Description
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy Indian-inspired dish with tender chicken simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights and beginner cooks looking for a delicious, hands-off recipe. Serve it with rice or naan for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2½ teaspoons curry powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1¼ cups heavy cream (¾ cup + ½ cup)
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add the diced onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir frequently and cook for two to three minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant.
- Toast the Spices: Add the curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt to the pan. Stir well and cook for another minute to release the aromatic oils from the spices, creating a deep and flavorful base.
- Blend the Sauce: Transfer the cooked onion mixture to a blender. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and ¾ cup of heavy cream. Blend until smooth, ensuring a velvety consistency.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the raw chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the blended sauce over them, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and cook on high for 2½ to 3 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Prepare the Thickener: In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup of heavy cream with the cornstarch to create a slurry. Stir until smooth, then add the slurry to the slow cooker. Stir well to thicken the sauce, allowing it to cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Cut and Combine: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Return the pieces to the pot and stir gently to coat them with the thickened sauce, ensuring the chicken absorbs the rich flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the butter chicken over jasmine rice, making sure to ladle extra sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and color. Serve warm with naan or roti on the side.
Notes
- For an even richer flavor, marinate the chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, and spices for a few hours before cooking.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, strain it after blending to remove any onion or spice residue.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 688 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 831mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 54g
- Cholesterol: 233mg