Description
A rich and creamy curry made easy in your slow cooker! Slow Cooker Butter Chicken features tender chicken simmered in a luscious, spiced tomato and cream sauce. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken absorbs all the flavors, making it a comforting and flavorful meal that pairs wonderfully with rice or naan.
Ingredients
For the Butter Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, but thighs are preferred for tenderness)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for color)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Additional butter (for richness)
- A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Start by cutting the chicken thighs into large, bite-sized pieces. If you are using chicken breasts, ensure they are cut into similar-sized chunks. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper on both sides. This will allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce as it cooks.
In a large sauté pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and become translucent. Add the garlic and ginger, sautéing for another 2 minutes until fragrant. This step helps to release the aromatic oils from the garlic, ginger, and onion, intensifying their flavors.
Once the onions, garlic, and ginger are softened, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. This step is optional but helps to deepen the flavor of the sauce. If you are in a rush, you can skip this and directly add the raw ingredients to the slow cooker.
To the slow cooker, add the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and cloves (if using). Stir the spices into the onions, garlic, and ginger to coat them evenly. This will help activate the spices, releasing their fragrant oils.
Next, add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir everything together until well combined. The tomato paste adds richness and depth to the sauce.
Place the seasoned chicken pieces into the slow cooker, mixing them into the sauce mixture to coat the chicken with the spices and tomatoes. This ensures that every piece of chicken gets infused with flavor during the slow cooking process.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 7 hours or on high for 4 hours. The chicken will cook slowly, allowing it to become very tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce. The longer you cook it, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will become.
Once the chicken has cooked and is tender, stir in the heavy cream and butter. The cream adds a smooth, velvety texture to the sauce, while the butter adds richness and a silky finish. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding salt, pepper, or honey (if you like a touch of sweetness).
If you prefer an even richer sauce, you can add a bit more butter at this stage.
Serve the Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with steamed rice or warm naan bread. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. For an added touch of indulgence, drizzle a little extra melted butter over the top of the chicken before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (on low setting) or 4 hours (on high setting)
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 12-15g
- Protein: 35-40g