This Low Carb Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Indian dish, featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce that is both satisfying and guilt-free. With its aromatic spices and buttery texture, this dish offers all the flavors you love without the high carb count. It’s perfect for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet and makes for a comforting weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this low carb butter chicken not just for its incredible flavor but also for its simplicity. The dish is packed with warm spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander, creating layers of flavor in every bite. The cooking process is straightforward, requiring minimal prep time, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. Plus, with its low carb profile, this recipe fits perfectly into your health-conscious lifestyle without sacrificing taste.
Tips and Tricks
To ensure your low carb butter chicken is a hit, here are some tips and tricks to enhance your cooking experience:
- Marinate the Chicken: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible. This not only enhances the taste but also tenderizes the meat.
- Use Ghee or Clarified Butter: For an authentic flavor, use ghee instead of regular butter. It has a higher smoke point and adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley for an added burst of freshness.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.
Make Ahead Tips
For meal prep enthusiasts, this low carb butter chicken is an excellent dish to make ahead of time.
- Marinate the Chicken: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Cooked Chicken Storage: The cooked butter chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, so it’s perfect for meal prep.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize your low carb butter chicken with these variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Spicy Version: Add more chili powder or fresh green chilies for a spicier kick.
- Coconut Flavor: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a tropical twist.
- Baked Version: Try baking the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, then combine with the sauce.
How to Serve
Serve your low carb butter chicken hot from the stove, garnished with fresh cilantro. It pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete meal. For a touch of elegance, consider serving it in a shallow bowl, drizzled with extra cream and a few cilantro leaves on top.
Pairing Suggestions
To complement your low carb butter chicken, consider these pairing suggestions:
- Drink Pairings: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing gin and tonic works well. For a non-alcoholic option, try mint-infused iced tea.
- Side Dishes: Serve with cucumber raita or a fresh salad with lemon dressing to balance the richness of the dish.
- Dessert: Finish off with a low carb dessert, such as almond flour cookies or a slice of keto cheesecake.
How to Store
To store leftovers effectively:
- Refrigerator: Keep the butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container. It’s best to consume within 3 months for optimal flavor.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to maintain creaminess. Avoid reheating in the microwave for best results.
Equipment Needed
You will need the following kitchen equipment:
- A large skillet or sauté pan for cooking the chicken and sauce.
- A mixing bowl for marinating the chicken.
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring.
- An airtight container for storage.
Dietary Adaptations
For those with dietary restrictions, here are some adaptations:
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and ghee.
- Nut-Free: This recipe is naturally nut-free; just ensure any additional ingredients are also nut-free.
- Vegan: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use a plant-based cream like cashew cream.
Seasonal Adaptations
Depending on the season, you can adapt your low carb butter chicken:
- Winter: Add root vegetables like cauliflower or turnips for a heartier dish.
- Summer: Incorporate fresh vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a lighter version.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but it’s best to thaw it completely before marinating.
- What can I substitute for heavy cream? Coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk can be used, but for a thicker sauce, stick with heavy cream.
- How long should I cook the chicken? Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
How To Make low carb butter chicken recipe
Low Carb Butter Chicken
This Low Carb Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Indian dish, featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce that is both satisfying and guilt-free.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cubed
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup ghee or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt. Add chicken and coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat ghee over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, cooking for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Reduce heat to low, pour in heavy cream, and stir to combine. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 682Total Fat 52gSaturated Fat 28gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 21gCholesterol 319mgSodium 924mgCarbohydrates 11gFiber 2gSugar 7gProtein 47g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This low carb butter chicken recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish while staying true to your dietary goals. It’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying, making it a perfect option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for family, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and share the love of good food with those around you.