5 Ingredient Keto Butter Chicken

The first time my husband walked through the door while this was simmering, he actually stopped dead in his tracks and asked what restaurant Id ordered from. That buttery, aromatic garam masala scent fills the whole house so quickly that now when I make it, I know to expect everyone wandering into the kitchen looking hungry. We discovered this recipe during our early keto days when we were both missing rich, comforting sauces, and honestly, its become more of a regular rotation than our old takeout ever was.

Last winter, during that week where it seemed like everyone was getting sick, I made a double batch of this and dropped some off at my neighbors house. She texted me an hour later saying it was the first thing her family had actually wanted to eat in days, and now whenever I make it, I get these hopeful texts from her asking if theres extra. Theres something about that warm, spiced cream sauce that just feels like comfort in a bowl, you know

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless give you the best ratio of tender meat to sauce absorption, plus they stay juicy even after simmering in cream
• Unsalted butter: I use half to sear the chicken and half to finish the sauce, creating layers of buttery richness that you just cant get from oil
• Heavy cream: Full fat is non-negotiable here, it thickens beautifully into that velvety restaurant style texture
• Sugar-free tomato sauce: Passata works perfectly, just check the label to make sure theres no hidden sugar or additives
• Garam masala: This is the only spice you need, but buy fresh if you can, it makes such a difference in the aroma

Instructions

Sear the chicken:

Melt half the butter in your skillet over medium-high heat until it foams slightly, then add the chicken in a single layer without crowding the pan too much. Let each piece develop a golden brown crust, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally so all sides get that nice color.

Wake up the spices:

Sprinkle the garam masala directly over the chicken while its still in the pan, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until the fragrance releases and the spice coats the meat evenly. The heat helps the oils in the spices bloom, which is why you want to do this before adding any liquids.

Build the sauce base:

Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes, watching as the tomato mellows and starts to thicken slightly.

Create the creamy finish:

Pour in the heavy cream and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, stirring gently as the sauce transforms into that gorgeous pale orange color. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon and the chicken is completely cooked through.

Serve it up:

Taste and adjust anything if needed, though honestly, the simple combination usually speaks for itself. Serve hot over cauliflower rice or with some keto naan, and watch everyone go quiet for the first few bites.

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This recipe has become my go-to for potluck dinners because nobody believes its keto until I tell them. I brought it to a friends house last month and watched three different people ask for the recipe, which is basically my favorite kind of compliment. Theres something so satisfying about serving food that feels indulgent but still fits your lifestyle, you know

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika if were craving a little heat, especially in winter when something spicy just hits different. The garam masala carries most of the flavor weight, but that tiny kick of heat makes it feel more like the butter chicken we used to order from our local place.

Perfect Sides

Cauliflower rice absorbs the sauce beautifully without getting mushy, and honestly, I prefer it to regular rice now. If Im feeling extra, Ill make some keto naan using almond flour, but most nights, steamed broccoli or roasted cauliflower on the side balances out the richness perfectly.

Meal Prep Magic

This actually tastes better the next day, which makes it perfect for meal prep Sundays. I portion it into glass containers and throughout the week, having such a satisfying lunch ready to go feels like a little treat instead of a chore.

• The sauce separates slightly when reheated, just give it a good stir and it comes back together beautifully
• Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it if you want to stock up
• When reheating, add a splash of cream if it looks too thick

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Hope this becomes a weeknight favorite in your house like it has in mine. Few things beat watching everyone lick their plates clean and ask when were having it again.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Chicken breasts work well, though thighs provide more moisture and richness. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook as they can dry out faster than thighs.

→ Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level is mild to moderate. Garam masala adds warmth without intense heat. Adjust by adding more or less spice blend, or include chili powder if you prefer extra heat.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

Cauliflower rice makes an excellent low-carb base. You could also serve with steamed vegetables, keto naan, or simply enjoy it on its own for a complete meal.

→ How long do leftovers keep?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce actually develops more flavor overnight. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if needed.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream. Use ghee or coconut oil instead of butter. The flavor profile will change slightly but remains delicious.

→ What type of tomato sauce works best?

Look for sugar-free passata or pureed tomatoes with no added sugars. Check labels carefully to ensure it fits your keto requirements.