Aromatic Keto Butter Chicken with Cilantro Infusion
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Aromatic Keto Butter Chicken, where succulent chicken thighs are infused with a medley of warm spices and vibrant herbs. This stew is not just a meal but a culinary journey that captures the essence of Indian cuisine. With each bite, savor the harmony of creamy yogurt mingling with the robust spices, creating a dish that's as satisfying as it is healthy. Serve it over fluffy cauliflower rice for a perfect low-carb dinner that will transport you to a world of exotic flavors without leaving the comfort of your kitchen. Perfect for a cozy evening or a special occasion, this recipe provides both nutrition and indulgence, catering to your keto lifestyle.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
4 (about 2 pounds, seasoned with salt and pepper)
kosher salt
to taste (for seasoning)
freshly ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons, divided (for sautéing and flavor)
sweet onion
1 large (coarsely chopped)
shallots
3 large (coarsely chopped)
ginger
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
4 (crushed with the skin on)
serrano or fresno chili
1 (finely sliced)
garam masala
2 teaspoons
madras curry powder
2 teaspoons
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon
tomato paste
2 tablespoons
cilantro
1 bunch (stems finely chopped and leaves coarsely chopped)
low sodium chicken broth
2 cups
whole milk Greek yogurt or sour cream
1/3 cup (for stirring into the sauce)
cauliflower rice
for serving (as a low-carb alternative)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Generously season the bone-in skin-on chicken thighs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
3
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin side down. Sear until they are deeply golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a plate.
4
Drain the skillet, keeping only 1 tablespoon of fat, and reduce the heat to medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, followed by the coarsely chopped onion, shallots, finely chopped ginger, crushed garlic cloves, and serrano or fresno chili. Season with salt and pepper and sauté, stirring frequently, until the onions and shallots soften, about 5 minutes.
5
Create a well in the center of the pan and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, incorporate garam masala, madras curry, ground cinnamon, ground turmeric, tomato paste, and the finely chopped cilantro stems. Stir to coat the spices in butter and cook until they are fragrant, about 30 seconds.
6
Pour in the low sodium chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, return the seared chicken to the pan, skin side up.
7
Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake until the chicken is tender and the sauce has reduced, about 50 minutes. The chicken should easily fall off the bone.
8
Remove the skillet from the oven and bring it back to the stovetop over medium heat. Carefully divide the chicken among serving bowls.
9
In the skillet, add the Greek yogurt or sour cream and whisk until fully incorporated into the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Stir in all but 1/4 cup of the coarsely chopped cilantro leaves.
10
Spoon the luscious sauce around the chicken pieces and finish with the reserved cilantro. Serve alongside cauliflower rice for a delightful keto meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Butter Chicken recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for the keto lifestyle by using high-fat chicken thighs, butter, and serving it with low-carb cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or naan.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
While you can use chicken breast, bone-in skin-on thighs are recommended because they stay juicy during the 50-minute bake time and provide more flavor and healthy fats.
How spicy is this Aromatic Keto Butter Chicken?
The spice level is moderate. The use of one serrano or fresno chili provides a mild kick, but you can remove the seeds to make it milder or add more chili for extra heat.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream for a similar tang, or use heavy cream or coconut cream if you prefer a richer, less acidic sauce.
How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling in the sauce?
To prevent curdling, add the yogurt at the very end after removing the skillet from the oven, whisking it into the warm sauce over medium heat without letting it reach a rolling boil.
Is Madras curry powder different from regular curry powder?
Yes, Madras curry powder is generally spicier and has a more vibrant red hue compared to standard mild yellow curry powder.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, replace the butter with coconut oil or ghee and use full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream in place of the Greek yogurt.
How long should I store leftovers in the refrigerator?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this butter chicken be frozen?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, to ensure the sauce remains creamy and doesn't separate.
Do I need to peel the garlic before crushing it?
The recipe suggests crushing them with the skin on for a rustic infusion, but you may peel them if you prefer to have the garlic blend more into the final sauce.
What is 'deglazing' the skillet?
Deglazing involves adding liquid (chicken broth) to a hot pan to loosen and dissolve the browned food bits (fond) stuck to the bottom, which adds immense flavor to the sauce.
Can I use ground ginger instead of fresh?
Fresh ginger is preferred for its vibrant flavor, but you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger if fresh is unavailable.
Is tomato paste keto-compliant?
Yes, in the small amount used (2 tablespoons for the whole recipe), tomato paste adds flavor without significantly impacting the carb count.
Why use cilantro stems instead of just leaves?
Cilantro stems contain a concentrated amount of flavor and a nice crunch; they are finely chopped and cooked into the base of the sauce for depth.
What can I serve this with if I don't like cauliflower rice?
You can serve it with shirataki (konjac) rice, zucchini noodles, or steamed green beans to keep it keto-friendly.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Sear the chicken and aromatics first, then transfer everything except the yogurt and cilantro leaves to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
What is Garam Masala?
Garam Masala is a warming Indian spice blend typically containing cinnamon, mace, peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and cardamom pods.
Do I need to remove the chicken skin?
Leaving the skin on and searing it until golden provides a better texture and richer flavor, which is a hallmark of this keto recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels on spice blends and broth to ensure no hidden fillers are present.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe uses 4 large chicken thighs, making approximately 4 servings.
What if the sauce is too thin after baking?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it uncovered on the stovetop for a few extra minutes before adding the yogurt.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs can be used, but you should reduce the oven baking time by about 15-20 minutes as they cook faster than bone-in thighs.
What is the purpose of ground turmeric in this dish?
Turmeric adds a beautiful golden color and a mild earthy flavor, as well as providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Yes, spinach or diced bell peppers make great additions. Add them during the final stovetop simmering stage until wilted or tender.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. The flavors often deepen the next day, making it an excellent choice for preparing in advance for the week.
What should I do if I don't have shallots?
You can substitute the shallots with additional sweet onion or the white parts of green onions.
Can I use an Instant Pot for this?
Yes. Use the sauté function to sear the chicken and aromatics, then pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. Naturally release pressure before adding the yogurt.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the meat easily begins to pull away from the bone.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Dried cilantro is not recommended as it lacks the vibrant citrusy flavor of fresh cilantro, which is key to the 'infusion' aspect of this dish.