This keto easy butter chicken recipe is a creamy, rich, and delicious chicken dish with creamy curry flavor that everyone loves. It is naturally gluten free and low carb!

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Easy butter Chicken Thighs

If you love butter chicken… you’re going to love this recipe and my twist on my favorite Indian food dish – with chicken thighs! This rustic, hearty butter chicken dish is bursting with creamy curry flavors and lots of fresh garlic and fresh ginger.

Butter isn’t a traditional part of Indian curries – so many people wonder if there is even butter in butter chicken. Unlike garam masala, or other popular Indian curries, there is actually butter in butter chicken.

While the dish can be made with coconut cream and other non-dairy options, butter chicken does often contain butter and heavy whipping cream mixed into the spicy, savory tomato sauce.

Butter chicken isn’t an old dish in Indian cuisine – it was created in the now world renowned Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi, India when they mixed leftover chicken in a tomato-based gravy with butter and cream. Butter Chicken is now one of the most popular curry dishes in India, and across the world!

This method is in no way traditional – but does bring the flavor of my favorite Indian chicken dish to chicken thighs, for a rich and hearty meal that will blow you away with flavor. This recipe is built off my Best Baked Chicken Thighs Ever recipe – you will pan sear and then bake the chicken thighs, while making the butter sauce in the pan you browned the chicken on as the chicken thighs bake.

How to Make Chicken Thighs in Butter Sauce

First assemble the following ingredients:

• Lemon juice (2 tablespoons) – Adds a bright, acidic touch that enhances the flavors of the spices and tenderizes the chicken.
• Turmeric (1 tbsp) – Imparts a warm, earthy flavor and a golden hue to the sauce, adding depth and color.
• Garam masala (2 tablespoons) – A blend of ground spices that brings a complex, aromatic warmth and a hint of sweetness to the dish.
• Cumin (2 tablespoons) – Offers a nutty, peppery taste that complements the richness of the butter chicken with its distinctive flavor.
• Chicken thighs (3 pounds) – The key protein, chicken thighs provide juiciness and tenderness, absorbing the sauce’s flavors beautifully.
• Unsalted butter (¼ pound) – Adds a velvety richness and contributes to the creamy texture and luxurious taste of the sauce.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – Used for sautéing, olive oil helps to build the flavor foundation for the dish while keeping it from sticking.
• Yellow onions (2) – Provide a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed, becoming the aromatic base for the butter chicken sauce.
• Garlic (4) – Delivers a pungent, savory undertone essential for the full-bodied flavor profile of the sauce.
• Fresh diced ginger (2 tbsp) – Adds a spicy, zesty kick that brightens the sauce and pairs well with the other spices.
• Cumin seeds (1 tablespoon) – Toasted to release their fragrant, earthy essence, cumin seeds add a layer of complexity to the dish.
• Cinnamon stick (1) – Infuses the sauce with a warm, sweet spice, enhancing the overall flavor profile with its distinctive aroma.
• Tomatoes (2) – The backbone of the sauce, tomatoes provide acidity, sweetness, and a smooth texture after being pureed.
• Red chiles (2) – Introduce a level of heat that can be adjusted to taste, adding a spicy dimension to the buttery sauce.
• Kosher salt – Essential for seasoning, salt balances the spices and enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Chicken stock (? cup) – Adds depth and richness to the sauce, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful during cooking.
• Cream (1 ½ cups) – Brings a luxurious creaminess to the sauce, softening the spices’ heat and enriching the dish’s texture.
• Tomato paste (1/2 teaspoons) – Concentrated tomato flavor deepens the sauce’s color and taste, adding a touch of sweetness and tang.
• Cilantro (½ bunch) – Used as a garnish, fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and a light, citrusy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce.

Use this Method

Marinade. Whisk together the lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala and cumin in a large bowl for the chicken thigh marinade. Put the chicken in the marinade, and make sure it is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to one day.

Cook Chicken. In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter in the oil until it starts to foam. Remove chicken from marinade, and quickly brown chicken on all sides. When chicken is browned, remove pan from heat. Do not clean out pan, we will make sauce in it.

Bake Chicken. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add chicken to a baking sheet with a metal rack placed over the top and bake until cooked through (when chicken reaches 175 internal temperature with a digital thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh (do not touch bone.)

Cook Veg. Return pan to medium high heat. Add the onions, and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent and soft.

Add Spices. Add the cumin seeds, garlic, and fresh ginger and cook until the onions turn lightly brown and are soft – be sure to stir occasionally and don’t let garlic burn. Add the cinnamon stick, tomatoes, chiles and salt, and cook until the chiles are soft, about 10 minutes.

Assemble Sauce. Add chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for approximately 30 minutes.

Blend. If you prefer a smooth sauce, add to blender and blend completely. While I prefer a slightly textured sauce, my kids prefer it to be very, very smooth. Return back to pan when desired texture is met. Sauce will be very liquid until cream and tomato paste are added. With heat on low, stir in the cream and tomato paste, and add cooked chicken to pan, tossing to coat in sauce, and let sauce reduce approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Serve. Remove from pan and plate with naan, rice, or riced cauliflower and garnish with the cilantro leaves. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Easy Butter Chicken Thighs

Marinate for Flavor

• Marinate your chicken thighs in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices for at least an hour, or overnight. This not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with deep flavors.

Use Quality Spices

• Fresh, high-quality spices make a big difference in flavor. Ground spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin should be aromatic and vibrant.

Brown the Chicken

• Sear the marinated chicken thighs in a hot pan to develop a flavorful crust before adding them to the sauce. This step adds depth to the dish.

Low and Slow Cooking

• Simmer the sauce gently to allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and infused with the sauce.

Butter and Cream

• Add butter and cream towards the end of cooking. This creates the signature rich, creamy texture and flavor. For a healthier version, you can use coconut milk or Greek yogurt, but the taste will differ.

Adjust the Heat

• The spice level can easily be adjusted with the amount of chili powder or fresh chilies you use. Tailor it to your preferred level of heat.

Tomato Paste for Depth

• A bit of tomato paste can add a rich, concentrated tomato flavor to your sauce, enhancing the overall taste profile.

Finishing with Fenugreek

• Dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) added at the end offer an authentic flavor that’s hard to replicate. Crush them between your hands to release their aroma before sprinkling over the dish.

Rest Before Serving

• Letting the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking allows the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken slightly, improving the texture and taste.

FAQ’s

What to Enjoy with Indian Chicken Thighs

Basmati Rice: Fluffy and aromatic, it’s the perfect vehicle for soaking up the butter chicken sauce. Try this rice!

Naan Bread: Warm and soft, naan is ideal for scooping up the chicken and sauce.

Cucumber Raita: This cool, yogurt-based condiment helps balance the richness of the butter chicken.

Saag Paneer: A spinach and paneer cheese dish that adds a nice contrast with its green color and earthy flavors.

Roasted Cauliflower: With a hint of spice, it complements the creamy sauce well.

Aloo Gobi: A spiced cauliflower and potato dish that adds substance and variety to your meal.

Green Beans with Mustard Seeds: Adds a crunchy, slightly spicy side to the menu.

Kachumber Salad: A simple cucumber, tomato, and onion salad dressed with lemon juice and spices, offering a refreshing side.

Chickpea Salad: Provides protein and fiber, making the meal more filling and nutritious. Also try this fresh salad!

Roti or Chapati: These flatbreads are less rich than naan and offer a healthier, whole grain option for scooping up the sauce.

Puri: Deep-fried bread that puffs up, offering a crispy texture to contrast the creamy chicken.

Try these keto favorites next:

Baked Goat Cheese Peppers

Baked Goat Cheese and Bruschetta Dip

Spicy Pickled Eggs

Homemade Chicken Stock

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