Keto Chicken Tikka
The king of kebabs – Keto Chicken Tikka
Chicken Tikka, specifically Keto Chicken Tikka, has been high on the list of requests I get from you guys every day. These kebabs are a staple in Indian restaurants and also the key ingredient in Chicken Tikka Masala. They’re easy to make and it’s also a super keto recipe. I cooked it up two ways, pan-fried and in the oven. Which one was better? Watch and find out. Also find out what not to do as I generally wreak some havoc in this episode. Hope you enjoy it!
Cooking kebabs
So what’s the verdict? I personally preferred the pan fried version as it keeps the meat more moist and it really allows the mean to cook and caramelize in it’s own juices. The pieces in the pan were also able to get a better colour on them and the marinade really cooks well and forms these crusty bits on the meat. In the oven I feel it doesn’t work quite the same especially because kebabs are cooked in a tandoor oven which has a much higher temperature than your conventional oven. Also remember if you choose to use chicken breast for this recipe, it cooks very quickly so I would recommend using leg and thigh meat oven breast meat.
Nutrition Info (Per serving)
- Calories: 417
- Net Carbs: 3g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fat: 21g
- Protein: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
This recipe makes 2 serving. Get this recipe on myfitnesspal.

Keto Chicken Tikka
Ingredients
- 500 grams Boneless chicken legs and thighs
- 15 grams Melted Butter
- 50 grams Yoghurt full fat and hung is preferred
- Salt
- 1/2 tbsp Red Chilli Powder I use this one
- 1/2 tbsp Garam Masala I recommend this one
- 1/2 tbsp Coriander Powder I recommend this one
- 1/2 tbsp Elaichi Powder Try this one
- 1 tbsp Kasuri Methi or Fenugreek Leaves I recommend this one
- A squeeze of lime
- Red Food Colour I use this
- Ghee/Butter for Basting/Frying I recommend this one
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into big kebab size pieces
- Mix all the ingredients in a blow and make the marinade (add in the melted butter, salt, yogurt, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, elaichi powder, kasuri methi and the squeeze of lime juice and red food colour)
- Marinate the chicken for 2 hours or longer
- Fry the kebabs in ghee in a frying pan or skewer them and put them in the oven at the highest temperature for 15 minutes. Halfway through baste with butter or ghee
- Finally char the kebabs on the stove for that 'tandoor' flavour
- Serve with a slice of lime.
Nice recipe, I really liked it, but I think it’s 15 grams of melted butter not 50.
Yes sir, just fixed it.
In your written recipe while marinating you didn’t mention to add lime. Kindly add as many times I just read and follow the steps
Will do thanks for catching that error!
I’m not sure if “red chili powder” is cayenne pepper or is it the chili powder that you use when making mexican chili? I’m worried if I use the cayenne it will make the dish too hot and ruin it. Help because I would love to try this!
It’s an Indian chilli powder. You can use the less spicy one which I use, it’s called Kashmiri Red Chilli. I’ve put the amazon link in the recipe box or you can use cayenne if you like it spicy.
Hi! Thanks for the keto version of chicken tikka and masala, which is one of my favorite dishes. It will be hard to eat it without naan and/or rice. lol. I thought I’d mention that I cook my tikka under the broiler since it gives it a nice char and kind of imitates the tandoor process a bit. I love to use smaller cuts, like wings and legs since those cook better, but thighs will work, too. Anyhow, I’m new to your site and really enjoying the content!
thank you Joelle, glad you are! And yes you can always use the broiler as well. I just do that on the stove to char it a bit. And yes always great to use wings, legs, thighs etc for these recipes. Enjoy!
Absolutely delicious I used full fat creme fraiche instead of the yoghurt and it turned out fine, I skewered the chunks and cooked them under the grill. This recipe is definitely one for keeps and was a hit with the famalam ??