If you love Indian food but also want to keep things light and low-carb, then Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice is the perfect solution. This dish combines the rich, creamy flavors of classic butter chicken with the fluffy, grain-free goodness of cauliflower rice. It’s indulgent yet guilt-free, making it a go-to for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why Choose Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice?

The magic of this dish lies in balance. Butter chicken is famous for its velvety tomato-based sauce, fragrant spices, and tender chicken pieces. Pairing it with cauliflower rice keeps the meal light and carb-conscious, without sacrificing taste.

For those following keto or low-carb lifestyles, Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice feels like comfort food while still aligning with dietary goals.

Also Read: Low-Carb Cashew Beef: A Flavor-Packed Keto Stir-Fry

The Perfect Duo: Creamy Butter Chicken & Cauliflower Rice

The beauty of combining butter chicken with cauliflower rice is that you get both indulgence and nutrition in one bowl. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Component	Benefits	Flavor Profile
Butter Chicken	High in protein, rich in spices	Creamy, savory, slightly tangy
Cauliflower Rice	Low carb, high in fiber & vitamins	Light, fluffy, mild

Together, they create a dish that’s filling but not heavy, and healthy but not boring.

How to Make Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

Making this dish at home is simpler than you might think! With a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a restaurant-style meal ready in no time.

Ingredients for Butter Chicken:

• 500g boneless chicken (thighs or breast), cubed
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Ingredients for Cauliflower Rice:

• 1 medium cauliflower head, grated or riced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the chicken – Heat butter and oil in a skillet. Add chicken cubes and cook until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the sauce – In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until soft. Add spices, then stir in tomato puree. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Creamy finish – Stir in cream and return the chicken to the pan. Cook until the chicken is tender and the sauce is thick and rich.
4. Prepare cauliflower rice – In another pan, heat olive oil. Add riced cauliflower and sauté for 5–6 minutes until fluffy. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the dish – Serve the butter chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice, and garnish with cilantro.

Tips for the Best Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

• Marinate the chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for a few hours before cooking.
• Dairy-free option: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream for a lighter, dairy-free version.
• Make it spicy or mild: Adjust chili powder according to your spice preference.
• Meal prep friendly: Store butter chicken and cauliflower rice separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Health Benefits

Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice isn’t just tasty—it’s nutritious. The chicken provides high-quality protein, while cauliflower is low in carbs and packed with antioxidants. Compared to traditional butter chicken with rice or naan, this version is lighter and more balanced.

FAQs About Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice

Q1: Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?
Yes! Frozen cauliflower rice works just as well. Just sauté it directly from frozen without thawing.

Q2: Is Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice keto-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s low in carbs, making it perfect for keto and low-carb diets.

Q3: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes. Replace butter with ghee or olive oil, and swap heavy cream for coconut cream.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Keep butter chicken and cauliflower rice in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Q5: What other sides can I serve with butter chicken?
You can enjoy it with keto naan, roasted veggies, or a simple cucumber salad.

Final Thoughts

The Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice is a dish that proves you don’t have to give up flavor to eat healthy. It’s rich, comforting, and satisfying—yet light enough to enjoy any day of the week. Whether you’re following keto, trying to cut down on carbs, or simply craving Indian comfort food, this recipe deserves a spot in your meal rotation.