How to Make 10-Minute Instant Pot Keto Butter Chicken: A Flavor-Packed Low-Carb Recipe

Introduction
For keto dieters looking to enjoy a rich, creamy, and flavorful meal without breaking their carb limit, Instant Pot Keto Butter Chicken is the perfect solution. This recipe is a low-carb adaptation of the classic Indian dish, known for its buttery sauce and aromatic spices. With the help of the Instant Pot, you can make this delicious dish in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. Best of all, this keto butter chicken is high in healthy fats and protein, keeping you satisfied while staying in ketosis.

In this article, we’ll explore how to make the perfect keto butter chicken using the Instant Pot, covering ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for customization, and more. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned dieter, this recipe will become a go-to meal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Why Make Instant Pot Keto Butter Chicken?

1. Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: Traditional butter chicken is usually made with sugar, heavy cream, and sometimes thickeners like flour or cornstarch. In this keto-friendly version, we keep it low-carb by omitting sugar and unnecessary carbs, relying on wholesome, keto-approved ingredients.
2. Quick and Easy: With the Instant Pot, the entire cooking process is significantly faster. You can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in under 40 minutes, with most of that time hands-off.
3. Rich in Healthy Fats: Keto butter chicken is rich in healthy fats from ghee or butter, heavy cream, and coconut milk, making it perfect for keto eaters who need to maintain a high fat intake.
4. Versatile and Customizable: This recipe can be easily modified for dairy-free diets, extra spice, or additional veggies to suit your preferences.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Keto Butter Chicken

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1 cup tomato puree (unsweetened, no sugar added)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
• 2 tbsp ghee or butter (for sautéing)
• 1 tbsp garam masala (an Indian spice blend)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika (for color)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Instant Pot Keto Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the ghee or butter. Once hot, add the chopped onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and golden. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 2: Add the Spices

Add the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Sauté the spices with the onions, garlic, and ginger for about 30 seconds to release their full flavor.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Tomato Puree

Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot, stirring to coat them in the spice mixture. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes to slightly brown the outside. Next, add the tomato puree and chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any stuck bits. This deglazing step prevents the “burn” warning from triggering on the Instant Pot.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Chicken

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Select the manual (or pressure cook) setting and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once done, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes before performing a quick release.

Step 5: Add the Cream

Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version). Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the sauce before adding the cream.

Step 6: Season and Garnish

Taste the butter chicken and adjust seasoning with more salt or spices if needed. Stir in the chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Keto butter chicken is best served with low-carb side dishes to keep the meal keto-friendly. Here are some ideas:

1. Cauliflower Rice: A classic keto substitute for regular rice, cauliflower rice soaks up the creamy butter chicken sauce beautifully.
2. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): For a pasta-like experience, serve the butter chicken over spiralized zucchini noodles.
3. Shirataki Noodles: These low-carb, zero-calorie noodles are another great option to serve with butter chicken.
4. Leafy Greens: Pair the butter chicken with a simple side of sautéed spinach, kale, or any leafy greens for an extra boost of nutrients.

Tips for Customizing Keto Butter Chicken

1. Dairy-Free Option: If you’re avoiding dairy, simply replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and ghee with coconut oil or avocado oil. The coconut cream will give the dish a rich, creamy texture without compromising the flavor.
2. Spicier Version: For those who like extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped green chilies to the dish during the sauté step.
3. Add More Veggies: Want more nutrition? Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or even cauliflower florets for added fiber and vitamins without raising the carb count.
4. Different Proteins: While chicken thighs are ideal for this dish, you can use chicken breasts for a leaner option. Additionally, shrimp, beef, or even tofu (for a plant-based twist) can be used.

Nutritional Benefits of Keto Butter Chicken

This dish is packed with health benefits for keto dieters:

• High in Healthy Fats: Ghee, heavy cream, and coconut cream provide healthy fats that help maintain ketosis while keeping you full and energized.
• Low in Carbs: By eliminating sugars and starches, this butter chicken keeps the carb count low, making it suitable for a strict keto diet.
• Rich in Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of protein, helping build and repair tissues while keeping hunger at bay.
• Aromatic Spices: The spices used in butter chicken, especially turmeric, have anti-inflammatory properties, promoting overall health and wellness.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

Keto butter chicken is a great meal-prep option because it stores well in the fridge and freezer:

• Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezer: Butter chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Simply cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop.

FAQs: Instant Pot Keto Butter Chicken

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well in this recipe. However, thighs are typically juicier and more flavorful, especially when pressure-cooked.

Is this butter chicken spicy?
The level of spice is mild in this recipe. You can adjust the cayenne pepper to make it spicier or omit it for a milder version.

Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can cook keto butter chicken on the stovetop by following the same steps. Simply simmer the chicken and sauce on low heat for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Keto Butter Chicken recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal while sticking to your keto diet. The Instant Pot makes the process quick and easy, delivering tender chicken in a creamy, aromatic sauce that’s low in carbs and packed with flavor. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up dinner on a busy night, this dish will become a favorite in your keto meal rotation.

By customizing the ingredients and serving it with keto-friendly sides, you can tailor this butter chicken to suit your preferences while keeping it within your daily carb limits. Enjoy a taste of Indian cuisine, keto-style, and share this recipe with family and friends for a low-carb feast!