Low-Carb Bombay Chicken Curry with It's Skinny Noodles

Whether you know this dish as Bombay chicken curry, Mumbai chicken curry, or simply creamy chicken curry, you probably love it. There’s something so perfect about the warm spices, the creamy sauce, and the way they fall perfectly over a bed of rice or noodles.

But if you're going the low-carb or keto route, you might wonder if you can still enjoy a big bowl of creamy chicken curry. You bet! We have the secret to making a crave-worthy curry that you'll love even more than the original (all the flavor—none of the guilt)!

What is Bombay Chicken Curry?

Bombay chicken curry is a classic Indian dish. Like many dishes from India, it includes delicious spices such as turmeric, cumin, and garam masala. It's similar to creamy butter chicken but has a tangier, bolder flavor (thanks to tomatoes and lemon).

It’s Skinny helps you make this dish low-carb, high-protein, and keto-friendly without having to give up any of the delicious, comforting flavor.

Bombay chicken curry embodies the culinary heritage of Mumbai (formerly Bombay)—one of India's major metropolitan coastal cities. Mumbai is India's financial hub, and since it is near water, it has been a major trade center (including spices).

Bombay chicken curry reflects many influences including Anglo-Indian cooking. The tangy lemon and tomato reflect Maharashtrian cuisine, which often calls for tamarind and similar citrus ingredients.

During colonial rule, many Indian curries were adapted for European tastes—milder and creamier, often with the use of coconut milk. Bombay curry can be found in old British cookbooks, often with very similar ingredients to the chicken curry of today.

Bombay curry is traditionally mellow, rich, and comforting. It’s often served over rice or with flat bread. We keep our version low-carb friendly with It’s Skinny Angel Hair or Orzo shapes.

As far as Indian curries go, low-carb Bombay curry is mellow and less spicy. However, if you like your curries with more kick, adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.

You could also top the curry with “Indian pickle,”—a spicy condiment used widely throughout India. Many families have their own version of pickle or Achaar. Some varieties can get very hot, so proceed with caution!

No matter how hot or mild you like your creamy chicken curry, this Mumbai dish is one to put on regular rotation in your kitchen.

It’s Skinny to Lighten Up Your Curry

It's Skinny is the perfect ingredient for any noodle or rice-based dish where you want to ditch the carbs but keep the comforting texture. Orzo is a great pairing for this dish because of its rice-like shape and light textures.

Angel Hair would be another great option. Although noodles aren’t quite as traditional in Indian meals, there are many Indo-Chinese dishes that rely on noodles. Feel free to mix it up and play around with your preferred It’s Skinny shape:

·       Couscous

·       Angel Hair

·       Orzo

·       Fettuccine

·       Spaghetti

·       Pappardelle

·       Noodles for Soup

No matter what you choose, It's Skinny has that great noodle texture that you crave. Unlike many noodle and rice swaps, It's Skinny doesn't have an overpowering aftertaste or smell that can impact the dish. It takes on the surrounding flavors for a seamless combination.

It’s Skinny is ideal for vegetarians, low-carb dieters, keto-followers, and many more. It’s gluten-free and entirely plant-based. Best of all, It’s Skinny clocks in at only 9 little calories per pack and zero net carbs.

So, how do you make a filling, delicious pasta with zero net carbohydrates? Well, you use a magical ingredient called konjac root.

Konjac root comes from Asia, where it’s long been used as an ingredient in many dishes. Only recently have the konjac-derived “shirataki” noodles become popular in the United States.

But for good reason—the noodles are delicious, easy to use, and make the ideal guilt-free pasta swap. If you’re ready to expand your low-carb or keto recipe collection, It’s Skinny makes it so easy. Adapt your favorite meals to include healthy pasta you can feel good about.

Adapting Low-Carb Bombay Chicken Curry to Your Taste

There are many versions of this dish. Whether you call it creamy chicken, Mumbai chicken, or Bombay chicken, you get a yummy sauce with gently warming spices—the perfect meal for almost any occasion.

Curries are the perfect platform for customization. Let your inner chef shine by modifying this recipe to suit your tastebuds. Here are a few additions and variations to try.

Can I add vegetables to this low-carb curry?

The answer is a resounding yes! Add almost any vegetable you like to chicken curry—it all pairs deliciously. Spinach and other greens are often the ideal option since they add healthy vitamins and fiber (and are very keto-friendly), but you can try all sorts of veggies. If you're on keto, be sure to check your stats; since this dish has a bit of tomato, you want to keep the carb count under your preferred threshold.

Otherwise, any vegetable will do. Try green beans, peas, zucchini, squash, or bell peppers to start. Cauliflower and broccoli are perfectly at home, too. You could include mushrooms and other flavorful additions, too.

Can I use curry powder?

Do you prefer to use your favorite all-in-one curry blend? It works! Fresh ginger and the other dried spices give this dish a greater depth of flavor, but if you only have a jar of curry spice, then use what you have!

You should still include the fresh ginger and cilantro, however. They add a brightness to the meal that's well worth the extra effort.

Could I use other proteins?

Chicken is often an easy, lean option for high-protein, low-carb meals, but many other types of protein pair well with curry. Lamb and shrimp are both go-to choices for curry dishes.

Otherwise, consider going the vegetarian route with meaty mushrooms or even lightly sauteed tofu cubes. Of course, check the stats when you update or change an ingredient to make sure you’re still within your target carb range.

Recipe for Low-Carb Bombay Chicken Curry

Ready to get cooking? This low-carb Bombay chicken curry is delicious and perfect for even beginning cooks. Adapt the spice levels to your taste and heat preference. You'll want to make this dish any time you need something creamy, comforting, and delicious.

Ingredients

·       1 package It’s Skinny Orzo or Angel Hair, drained

·       2 tbsp olive or coconut oil (or ghee)

·       2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed

·       1 small onion, finely minced

·       1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

·       1 tablespoon of minced garlic

·       1 tsp cumin

·       1 tsp coriander

·       1 tsp turmeric

·       1 tsp garam masala

·       ½ tsp chili powder

·       1 cup of canned diced tomatoes

·       1 cup of unsweetened keto-friendly coconut milk

·       ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth

·       Juice of ½ a lemon

·       Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Open the pack of It’s Skinny Orzo or Angel Hair, drain, rinse, and set it aside.

Step 2: Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 additional minute.

Step 3: Add the cubed chicken to your pan and season it with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides. Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder. Stir the chicken to coat in the spices and allow them to toast for about 1 minute.

Step 4: Pour in the diced tomatoes and the coconut milk. Add broth if you prefer a thinner sauce. Lower the heat to a simmer for 10 minutes, stirring regularly.

Step 5: Add the It’s Skinny Orzo or Angel Hair to the pan, along with the lemon juice and about half the cilantro. Let the It’s Skinny heat through for approximately 3 minutes. Plate up, top with the remaining cilantro, and enjoy!