Five Ingredient Keto Butter Chicken

My kitchen still smells like butter and warm spices every time I make this dish. It started as a desperate weeknight experiment when I was too tired to chop onions or measure twelve different spices. Now it's the keto recipe that actually makes me forget I'm eating low-carb at all.

Last Tuesday my roommate walked in mid-simmer and asked if I'd ordered takeout. The look on her face when I told her it was homemade butter chicken in under 40 minutes was absolutely priceless. We've had it three times since.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs: Thighs stay juicy and tender in the sauce unlike breasts which can dry out
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Half goes in at the start to sear the chicken half melts into the sauce at the end
• 1 cup heavy cream: This transforms the tomato base into that restaurant style velvety finish
• 1/2 cup sugar free tomato sauce: Look for passata or puree with no added sugars or weird ingredients
• 2 tbsp garam masala: This warm spice blend does all the heavy lifting for authentic flavor

Instructions

Sear the chicken to perfection:

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium high heat then add the chicken pieces. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until they're golden brown on all sides and the kitchen starts smelling amazing.

Wake up the spices:

Sprinkle the garam masala directly over the chicken and stir constantly for one minute. You'll know it's ready when the fragrance hits you and the spices are toasted not burnt.

Build the sauce base:

Pour in the tomato sauce and give everything a good stir. Turn the heat down to medium low and let it bubble gently for 5 minutes while you grab the cream.

Create the magic:

Pour in the heavy cream and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and the chicken is cooked through.

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I served this to my keto skeptic brother and he went back for thirds. He literally asked if I was sure this was diet food while scraping his plate clean.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I add minced garlic or fresh ginger if I have them on hand. A pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika gives it a gentle warmth that cuts through the rich cream without being overwhelming.

Serving Suggestions

Cauliflower rice is the classic keto pairing but steamed broccoli works just as well. Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top adds brightness and makes it look like something from a restaurant.

Make Ahead Wisdom

This actually tastes better the next day when the spices have had more time to mingle. I often double the recipe and portion it out for lunch throughout the week.

• Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days in the refrigerator
• The sauce thickens in the fridge so splash in a tablespoon of water when reheating
• Freeze for up to 3 months if you want to stock your freezer with keto meals

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This recipe proves that eating keto doesn't mean giving up the foods you love. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that become permanent residents in your weekly rotation.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well though thighs remain juicier due to higher fat content. Reduce cooking time slightly to prevent drying.

→ Is tomato paste a substitute for the tomato sauce?

Tomato paste is too concentrated. Use sugar-free tomato puree or passata for proper consistency and flavor balance.

→ How can I make this spicier?

Add a pinch of chili powder, cayenne, or smoked paprika when seasoning the chicken. Adjust to your preferred heat level.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. The flavors deepen when refrigerated overnight. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.

→ What are good keto-friendly sides?

Cauliflower rice, keto naan, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully. The creamy sauce complements mild sides perfectly.