I know, I know: you're looking for an epic story. But today I feel like that would just take away from this amazing Paleo Butter Chicken recipe.
Well, I have a few words about the recipe. This one came from a friend who I converted to the Paleo lifestyle. It's a family “recipe” that we Paleoized (that is the technical term, isn't it?) and now perfected. Family recipes with no existing measurements: what a fantastic challenge, especially while trying to make a Paleo version at the same time. Great job Pam! Thank you so much!
She likes to point out that it can never be the same as her mom's since her spice blend is homemade. But this version is damn good (this is the garam masala that I use, and I'm still looking into an online source for people outside of Canada), and you'll only know if you have them side by side. So enjoy. ‘Cause this one's gonna knock your socks off!
Paleo Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 50-60 min
- Yield: 2-3 lbs 1x
Ingredients
- 2–3 lbs (family pack) boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 Tbsp ghee
- 1 1/2 large onions (chopped)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder or 1 Tbsp fresh garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp ginger powder or 1 Tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 heaping tsp turmeric
- 1 heaping tsp paprika
- 3/4 tsp cayenne powder
- 370 ml tomato paste
- 1–2 cans coconut milk
- 1 heaping tsp garam masala
- 1/2 cup sliced almond
- 1/2 cup cilantro
Instructions
- Melt ghee in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add salt and onions. Cook until onions are soft and translucent.
- Add in garlic, ginger, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne. Mix in and cook until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and mix thoroughly with spices (getting all of the spices stuck to the bottom of the pan).
- Add chicken and stir well.
- Once cooked, stir in coconut milk and garam masala. Cook until coconut is heated through.
Notes
Serve over riced cauliflower, topped with cilantro and sliced almonds.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35-45 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: stove-top
- Cuisine: Indian
***If you have leftovers, you can use them in Butter Chicken Omelettes!
We now have an Instant Pot version of Paleo Butter Chicken which is the same great taste in a fraction of the time!
Mmmm….salivating……I’m gonna go eat the leftovers that are in my fridge right now…hope you all enjoy it as much as I do!
Thanks Pam!!! Gonna be making this. Raj – the boys both ate cheese omlets tonight 🙂
OK. made it. loved it. was so good with some fresh chutney. can’t wait to have it with the omlettes for dinner tomorrow!
Good girl! Can’t wait to hear about the omelettes! How’d the boys like it?
Boys ate it up. 2 nights in a row!
★★★★
M-M-M! Had omlettes with the left-over butter chicken for dinner last night! Super good! Can you imagine, Raj, that your sister is making these wonderful omlettes after so many years of avoiding them! Love it!
I found you on the FBC Forum. I am following you on Pinterest now and just pin this recipe. That looks really good, I will try it.
That’s fantastic Helene! Great work by the FBC this week. I’ll be checking yours out shortly.
Just made this in my slow cooker today. Didn’t bother cooking anything beforehand because nobody got time for that sh!t! 😉 it was perfect over a bed of cauliflower rice with diced bell pepper and it’s Whole 30- approved! Been sharing the recipe with friends, but wanted to thank you for this wonderful recipe!
Val!
That’s fantastic! I’ve been meaning to try it in the crockpot. I’ve been wondering it the spice quantities would need to be altered since they’re not being cooked at the beginning. It was good though?
And thanks for sharing the link with your friends!
We’d love for you to share photos via social media as well.
🙂
Delicious! The whole family (including my 2 year old) loved it! Thanks for the recipe!
That’s a solid testimonial right there! Even the 2-year-old!
Thanks Amanda!
Have you tried this in the crockpot? How much time do you recommend doing it for?
No I haven’t, but you can find the original stove-top recipe here: https://www.theprimaldesire.com/paleo-butter-chicken1
Sounds to me like it’s time for you to look into an Instant Pot…