam masala, curry powder, tikka masala, and chili for the best result.
Serving Suggestions
Make your butter chicken stand out with good sides. Try pairing it with cauliflower rice or use baked spaghetti squash.
These work well and help make a full low-carb meal. Mashed butternut squash is also a nice choice that brings a bit of sweetness.
If you want more Indian-style sides, go for almond flour naan or hearts-of-palm pasta to keep things keto. Add some sautéed spinach or put some roasted Brussels sprouts on the side for more good stuff.
These sides go well with the rich taste of butter chicken. They help keep your meal light, tasty, and balanced.
Storage Instructions
Storing butter chicken is easy. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.
Make sure the chicken is cool before you close the lid so that you do not get extra water inside.
If you want to save it for longer, freeze the butter chicken. Put it in sealed containers and it will last up to two months.
Thaw it in the fridge overnight to preserve taste and texture. Warm slowly in a pan on low heat, adding a little water for richness.
Storing your butter chicken the right way means you can make it ahead of time. You still get to enjoy its great flavor whenever you want.
More Keto Chicken Recipes
Add more dishes to your keto menu by trying some new chicken recipes. Keto white chicken chili gives you a filling meal that is like a classic comfort food.
If you want an Asian taste, you can go for keto teriyaki chicken. Serve it over zucchini noodles for a good change.
If you feel like eating something spicy, coconut curry chicken is a top pick. It mixes some heat with rich, creamy sauce. You can also make keto chicken taco soup for strong flavors and easy steps.
These meals help you have new options as you stick with a keto diet. The dishes give you the flavor and the nutrition you want with every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Almond Milk Instead of Cream?
Yes, you can use almond milk instead of heavy cream in keto butter chicken. It does not have the same rich feel as heavy cream or coconut milk. But it still works well and helps keep the dish low in carbs. If you want the sauce to be creamier, you can mix almond milk with sour cream.
What are the Best Low-Carb Sides for This Dish?
Keto-friendly sides work well with butter chicken. You can try cauliflower rice, naan bread made with almond flour, or some mashed zucchini. All these options go with the creamy sauce and keep the net carbs low. If you want a bigger meal, add some sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables to your plate.
Are there Any Nut-Free Alternatives for this Recipe?
You can use coconut oil or olive oil instead of any almond-based ingredients to make this dish without nuts. Butter is a good choice too, as it’s safe and it makes the sauce taste better. Make sure that all spices you use are made in nut-free places so the dish is safe for everyone.
Final Thoughts
This delicious Keto Butter Chicken is not only flavorful but also health-conscious for those following a keto diet. This recipe features bold flavors and health benefits, making it an ideal choice for your meal plan.
When you use the right things and follow our expert tips, you can make a chicken recipe that will impress your family and friends. This meal is good if you want something quick for dinner or if you like to plan your meals. It can fit what you need any day.
So whenever you’re craving Indian food, try this dish now and make your dinner feel special. If you want help just for you, you can book a free talk with our cooking experts.