Get ready for an adventure in the kitchen as we learn how to make Keto Chicken Tikka Masala from scratch. In this recipe, I’ll show you step-by-step how to make this tasty dish, so you can enjoy the real flavors and smells right in your own kitchen.
Keto Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
Course: MainCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Medium4
servings30
minutes1
hour350
kcal8
grams1
hour30
minutesThis Keto Chicken Tikka Masala is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices. It’s a perfect choice for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, offering a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Tikka
1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
Salt, to taste
- For the Tikka Masala Sauce
2 tablespoons ghee or coconut oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
- In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well to form a marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
- Preheat your grill or oven broiler on medium-high heat. If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for about 20 minutes before using to prevent burning.
- Grill the chicken skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and slightly charred. If using an oven broiler, place the skewers on a lined baking sheet and broil for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Tikka Masala sauce. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the ghee or coconut oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for an additional minute.
- In a small bowl, combine the cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Stir the spice mixture into the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Simmer the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Season the Tikka Masala sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the chicken skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill or oven and carefully slide the chicken off the skewers.
- Add the cooked chicken pieces to the Tikka Masala sauce and stir until they are evenly coated.
- Simmer the chicken and sauce together for a few more minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
- Garnish the Keto Chicken Tikka Masala
Notes
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce to give the Keto Chicken Tikka Masala a bright and tangy flavor.
Total Time to Make Keto Chicken Tikka Masala
This recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to make from start to finish. It includes the time to get ready and cook. During the preparation step, it takes about 30 minutes to gather and prepare the items, such as marinating the chicken and making the sauce. The last hour is spent cooking the dish. This allows the flavors to blend and the chicken to become soft and fragrant from the spices.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 350 | 25g | 8g | 25g |
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
➤ Show Full Nutrition Label
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
Serving Size250g
- Amount Per ServingCalories350
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
25g
39%
- Saturated Fat 12g 60%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 100mg 34%
- Sodium 600mg 25%
- Potassium 0mg 0%
- Total Carbohydrate
8g
3%
- Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 25g 50%
* 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.
Tips and Tricks for Making Keto Chicken Tikka Masala
Follow these simple tips to ensure your Keto Chicken Tikka Masala turns out delicious and satisfying:
Marinating Time: Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Adjusting Spice Levels: Customize the spice level by tweaking the amount of cayenne pepper and other spices to match your taste.
Soaking Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them for 20 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
Checking Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer or check the chicken’s color and juices to make sure it’s fully cooked.
Enhancing the Sauce: Add richness with a tablespoon of cream cheese or coconut cream for a luxurious texture and depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Keto Chicken Tikka Masala
You have several options for enjoying Keto Chicken Tikka Masala. Pair it with keto cauliflower fried rice, a low-carb alternative, or try it with steamed veggies like broccoli or zucchini. Another option is serving it over zucchini noodles for a lighter touch. If you prefer a fresh contrast, accompany it with a green salad or keto-friendly naan bread. Have you tried any of these serving ideas?
Dietary Information for Keto Chicken Tikka Masala
| Diet | Information |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Yes |
| Dairy-Free | Yes |
| Vegan | No |
| Vegetarian | Yes, if the chicken is substituted with a suitable plant-based protein alternative. |
| Keto | Yes |
| Paleo | No |
Follow My Advice for Better Understanding
When preparing Keto Chicken Tikka Masala, don’t be afraid to experiment with the spice levels and ingredients to suit your taste buds. Feel free to add a pinch of garam masala or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor. Remember to marinate the chicken for the optimal time to enhance its tenderness and taste. Whether you choose to serve it with cauliflower rice, steamed vegetables, or zucchini noodles, this dish offers a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy your cravings for a comforting and keto-friendly meal. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several options to enjoy with Chicken Tikka Masala on a keto diet. Some popular choices include cauliflower rice, steamed low-carb vegetables like broccoli or zucchini, or even zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a pasta-like experience. These options provide a satisfying base and complement the flavors of the dish while keeping the meal low in carbohydrates.
Absolutely! Chicken Tikka Masala can be frozen for later consumption. Once cooked and cooled, transfer the dish into freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring they are airtight. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, and when ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
While chicken thighs are generally preferred for their tenderness and juiciness, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Keep in mind that chicken breasts have less fat, so they may be slightly drier. To prevent dryness, marinate the chicken breasts for a longer time and cook them until just done to avoid overcooking.
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of Chicken Tikka Masala by using coconut milk or a dairy-free yogurt alternative in place of regular yogurt. This substitution will provide a creamy texture and a touch of richness to the dish without the use of dairy products.
Conclusion
Keto Chicken Tikka Masala is a delicious option for those on a keto or low-carb diet. Its tender chicken, aromatic spices, and creamy sauce deliver the flavors of Indian cuisine without straying from your dietary goals. Adjustments like using low-carb ingredients and suitable sides make it a satisfying and nourishing meal. Embrace this keto-friendly take on a classic favorite by preparing and enjoying its delightful flavors!
Victoria Cornell is an experienced entrepreneur and blogger. She loves to write about a variation of topics including, motherhood, recipes and mindset and manifestation!
