Keto Tikka Masala Chicken
Dive into the bold and creamy flavors of this Keto Tikka Masala Chicken, a low-carb twist on the classic Indian-inspired dish. Tender, marinated chicken thighs are infused with a fragrant blend of spices like garam masala, smoked paprika, and ground cumin before being simmered in a rich, velvety tomato-based sauce made with heavy cream and a touch of buttery goodness. This keto-friendly recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or meal prep, offering just the right amount of spice and comfort without breaking your diet. Serve it alongside cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables for a wholesome, gluten-free meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. With just 50 minutes of prep and cook time, this protein-packed dish is sure to become a favorite in your low-carb recipe rotation.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 0.5 cup Full-fat plain yogurt (unsweetened)
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Ginger, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons Garam masala
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 0.75 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 2 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
Instructions
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and place them in a medium bowl.
In the bowl with the chicken, combine the yogurt, 2 minced garlic cloves, 0.5 tablespoon minced ginger, turmeric, 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin, 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander, smoked paprika, and 0.5 teaspoon salt. Mix well to coat the chicken, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to marinate.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken in batches, searing on both sides until browned and partially cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the butter and allow it to melt. Stir in the remaining minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the tomato paste, stirring constantly, and cook for 2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Add the remaining ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Let this mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Return the partially cooked chicken to the skillet, including any juices from the plate. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Taste the sauce and adjust salt as needed.
Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Serve hot as is, or with a side of cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables for a complete keto-friendly meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2300 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 180.8 g | 232% | |
| Saturated Fat | 77.9 g | 390% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 856 mg | 285% | |
| Sodium | 4173 mg | 181% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.6 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.6 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.6 g | ||
| Protein | 128.3 g | 257% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 330 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 12.3 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 2121 mg | 45% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
