Description
Butter chicken brings aromatic Indian spices dancing through tender chicken pieces bathed in a silky, creamy tomato sauce. Simmered gently in a slow cooker, this classic dish promises comfort and rich flavor you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken thighs
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
Base and Liquid Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) tomato sauce (or passata)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger (grated)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, mint, or cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, thoroughly combine minced garlic, grated ginger, tomato sauce, ground cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, chili powder, kosher salt, and granulated sugar, ensuring all spices are evenly distributed.
- Carefully nestle chicken thighs into the spice mixture, making certain they are completely submerged in the aromatic sauce. Strategically place small cubes of unsalted butter across the top to enhance flavor and richness.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and cook on HIGH setting for 1.5–2 hours (90-120 minutes) or LOW setting for 4–6 hours (240-360 minutes), until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Carefully remove chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes. Gently shred or cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Pour heavy whipping cream into the remaining sauce, whisking continuously to create a smooth, velvety texture that incorporates all the deep, complex spices.
- Return the chicken pieces to the creamy sauce, gently stirring to ensure each morsel is lavishly coated with the rich, spiced liquid.
- Plate the butter chicken over steamed basmati rice, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve alongside warm naan bread for an authentic and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Spice fusion transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering Indian-inspired dish bursting with complex flavors.
- Slow cooking method guarantees tender, juicy meat that effortlessly absorbs aromatic spices and creamy sauce.
- Minimal prep work means anyone can create restaurant-quality butter chicken with just a few simple ingredients.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding extra spices to match your personal taste preferences.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as spices continue to develop and meld together during refrigeration.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 511 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 678mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 186mg