When I first started experimenting with low-carb recipes, one of the dishes I missed most was butter chicken. Creamy, rich, and comforting—it was always a favorite takeout order for me. But pairing it with naan or a mound of rice was definitely off the table when I committed to eating keto. That’s when I stumbled across the idea of pairing it with Palmini noodles, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
The first time I made this dish, I had just pulled a can of Palmini noodles out of a keto subscription box I’d been trying. I figured, “Why not give it a go?” The result? A flavorful, tender butter chicken that clung beautifully to those noodles. Were they pasta? No. Did they work? Absolutely. I plated it up, sprinkled some fresh herbs on top, and didn’t miss the carbs one bit. Now, this recipe makes a regular appearance in my kitchen.
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Dish
- Comfort food without the carbs. All the flavor of butter chicken, minus the heaviness of rice or bread.
- Weeknight-friendly. It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a solid option for busy nights.
- Flexible noodles. Palmini noodles are a nice low-carb swap, but zucchini noodles work just as well if that’s easier to find.
- Packed with flavor. Between garlic, lemon, paprika, cayenne, and fresh herbs, it’s anything but bland.
- Meal-prep ready. It reheats well, so leftovers taste just as good for lunch the next day.
Ingredients That Make It Work
- Chicken breasts – I slice them into strips so they cook quickly and stay tender. Thighs work too if you like dark meat.
- Butter – Real butter makes all the difference in flavor. Margarine just doesn’t cut it.
- Garlic, paprika, cayenne, chili flakes – The spice blend here gives warmth without being overwhelmingly hot.
- Dijon mustard & lemon – These brighten up the sauce and balance out the richness.
- Chicken broth – Keeps the sauce light but flavorful.
- Fresh parsley, chives, thyme – I like to stir these in at the end for freshness.
- Palmini noodles – Made from hearts of palm, they soak up the sauce surprisingly well. If you can’t find them, zucchini noodles are a great stand-in.
How I Cook It
- Season and cook the chicken. Toss strips of chicken with salt and pepper, then sear them in butter until golden. Add garlic and chili flakes for a quick hit of flavor, then set the chicken aside.
- Make the sauce. In the same pan, melt more butter and stir in lemon juice, zest, mustard, hot sauce, cayenne, paprika, and broth. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Bring it together. Add the fresh herbs and drained Palmini noodles, then return the chicken to the pan. Stir everything together, cover, and let the flavors meld for a couple of minutes before serving hot.
Tips I’ve Learned Along the Way
- Drain and rinse Palmini noodles. Straight from the can, they have a briny taste. A good rinse (and sometimes a quick soak in milk) makes a big difference.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Since it’s sliced thin, it cooks fast. Pull it off the heat as soon as it’s done to keep it tender.
- Adjust the heat. Like it spicier? Add more cayenne or chili flakes. Want it mild? Cut back and let the paprika shine.
- Fresh herbs at the end. Adding parsley, chives, and thyme right before serving keeps the dish tasting bright and fresh.
Serving Suggestions
- Straight from the skillet. It’s a full meal as is—protein, sauce, and noodles in one.
- With a side salad. I like pairing it with a crisp cucumber or mixed greens salad to balance the richness.
- Meal prep bowls. Divide into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week.
Storage
- Fridge: Keeps well for 3–4 days in a sealed container.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: Palmini noodles don’t freeze well, but you can freeze just the butter chicken sauce and add fresh noodles later.
Keto Butter Chicken with Noodles
This Keto Butter Chicken with Noodles is a rich, flavorful, low-carb comfort food made with tender chicken strips, a creamy butter sauce, and Palmini noodles (or zucchini noodles for an easy swap).
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 can Palmini Pasta, drained (or substitute 4 spiralized zucchini)
Instructions
- Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for about 1 minute, then stir in garlic and chili flakes. Continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, cayenne, paprika, and chicken broth. Simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring often to let the flavors come together.
- Add parsley, chives, thyme, and drained Palmini noodles to the skillet. Toss well to coat in the sauce. Return the chicken to the pan, stir to combine, then cover and turn off the heat. Let everything warm through before serving.
Notes
- Swap Palmini pasta for zucchini noodles if you prefer a fresher option.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing cayenne and hot sauce.
- Pairs perfectly with a side of roasted veggies for a full keto-friendly meal.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 396Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 133mgSodium 434mgCarbohydrates 21gFiber 2gSugar 8gProtein 40g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This keto butter chicken with noodles has become one of those dishes that proves eating low-carb doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort food. It’s creamy, satisfying, and full of flavor, yet light enough that I never feel weighed down afterward. Whether you’re brand new to keto or just looking for a weeknight dinner that tastes indulgent without being heavy, this dish is one you’ll want to keep in rotation.