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Keto Creamy Butter Chicken Skillet

Close-up of Keto Creamy Butter Chicken Skillet simmering in a dark pan, featuring rich orange sauce and seasoned chicken pieces.
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Make a rich, low-carb butter chicken quickly in one skillet. This recipe uses heavy cream for a creamy sauce that fits a ketogenic diet.

Ingredients

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  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or ghee
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (no sugar added)
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (check for no added sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon erythritol or preferred keto sweetener (optional, for balance)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook the spices for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  7. Pour in the water or broth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
  8. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  9. Stir in the heavy cream and the optional sweetener. Heat through gently for 2-3 minutes; do not boil after adding the cream.
  10. Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or spice levels as needed.
  11. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Serve this butter chicken over cauliflower rice or alongside a simple green salad to keep the meal keto-friendly.
  • For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce without adding more cream, mix 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir into the simmering sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/keto-creamy-butter-chicken-skillet/