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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Sheila Browder

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Ah, butter chicken—a dish that embodies comfort, warmth, and a hint of spice. Who doesn’t love that creamy, buttery goodness coating tender chicken pieces?
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 490
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb 900 g boneless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs for their tenderness and flavor.
  • - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: For that creamy richness.
  • - 1 medium yellow onion: Diced for depth.
  • - 5 cloves garlic: Minced because garlic makes everything better.
  • - 2 tablespoons fresh ginger root: Grated offering warmth and zest.
  • - 16 oz 450 g smooth tomato passata or tomato sauce: This forms the base of our sauce.
  • - ½ cup 120 ml heavy cream: Or double cream for an even richer taste.
  • - 2 teaspoons garam masala: The aromatic spice blend that is key to the flavor.
  • - 1 teaspoon ground cumin powder: For an earthy note.
  • - ½ teaspoon red chili powder: Adjust according to your heat preference.
  • - 1 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika: This adds a subtle smokiness.
  • - 1 teaspoon sea salt: To enhance all those beautiful flavors.
  • - ½ teaspoon turmeric: For color and health benefits.
  • - Fresh herbs for garnish parsley, mint, or cilantro: Choose your favorite!
  • - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: To brighten the whole dish.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

Step 1: Gather the Ingredients
  1. First things first—gather all your ingredients. This makes the cooking process smoother.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
  1. Take the boneless chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and set them aside. The marinated meat soaks in flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
  1. Using a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions are translucent. This step is crucial; fragrant aromatics make a significant difference in flavor.
Step 4: Combine in the Slow Cooker
  1. In your slow cooker, place the sautéed mixture. Add the chopped chicken, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garam masala. Stir everything together until the chicken is coated evenly.
Step 5: Pour in the Tomato Sauce
  1. Next, add the tomato passata and stir again. This will be the base of your sauce, and all those spices will meld beautifully as it cooks.
Step 6: Add Cream and Butter
  1. Throw in the remaining butter and pour the heavy cream over the top, and give it one last stir.
Step 7: Cook Low and Slow
  1. Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken will be.
Step 8: Finish with Lemon Juice
  1. When it’s done cooking, drizzle that fresh lemon juice over the top to brighten the flavors.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
  1. Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving. The pop of color and freshness is the cherry on top!

Nutrition

Serving: 4gCalories: 490kcal

Notes

Let me share some of the wisdom I’ve gathered through trial and error. Here are five tips to ensure your butter chicken turns out perfect every time:
- Choose Chicken Wisely: Thighs are recommended for tenderness, but if you prefer chicken breast, that's fine too. Just be mindful that it may dry out a bit.
- Prep in the Morning: If you have a busy day ahead, prep everything the night before. Store it all in the fridge, and toss it in the cooker in the morning.
- Don't Skip the Browning: Browning the chicken and sautéing the onions adds a depth of flavor that's too good to skip.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you're sensitive to heat, ease up on the red chili powder. You can always add more later!
- Experiment with Flavors: If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.

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