KETO INSTANT POT BUTTER CHICKEN
Heavenly delicious.
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular dish from Indian cuisine that is typically made with chicken cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce.
Unfortunately, traditional butter chicken recipes are often high in carbohydrates due to the use of ingredients such as tomato puree and heavy cream.
However, with a few modifications, it is possible to enjoy a keto-friendly version of this delicious dish using an Instant Pot.
The key to making this dish keto-friendly is to use a tomato-based sauce that is low in carbohydrates.
One option is to use canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce, but these can sometimes be high in sugar.
A better option is to use a sugar-free tomato paste or canned tomatoes, which can be found at most grocery stores.
Additionally, instead of using heavy cream, which is high in carbohydrates, you can use coconut cream or full-fat canned coconut milk.
This will add a rich and creamy texture to the dish without the added carbs.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp ghee or clarified butter
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ginger, grated
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tomato paste or canned diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup coconut cream or full-fat canned coconut milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add ghee or clarified butter and allow it to melt.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent.
- Add the garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine.
- Add the chicken thighs to the Instant Pot and stir to coat the chicken with the spice mixture.
- Pour chicken broth, tomato paste or canned diced tomatoes, and coconut cream or coconut milk into the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine.
- Close the Instant Pot and set it to manual mode for 15 minutes. Make sure the vent is set to sealing.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully release the pressure using the venting knob.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken in the Instant Pot.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
This keto-friendly version of butter chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for those following a low-carb diet.
The use of coconut cream or coconut milk adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish without the added carbs, and the use of tomato paste or canned diced tomatoes keeps the dish low in carbohydrates.
Additionally, cooking the dish in the Instant Pot makes it a quick and easy meal to prepare.
It is important to note that while this recipe is keto-friendly, it may not be suitable for those following a strict vegetarian or vegan diet, as it contains chicken.
However, it can be substituted with vegetables like Cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, or Tofu to make it vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
My Take on Keto Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a delicious and popular dish from Indian cuisine that can be made keto-friendly with a few modifications.
By using keto-friendly ingredients such as sugar-free tomato paste or canned tomatoes, coconut cream, or coconut milk, and cooking it in an Instant Pot, you can enjoy this delicious dish while still adhering to a low-carb diet.
This recipe is also versatile, you can substitute chicken with vegetables like Cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, or Tofu to make it vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
It’s a quick and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights and can be served over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete keto-friendly meal.
It’s always important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet and to keep an eye on the specific nutritional needs of the individual.