Description
Creamy, aromatic butter chicken from India brings comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Tender chicken simmers in a rich, spiced tomato sauce that promises to delight spice lovers and deliver pure culinary satisfaction you can easily savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Base and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce (or pureed tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free option)
- 3 tablespoons butter (or ghee)
- 1 small onion, diced
Serving Suggestions:
- Cooked basmati rice or naan bread
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Extra butter or ghee for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Combine chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger in the ceramic slow cooker insert, creating an aromatic base for the classic Indian-inspired dish.
- Layer chicken pieces over the fragrant mixture, ensuring an even distribution across the cooking surface.
- Drizzle tomato sauce and paste over the chicken, allowing the liquid to cascade and coat each piece thoroughly.
- Sprinkle cumin, garam masala, turmeric, and paprika across the surface, creating a vibrant spice layer that will infuse the meat with complex flavors.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the sauce and tenderize the chicken, whisking the ingredients gently to ensure complete coverage.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low temperature, allowing the chicken to simmer and develop deep, rich flavors over 6-7 hours.
- During the final 45 minutes of cooking, gently stir in heavy cream and unsalted butter, watching the sauce transform into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Test the chicken for tenderness, ensuring it pulls apart effortlessly and has absorbed the intricate spice blend.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves, adding a burst of green freshness and herbaceous aroma.
- Serve alongside steamed basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan bread, inviting diners to experience the full depth of this comforting dish.
Notes
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of garam masala and chili powder to suit your taste preferences.
- Use chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful result, as they remain juicier during slow cooking compared to chicken breasts.
- Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that still maintains a creamy texture.
- Prep ingredients the night before by mixing spices and chopping vegetables, then store in the refrigerator to save time on cooking day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg