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This creamy Low-Carb Butter Chicken is better than takeout—silky tomato sauce, fragrant garam masala spices, and tender chicken thighs, all with just 6g net carbs! My keto-friendly twist skips the sugar but keeps the rich, velvety texture of the classic dish. Perfect with cauliflower rice and keto flatbread, it’s an easy, gluten-free Indian dinner that’ll have your family begging for seconds. (Psst… the secret’s in the spiced yogurt marinade—minimal effort, maximum flavor.)
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Why You'll Love This Low-Carb Butter Chicken Recipe
- 🍛 Authentic Flavor, Zero Guilt: Creamy tomato sauce, fragrant garam masala, and tender chicken thighs—just like your favorite Indian takeout, but with only 6g net carbs per serving. (No sugar, no gluten, all the flavor.)
- ⏳ Quick Active Time (Mostly Hands-Off!): Just 20 minutes of actual cooking—the marinade does the heavy lifting while you relax. Pro tip: Prep it the night before for zero day-of-work.
- 🔥 Restaurant-Worthy Results at Home: The yogurt-marinated chicken stays impossibly juicy, while the velvety sauce tastes like it simmered for hours (thanks to a little tomato paste magic). Even Indian food skeptics become converts!
In This Post
The Best Low-Carb Butter Chicken (Even Hubby Approved!) – Creamy, Spiced & Just 6g Net Carbs
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: I tested this Low-Carb Butter Chicken over a year ago before finally sharing it. Why the wait? Because Kevin—my beloved but notoriously hard-to-please taste tester—demanded I make it four more times to “confirm it was perfect.” (Spoiler: It was. The man just really loves this butter chicken.)
Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer
- Restaurant Flavor, Zero Carb Guilt
- Silky tomato-cream sauce with fragrant garam masala
- Tender yogurt-marinated chicken (the secret to juicy bites!)
- Only 6g net carbs—no sugar, no gluten, all the decadence
- “Looks Fancy, Actually Easy”
- 20 mins active time (marinate overnight = zero day-of stress)
- Pantry-friendly spices (no obscure ingredients!)
- Solves Carb Cravings
When bread cravings hit, bold flavors like this keep me satisfied. Pro move: Double the sauce for cauliflower rice drowning purposes.
The Kevin Seal of Approval
“Fine, it’s better than takeout.” – The Complainer™
Butter Chicken 101
Originating in 1948 in Northern India, this dish (aka Murgh Makhani) is the ultimate comfort food—tender chicken in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. My version keeps the magic alive with:
- Tomato paste hack for depth without slow cooking
- Besti sweetener instead of sugar (keto win!)
- Heavy cream for that iconic velvety texture
How to Make It (The Short Version)
- Marinate chicken in yogurt + spices (4+ hours).
- Sear chicken, then build the sauce in the same pan.
- Simmer 20 mins while the kitchen smells insanely good.
Full recipe below!
Why You’ll Make This Weekly
✅ Meal prep hero (freezes beautifully!)
✅ Family-friendly (even picky kids devour it)
✅ 100% Kevin-proof (the highest honor)
Ready to ditch takeout? Let’s get cooking!
🍽️✨ Don't forget to share your delightful creations with us on BlueSky using #BobbisKozyKitchen for a chance to be featured in our newsletter! 📸
🥄Low-Carb Butter Chicken Ingredient Notes
Here, I explain the best ingredients for my Low-Carb Butter Chicken recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For the exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless): Why thighs? Juicier and easier to cook.
Substitute: Chicken breast (careful not to overcook). - Yogurt Marinade: Why yogurt? Tenderizes chicken and helps spices cling.
Dairy-free swap: Coconut yogurt (unsweetened). - Besti Monk Fruit & Allulose Sweetener: Why Besti? No bitter aftertaste; blends seamlessly.
Substitute: Another low-carb sweetener, amounts will vary. - Tandoori Spice Blend: I dialed in this blend and use it for many things.
- Tomato Paste: Pro tip: Buy tubes (not cans) for easy storage.
Fresh sub: ½ cup tomato purée (simmer sauce 5 mins longer). - Heavy Cream: Must be full-fat for proper emulsification.
Dairy-free: Coconut cream (shake can first). - Fresh Ginger & Garlic: Lazy hack: 1 tsp paste = 1-inch fresh.
Storage: Freeze ginger whole, grate frozen.
💡 Pro Tips
Marinate overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
Sear chicken hard—those brown bits = flavor gold for the sauce.
Salt to taste at the end (Besti is less sweet than Swerve).
The printable recipe card at the bottom of the page contains a detailed list of measurements and instructions.
🔪How to Make Low-Carb Butter Chicken
I have included a few step-by-step photos to help you visualize the recipe. The recipe card below provides the full instructions, including amounts and temperatures.
Mix all ingredients for the marinade with the chicken in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Cook the chicken in a skillet with the garlic and ginger.
Add the tomato paste, bone broth, swerve, salt, and heavy cream.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
📦 Storing and Reheating Your Low-Carb Butter Chicken
Storing Leftovers
✅ Fridge:
- Cool completely within 2 hours.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✅ Freezer:
- Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers (leave ½-inch space).
- Keeps for 3 months.
- Pro Tip: Freeze sauce and chicken together for the best texture.
Reheating for Best Results
🔥 Stovetop (Recommended):
- Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen.
- Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
- Add a splash of bone broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
⚡ Microwave:
- Cover with a damp paper towel.
- Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
🌿 Reviving Freshness:
- Stir in 1 tbsp fresh cream and a pinch of the Tandoori spice blend before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro to brighten flavors.
💡 Pro Tips
- Freeze Without Garnishes: Cilantro and cream are added fresh after reheating.
- Meal Prep: Double the recipe and freeze in individual portions for easy lunches.
- Avoid Grainy Sauce: Reheat gently—high heat can cause separation.
"Yes, you can eat it cold straight from the fridge… we’ve all been there". 😊
💭My Recipe Tips
1. Marinate Like a Pro
- Overnight = MVP move: 24 hours in yogurt makes the chicken unbelievably tender.
- No time? Even 30 minutes helps (but 4 hours is ideal).
2. Spice Control
- Milder version: Reduce Tandoori spice to 1 tsp + add ½ tsp smoked paprika.
- Extra heat: Add ¼ tsp cayenne or one diced serrano to the sauce.
3. Sauce Secrets
- Too thin? Simmer uncovered five more minutes or add ¼ tsp xanthan gum.
- Too thick? Stir in 2 tbsp bone broth or cream.
4. Time-Saving Hacks
- Pre-marinate chicken: Freeze portions in the yogurt marinade (thaw overnight).
- Skip chopping: Use 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste instead of fresh.
5. Next-Level Flavor
- Charcoal grill hack: Sear marinated chicken on skewers for authentic tandoori flavor before adding to the sauce.
- Finish with butter: Stir in 1 tbsp cold butter at the end for glossy richness.
6. Leftover Magic
- Butter Chicken Salad: Chop cold chicken, mix with extra sauce, and serve over greens.
- "Pizza" Twist: Spread sauce on keto flatbread, top with chicken + mozzarella, broil.
"If your sauce separates, blame the universe—then whisk in cream to fix it".😊
FAQ about Low-Carb Butter Chicken
Yes, just be careful not to overcook and dry the chicken out.
Nope! Tandoori has more paprika and cayenne for smoky heat. Don't want to make the Tandoori blend? A quick fix: 1 tbsp garam masala + ½ tsp smoked paprika + ¼ tsp cayenne. But I highly recommend my homemade blend!
Absolutely:
Yogurt sub: Coconut yogurt
Cream sub: Full-fat coconut milk (shake can first)
Butter sub: Ghee or coconut oil
🍽️Serving Suggestions
Your Perfect Pairings
- Coconut Lime Cauliflower Rice – The bright citrus cuts through the rich sauce.
- Keto Flatbread – Soak up every drop of sauce (no one will guess it’s low-carb!).
- Mint Raita – Cools the heat with creamy yogurt and fresh herbs.
Or Try These From Some of My Friends
- Crispy Roasted Okra – Adds crunch without carbs.
- Indian Cucumber Salad – Refreshing contrast.
- Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower – Golden, fragrant, and keto-friendly.
Next-Level Presentation
- Family Style: Serve in a copper bowl with cilantro garnish.
- Meal Prep: Layer with cauliflower rice in mason jars (sauce on bottom).
- Party Platter: Surround with keto naan, lime wedges, and chili flakes.
Leftover Hacks
- Butter Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Spoon into butter lettuce cups.
- Omelette Filling: Fold into eggs with extra cilantro.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bake in halved bell peppers with mozzarella.
More Delicious Indian-Inspired Recipes...
Low Carb Butter Chicken
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 2 tsp Tandoori Spice Blend
- ½ tsp pink salt
- 1 tbsp grated ginger or ginger paste
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sour cream
For the butter chicken
- 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1- inch piece fresh ginger grated
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- 1½ cups of chicken bone broth
- 4 tsp Tandoori Spice Blend
- 1 tbsp Besti Monk Fruit and Allulose Sweetener
- ½ tsp pink salt
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro chopped optional
Instructions
- Mix the marinade ingredients together in a medium bowl. Add the chicken and cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably 24 hours.
- Heat the butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Take the chicken out of the Marinade, do not wipe the marinade off of the chicken.
- Place chicken in the skillet with the garlic and the ginger and cook for around 3 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste, bone broth, sweetener, salt, and heavy cream.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
- Taste and add salt if needed.
- Serve hot over cauliflower rice.
- Top with chopped cilantro if using.
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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Unknown
Hi Bobbi,
The link for the "Tandoori Spice Blend" doesn't seem to work. Any thoughts?
Bobbi
Thanks for letting me know, it is fixed now!