Easy Keto Chicken Tikka Masala

Name: Easy Keto Chicken Tikka Masala
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, fat trimmed; 1/3 cup full-fat Greek yogurt; 1 1/2 teaspoon garam masala for marinade ((split as 1 teaspoon for marinade and 1/2 teaspoon for sauce)); 2 teaspoon coriander ((split as 1 teaspoon for marinade and 1 teaspoon for sauce)); 1 cup Rao's Arrabbiata sauce (or other low-carb arrabbiata sauce); 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to season; 1 teaspoon ground ginger (optional - for sauce)

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Hands down, this is the best keto chicken tikka masala out there! It's creamy, tomato-based sauce is rich and spicy and full of tender, marinated chicken pieces. Not only that, it takes just 35 minutes to make from start to finish!

Plate of keto chicken tikka masala with a side of riced cauliflower and low-carb pitas.

Although this keto chicken tikka masala recipe may not use traditional ingredients, it tastes pretty darn similar to what you might get served at an Indian restaurant (and we're pretty picky when it comes to chicken tikka masala!). You wouldn't guess this rich and creamy chicken dish is made with just 8 ingredients (as opposed to the typical 20 plus ingredients).

Like our adapted paneer tikka masala recipe, this recipe uses low-carb arrabbiata pasta sauce as a base, which packs the flavor and heat. It also includes a few other critical ingredients like garam masala, coriander and heavy cream. All the ingredients are easy to find at your local store or you may already have them in your pantry.

It's a perfect weeknight recipe when you're craving a comforting and flavorful curry. We typically serve this low-carb chicken tikka masala with cauliflower rice or low-carb pitas (we recommend Joseph's Flax, Oat Bran and Whole Wheat Mini Pita Bread). This easy weeknight keto recipe is just 5 net carbs per serving.

About Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken tikka masala is a popular Indian dish made with marinated pieces of chicken in a spiced, creamy tomato-based sauce. Ingredients typically include marinated chicken, heavy cream, yogurt, tomato puree, onion and a variety of spices like garlic, ginger and garam masala.

Although the origin of the dish is unclear, it reportedly was created by the South Asian community living in Britain in the 1960s.

It often gets confused with butter chicken (murgh makani) since they’re both chicken curries made with a creamy tomato-based sauce. Although, they’re very similar in taste, chicken tikka masala is made with a creamy tomato and onion gravy, while butter chicken is more of a creamy tomato sauce.

Why Make This Dish

It tastes like the real deal. This dish rivals a restaurant chicken tikka masala since the marinated chicken is deliciously tender and the sauce is rich and creamy with the right amount of spice.
Its quick and easy. The steps in this recipe are easy to follow and the dish only takes 35 minutes to make.
It's just 8 ingredients. This recipe uses ingredient "shortcuts," like arrabbiata pasta sauce, which keep the dish rich and flavorful and don't sacrifice on taste.
It's low in carbs. Each serving includes a half pound of chicken and is only 5 net carbs. And when you serve with riced cauliflower and it's still a keto-friendly meal.

Key Ingredients

Ingredients in keto chicken tikka masala in bowls and labeled.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: We use chicken thighs since they're higher in fat, which makes them more tender, juicy and flavorful. Chicken thighs are less likely to dry out when cooked at high temperatures, unlike chicken breasts.
Greek yogurt: Yogurt helps flavor and tenderize the chicken. We use Fage 5% milk fat (full-fat) plain yogurt. However, you may use a lower-fat Greek yogurt if desired.
Arrabbiata pasta sauce: A shortcut ingredient that adds a rich, deep flavor! We use Rao's Arrabbiata Sauce since it's one of the best low-carb sauces out there (in terms of taste and clean ingredients).
Heavy cream: Creamy tikka masala sauce is a must! You may use full-fat coconut milk if you prefer, but it will change the flavor.
Garam masala: Garam masala is a must! It's the most important spice you add to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1 - MARINATE CHICKEN: Preheat broiler on high and position oven rack 6 inches from heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In large bowl, whisk together yogurt, 1 teaspoon garam masala and 1 teaspoon coriander. Add chicken and thoroughly coat with marinade. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (or longer) in refrigerator.

STEP 2 - PREPARE PAN: After marinating, place the chicken on a rimmed baking sheet with cooling/baking rack (or line with aluminum foil).

Marinated chicken on sheet pan with grate, ready to go in oven.

STEP 3 - BROIL CHICKEN: Broil chicken on high for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until chicken reaches 165 degrees F.

STEP 4 - MAKE SAUCE: While the chicken is in the oven, combine chicken broth, arrabbiata sauce, heavy cream, ½ teaspoon garam masala and 1 teaspoon coriander (and ½ teaspoon ginger if you like) in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Then, reduce heat and gently simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Broiling chicken in oven on sheet pan with grate.

STEP 5 - CUT CHICKEN: When chicken is done, place on cutting board and cut into 2-inch pieces.

STEP 6 - FINISH: Stir chicken pieces into sauce and simmer for a few minutes more. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with riced cauliflower or low-carb pita bread.

Cooked chicken chopped into smaller chunks.

Finished keto chicken tikka masala in pot.

Expert Tips

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tender, juicy chicken pieces. Chicken breasts will likely result in drier, less juicy chicken chunks.
Marinate chicken in Greek yogurt for at least 15 minutes for more tender, flavorful chicken.
Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken for doneness, so it does not overcook and dry out.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minute before cutting as it will result in moister chicken.
Serve with cauliflower rice or low-carb pitas to keep the meal low-carb and keto-friendly.

Recipe FAQ

What does chicken tikka masala taste like?

Imagine tender pieces of chicken covered in a tomato-based sauce that's rich, creamy and spicy. Garam masala adds a lot of flavor to the dish since it's made with a combination of spices like cinnamon, peppercorns, cardamom, mustard seeds, coriander seeds and cloves. It's our favorite Indian dish!

Can I eat chicken tikka masala on a low-carb or keto diet?

If you're ordering chicken tikka masala from a restaurant, it may not be keto-friendly. It all depends on the amount of cream, onion, tomatoes and spices used in the dish. Some restaurants may even sweeten the sauce with sugar. If you do order from a restaurant, be sure to ask if sugar is added to the sauce. When you make keto chicken tikka masala at home, then you can be sure you're getting a dish that is low in carbs.

Why do you marinate the chicken with yogurt?

Greek yogurt adds flavor and its acidity tenderizes the meat, so it stays juicy after cooking.

Can I store leftovers in the fridge or freezer?

Yes, you can store leftovers in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

If you try this recipe, we would love to hear your feedback! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag @lowcarbsimplified on your photo of this recipe on Instagram or Facebook. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!