5-ingredient keto butter chicken is the ultimate shortcut to enjoying bold Indian flavors without breaking your carb count or spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few pantry staples—think butter, cream, and tomato puree—you can recreate that rich, comforting taste you crave on a keto diet. This recipe brings together convenience and flavor in a way that fits into even the busiest weeknight.
In this article, we’ll break down why this simplified version works, what makes it keto, how to cook it perfectly, and smart ways to serve and store it. Plus, we’ll answer common questions about nutrition, carbs, and flavor.
Table of Contents
Why 5-Ingredient Keto Butter Chicken Deserves a Spot on Your Weekly Menu
How this simple dish became my keto go-to
When I first created this 5-ingredient keto butter chicken, I wasn’t trying to develop a recipe—I was just hungry, tired, and deep into my low-carb lifestyle. I had chicken thighs, tomato puree, cream, butter, and kasuri methi. That was it. No onions, no complicated spice mixes. I tossed everything into a hot pan, hoping for something close to comfort food. What came out was creamy, rich, and shockingly close to the butter chicken I missed.
That accidental discovery turned into one of my favorite weeknight meals. This dish takes 20 minutes, uses one pan, and delivers the flavors you’d expect from a traditional version—without all the carbs. That’s what makes 5-ingredient keto butter chicken so special: it’s easy, low-effort, and it tastes like you’ve spent all day cooking.
When I’m pressed for time, I pair it with air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites or prep it alongside 5-ingredient crockpot steak bites for keto meal prep. It always works.
Print
5-Ingredient Keto Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
A rich, creamy and quick Indian-style dish made with only five keto-approved ingredients. This 5-ingredient keto butter chicken is low in carbs, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
450 grams Boneless & Skinless Chicken Thighs
15 grams Butter
1 Tsp Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves)
150 ml Tomato Puree
100 ml Heavy Cream
1 Tbsp Avocado Oil ( optional)
50 ml Water ( optional)
Salt & Pepper to taste ( optional)
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
4. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt.
5. Stir in tomato puree, add kasuri methi and water, cover and simmer 5 minutes.
6. Lower heat and stir in cream until sauce is smooth and emulsified.
7. Return chicken to the sauce, let simmer 1–2 minutes on low heat.
8. Serve hot with cauliflower rice or keto naan.
Notes
For lower carbs, use fresh tomato puree instead of packaged.
Store in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for 1 month.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: 5-ingredient keto butter chicken, low carb Indian chicken
Big flavor, minimal ingredients
The magic of this 5-ingredient keto butter chicken lies in its simplicity. Butter adds richness, while cream smooths everything out. Tomato puree brings a bit of tang and color, and kasuri methi gives it that signature aroma you expect in authentic Indian dishes. The balance is so good, you won’t even miss the long spice list.
This isn’t just for seasoned home cooks. Even if you’re brand new to keto cooking, you’ll find it hard to mess this up. That’s the beauty of 5-ingredient keto butter chicken—it makes eating clean, warm, and satisfying all over again.
Keto Butter Chicken Ingredients That Keep It Low-Carb and Delicious
The five keto-approved ingredients you need
The beauty of 5-ingredient keto butter chicken lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient earns its place, bringing bold flavor and keto-friendly macros to your plate. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken thighs: Tender, fatty, and flavorful—perfect for a high-fat, low-carb diet.
- Tomato puree: Provides depth and natural sweetness. Choose a brand with no added sugars to keep carbs down.
- Butter: Rich and essential in any butter chicken recipe. It brings the sauce to life.
- Heavy cream: Smooths out the tanginess of the tomatoes and makes the sauce velvety.
- Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves): Adds that unique Indian flavor you simply can’t fake.
You’ll also need salt, pepper, water, and a touch of avocado oil for cooking. These are considered pantry basics and don’t count toward the core five ingredients.
For those building out a complete meal plan, pair this with something light and crunchy like the 5-ingredient viral cucumber salad or prep ahead with 5-ingredient crockpot steak bites to keep your week on track.
Nutritional breakdown per serving
This recipe makes 3 servings. Here’s what you get in each portion:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 370 kcal |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Net Carbs | 5 g |
Most of the carbs come from the tomato puree. If you’re looking to cut it even further, reduce the amount slightly or opt for fresh blended tomatoes. Either way, 5-ingredient keto butter chicken remains a solid choice for staying in ketosis while enjoying a hearty, comforting meal.
How to Make Keto Butter Chicken in Just One Pan
Cooking the chicken to juicy perfection
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper. Then heat one tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken and sear each side for about 3–4 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust with juicy centers. Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
This searing step is key—it locks in flavor and adds that little bit of crisp that takes this 5-ingredient keto butter chicken from basic to bold. If you like prepping ahead, this chicken also works well chopped and stored in the fridge for a fast weekday protein option, much like in this cheesy ground beef rice casserole where one-pan meals shine.
Building the creamy butter sauce
Without wiping the skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add your butter. Once melted, pour in the tomato puree. Stir vigorously so it blends with the butter and forms a thick, glossy base. Next, sprinkle in the dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) and add 50 ml of water. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes.
As it simmers, you’ll notice the oil beginning to separate—a classic sign the tomato base is cooked through. Uncover the pan, turn the heat down to low, and stir in the heavy cream. Mix until everything looks velvety and fully emulsified.
Now bring the chicken back into the pan. You can leave it whole or chop it for faster heating and better sauce coverage. Let the chicken simmer gently in the sauce for 1 minute until warmed through.
Your 5-ingredient keto butter chicken is ready—no sugar, no starch, and no hassle. If you’re looking for another quick dinner idea with minimal effort, check out this miso honey chicken & asparagus sheet pan recipe that’s equally fast and satisfying.
Smart Serving Ideas and Easy Storage Tips
What to serve with keto butter chicken
One of the great things about 5-ingredient keto butter chicken is how easy it is to pair with other low-carb sides. Since the dish is creamy and rich, you’ll want something to soak up all that flavorful sauce without spiking your carb count.
Try it with cauliflower rice, which mimics the texture of basmati while keeping things light. You can also enjoy it with keto naan made from almond flour or cheese-based doughs. If you’re in the mood for a cold contrast, a side of this crunchy Thai chickpea salad adds a fresh bite.
For meal-prep days, combine it with options like the miso honey chicken & asparagus sheet pan to create a variety of flavors throughout the week.
When plating, spoon your 5-ingredient keto butter chicken over your chosen side and top it with a sprinkle of extra kasuri methi or a swirl of cream for that restaurant-quality look.
How to store and reheat it right
Leftovers? This dish stores beautifully. Just let the butter chicken cool down fully before transferring it to an airtight container.
In the fridge, it lasts up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave using 50% power so the cream sauce doesn’t split. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of water or cream to bring it back to life.
If you’re making a larger batch, this dish freezes well. Freeze in single portions, and when ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, your 5-ingredient keto butter chicken keeps its texture and taste.
It’s a meal you can count on—quick, reliable, and satisfying, whether it’s your first time making it or your fifth this month.
Conclusion
5-ingredient keto butter chicken proves that bold flavor doesn’t require a long ingredient list or complicated steps. With just a few pantry staples, this dish brings together creamy texture, rich spices, and a satisfying protein punch—all while staying low in carbs. Whether you’re deep into a keto routine or just looking for a fast, delicious dinner, this recipe delivers every single time.
It’s a reliable favorite in my kitchen for good reason. You get comfort food vibes without sacrificing your macros. Serve it with your favorite keto sides, prep it ahead, or freeze a batch for busy nights—5-ingredient keto butter chicken adapts to your lifestyle and keeps things simple.
Try it out this week and see why it’s one of my go-to low-carb meals. If you loved it, explore more keto-friendly favorites across the site and keep the good flavors going.
For more recipes follow me in page Facebook and Pintrest.
Does butter chicken spike insulin?
Traditional butter chicken made with sugar and carb-heavy ingredients may cause insulin spikes. However, this 5-ingredient keto butter chicken contains only 5 grams of net carbs per serving and no added sugars, making it less likely to trigger significant insulin responses—especially when paired with other high-fat, low-carb foods.
Is butter chicken a good source of protein?
Yes, this recipe provides 26 grams of protein per serving, thanks to the boneless, skinless chicken thighs. It’s a solid protein source for anyone on a keto or low-carb diet looking to stay full and maintain muscle.
What does butter chicken taste like?
Butter chicken is known for its creamy, mildly spiced, and slightly tangy flavor. Even with just five ingredients, this keto version still delivers that classic buttery richness and aromatic warmth from kasuri methi, making it comforting and satisfying.
Does butter chicken have a lot of carbs?
Traditional versions often include sugar, thickeners, or carb-heavy bases like onions. This 5-ingredient keto butter chicken has just 5 grams of net carbs per serving. By using clean ingredients and skipping fillers, it keeps the carb count keto-safe.