Keto Peanut Butter Chicken

Keto Peanut Butter Chicken

Keto Peanut Butter Chicken is a winner for fast, easy comfort food without the carbs!

Prep time:  10 minutes
Cook time:  30–35 minutes
Serves: 4

Why this works for a Keto lifestyle

  • Uses lower-carbohydrate ingredients (no added sugar)
  • Good protein content from chicken breasts
  • Fats from peanut butter, coconut milk, and healthy oil.
  • Plenty of flavour to keep you satisfied and not deprived.
  • If you add broccoli or green beans to your Keto Peanut Butter Chicken you will a power packed nutrient dense meal.
  • Easy tip: Cook once, eat twice. Make a large serving and freeze half for next week.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 red chillies (deseed if you prefer milder) or adjust amount to taste
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger (or adjust)
  • 1½ tbsp garam masala (or a blend of cumin, coriander & mild curry powder)
  • 100 g smooth peanut butter (unsweetened)
  • 300 ml coconut milk (canned)
  • 200 g canned tomatoes (no sugar added)
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • A handful of fresh coriander (cilantro), for garnish
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional: roasted peanuts or cashews to garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the chicken
    • Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a heavy pan over medium heat.
    • Add the chicken chunks in batches (don’t overcrowd) and brown on each side.
    • Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics
    • In the same pan, add the remaining oil.
    • Add the onion and cook for 5 min until soft and translucent.
    • Add garlic, chilli, ginger and sauté just ~1 minute more.
    • Stir in garam masala for 30 seconds
  3. Make the sauce
    • Add peanut butter, coconut milk, and chopped tomatoes.
    • Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Return chicken & simmer
    • Place the browned chicken back into the pan, plus any juices.
    • Add half the chopped coriander.
    • Let the mixture simmer for ~20–25 minutes, uncovered or partially covered, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
    • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Finish & serve
    • Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper).
    • Garnish with the remaining coriander and roasted peanuts (if using).
    • Serve hot.

Keto Tips & Variations

  • Serve with cauliflower rice (pulse raw cauliflower, sauté with a bit of butter or oil, season well).
  • Swap peanut butter for cashew butter if peanut sensitivities exist.
  • Heat factor: adjust chilli amount or omit if mild preferred.

How to up the nutrition

  • Add a bag of prewashed green beans or broccoli and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Stir in 2 tablespoons of collagen powder

Top 10 Ingredient Nutrition & Benefits

1. Chicken breast

  • High in protein → supports muscle repair, satiety, and metabolism.
  • Provides B vitamins (especially niacin, B6) for energy metabolism.

2. Peanut butter or cashew butter (unsweetened)

  • Contains magnesium (muscle relaxation, stress support).
  • Provides protein and fibre.
  • Satiety booster → keeps you fuller for longer.

3. Coconut milk (full-fat, canned)

  • Creamy texture without carbs.
  • Contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties.

4. Onion

  • Small amount of carbs, but also rich in antioxidants (quercetin) and prebiotic fibre for gut health.
  • Helps deepen flavour in keto dishes.

5. Garlic

  • Supports immune function.
  • Contains compounds like allicin that may help lower blood pressure and inflammation.

6. Red chillies

  • Rich in vitamin C.
  • Contains capsaicin → boosts metabolism slightly and may help reduce pain perception.

7. Ginger

  • Anti-inflammatory and soothing for digestion.
  • May reduce muscle soreness and help regulate blood sugar.

8. Garam masala (spice mix)

  • Typically includes cinnamon, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cloves, black pepper.
  • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Can aid digestion and blood sugar balance.

9. Tomatoes (canned, unsweetened)

  • Low-calorie source of vitamin C and potassium.
  • Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health.
  • Adds depth and balance to sauces.

10. Fresh coriander (cilantro)

  • Adds vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
  • Traditionally thought to support detoxification and digestion.

Here are some of the benefits of chicken as a protein source: WebMD