Chicken Masala Recipe: A Low-Carb Indian Delight

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Chicken Masala is a classic Indian dish that bursts with flavors and aromatic spices. This recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal and perfectly fits a low-carb or keto lifestyle.

Using chicken thighs, yogurt, black salt, chickpea flour, Kashmiri chili, dried fenugreek, garam masala, and coconut oil, you can create a mouthwatering low-carb version of this beloved Indian dish. Read on as we will explore the key ingredients and steps to prepare Chicken Masala and its nutritional benefits.

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Experience The Delight Of Low Carb Indian Cuisine With Chicken Masala

Chicken Masala, a classic Indian dish known for its explosion of flavors and aromatic spices, can now be enjoyed without compromising your low-carb or keto lifestyle. This tantalizing recipe incorporates key ingredients like chicken thighs, yogurt, black salt, chickpea or almond flour, Kashmiri chili, dried fenugreek, garam masala, and coconut oil, resulting in a mouthwatering low-carb version of this beloved Indian delicacy.

Read on as we look closer at these essential ingredients, the step-by-step preparation process, and the numerous nutritional benefits awaiting you. Embark on a culinary adventure as we unveil the secrets to relishing a flavorful Indian delight while staying true to your low-carb goals.

Ingredients For Chicken Masala Recipe

The Importance Of Chicken Thighs

When it comes to Chicken Masala, choosing the proper cut of meat is crucial. Opting for chicken thighs over chicken breasts enhances the flavor and richness of the dish.

The higher fat content in the thighs contributes to a more intense and delicious taste. By cutting the chicken thighs into 2-inch pieces, deboning them, and removing the skin, you can ensure a delectable and tender result in your Chicken Masala.

The Role Of Yogurt In Chicken Masala

Yogurt is a fundamental ingredient in Indian cuisine, providing a creamy and light texture to dishes without overwhelming them. When preparing Chicken Masala, it is essential to use regular plain yogurt, as its consistency complements the other flavors.

Greek yogurt can be substituted but thinned with water to achieve the desired texture. The yogurt adds richness to the dish and is a tenderizing agent for the chicken, resulting in a moist and flavorful outcome.

Exploring Exotic Flavors: Black Salt, Kashmiri Chili, And Dried Fenugreek

This chicken masala has many great spices, including black salt, Kashmiri chili, and friend fenugreek.

Black Salt

Also known as Himalayan black salt or kala namak, black salt offers a unique flavor to Indian dishes. It contains natural sulfur compounds and sodium chloride, lending a distinct taste to the Chicken Masala.

While black salt can be found in Indian grocery stores or online, acceptable sea salt or table salt can be used as substitutes if necessary.

Kashmiri Chili

Originating from the Kashmir region, Kashmiri chili powder infuses the dish with a mild heat and vibrant color. It can be obtained from Indian grocery stores or online sources. Alternatively, a combination of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper can be used as a substitute.

Dried Fenugreek

Kasuri Methi, or dried fenugreek leaves, adds a bitter yet addictive flavor to Indian curries, including Chicken Masala. This herb is commonly available in Indian grocery stores or online.

If it is not accessible, ground yellow mustard or Dijon mustard can serve as suitable alternatives.

The Magic Of Garam Masala

Garam masala is a staple spice blend in Indian cooking. It consists of a combination of ground spices, adding depth and complexity to the Chicken Masala.

While garam masala can be purchased from stores, making your blend using cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves allows you to customize the flavors.

Coconut Oil For Healthy Frying

Coconut oil is the preferred oil for frying the chicken in this recipe. It contains high levels of lauric acid and healthy fats, making it a better option for frying than other oils.

Additionally, coconut oil is flavorless and odorless, ensuring the chicken’s taste remains unaffected. Its compatibility with a low-carb or keto lifestyle further adds to its benefits.

Coconut oil is known for its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily digestible and quickly converted into energy by the body. These MCTs can help boost metabolism and promote fat burning, making coconut oil an excellent choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet.

Pairing Your Chicken Masala With Vegetables And Other Options

To complete your low-carb Indian delight, consider serving Chicken Masala with a side salad or various vegetables. This adds freshness and nutrition to your meal and enhances the overall balance of flavors.

Depending on your low-carb diet plan, you can customize the vegetable selection to suit your taste preferences.

For those who allow some carbohydrates in their diet, brown rice can be a suitable accompaniment to Chicken Masala. It provides a healthy, fiber-rich option while maintaining moderate carb content.

However, if you strictly follow a low-carb or keto lifestyle, it is best to omit rice or choose cauliflower rice as a low-carb substitute.

You Can Listen To Our Podcast About Chicken Masala Recipe – A Low-Carb Indian Delight below or by clicking here.

Exploring Nutrient-Rich Chickpea Flour Or Almond Flour As A Low Carb Alternative

Chickpea flour emerges as a star ingredient when creating a low-carb version of Chicken Masala. Packed with healthy nutrients, this versatile flour is an excellent alternative to refined wheat flour.

Not only does it provide a lower carb and calorie content, but it also boasts higher protein and fiber levels.

Chickpea flour is widely recommended in many low-carb programs due to its favorable nutritional profile. It aligns well with the keto diet principles, where controlled carbohydrate intake is essential.

While only a small amount of chickpea flour is typically used in Chicken Masala, it adds a unique texture and flavor to the dish without significantly impacting the overall carb count.

However, if you prefer to avoid chickpea flour altogether, an alternative option is almond flour. Almond flour shares similar characteristics with chickpea flour and can be substituted in equal amounts. It offers a nutty taste and works wonderfully as a low-carb replacement.

Both chickpea flour and almond flour allow you to enjoy the rich flavors of Chicken Masala while adhering to your low-carb or keto lifestyle. Experiment with these versatile flours to find the one that best suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Chicken Masala is a delectable Indian dish that can be enjoyed as part of a low-carb or keto diet. By utilizing the right ingredients, such as chicken thighs, yogurt, black salt, chickpea flour, Kashmiri chili, dried fenugreek, garam masala, and coconut oil, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that aligns with your dietary goals.

Experiment with the spices and flavors, and don’t hesitate to adjust based on your preferences. Embrace the culinary adventure and savor the rich aromas and tastes of Chicken Masala while staying on track with your low-carb journey.

Chicken Masala Recipe

Chicken Masala Recipe: A Low-Carb Indian Delight

Recipe by Anita Hummel
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: MainCuisine: Indian, Keto, Low CarbDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Total time

30

minutes

Chicken Masala, a revered classic in Indian cuisine, captivates the senses with its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. This recipe’s compatibility with a low-carb or keto lifestyle makes it even more remarkable. With the right ingredients and culinary finesse, you can savor a delectable and satisfying meal while staying true to your dietary goals.

Ingredients

  • 1.4 cup (1 ounce) Chickpea Flour (may substitute almond flour)

  • 1/4 cup Plain Yogurt (see notes above)

  • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri Chili Powder (see notes above)

  • 1 teaspoon Dried Fenugreek (see notes above)

  • 1/2 teaspoon Garam Masala

  • 1/2 teaspoon Cumin

  • 3 tablespoons Coconut Oil For Frying

  • 1.25 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 2” pieces.

Directions

  • Toasting the Chickpea Flour: Place a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over low heat. Add the chickpea flour to the skillet, stirring it continuously until it darkens, which should take around 2 minutes. Once toasted, transfer the flour to a large bowl and clean the skillet thoroughly.
  • Preparing the Marinade: Next, to the bowl with the toasted flour, add yogurt, salt, chili powder, fenugreek, garam masala, and cumin. Mix these ingredients until they combine into a thick sauce. Introduce the chicken pieces into this mixture and ensure they are well coated with the sauce.
  • Frying the Chicken: Return to your cleaned skillet and set it over medium heat. Pour in the oil and heat it until it begins to shimmer. At this point, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the skillet. It’s OK if some pieces are touching each other. Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for around 4 to 5 minutes until it turns a lovely brown and becomes crispy. Keep a vigilant eye on the chicken and lower the heat if it appears to be burning. Flip the chicken pieces over and continue to cook until they are golden brown on all sides and have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes, although thicker chicken pieces may require more time. If desired, serve the fried chicken hot, accompanied by chutney and rice or naan.
  • Serve with a green salad or other vegetables.

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Reluctant Low Carb Life explores the keto and low carb lifestyles, fitness, health, wellness, and aging gracefully. We give you honest advice, accurate information, and real stories about what it means to change your life.

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