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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

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Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground chili powder (adjust to your heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Juice of half a lemon

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are used in this recipe because they are tender and juicy when slow-cooked, which results in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can also use chicken breasts if preferred, though thighs tend to hold up better in the slow cooker.
  • Spices: The blend of warm spices, including garam masala, cumin, and turmeric, gives the butter chicken its signature flavor, while cinnamon and cloves add a depth of warmth and complexity.
  • Heavy Cream: The cream creates the rich, velvety sauce that’s characteristic of butter chicken. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream is a great alternative.
  • Butter: Butter contributes to the richness and smooth texture of the sauce, creating the “butter” element in the butter chicken.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:

  1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs (or breasts) into bite-sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly and allows the flavors to soak into the meat.
  2. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Spice It Up: Stir in the garam masala, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and chili powder, cooking for 1-2 minutes to release the spices’ essential oils. This step enhances the flavor depth of your butter chicken.
  4. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked onion, garlic, and spice mixture to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, water, salt, pepper, and honey (if using). Stir to combine.

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker: Add the chicken pieces into the slow cooker and mix them into the sauce until well-coated.
  2. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours. The chicken will cook thoroughly, becoming tender and infused with the flavorful sauce.

Final Touches:

  1. Add Cream and Butter: After cooking, stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version) and the remaining butter. Let it melt into the sauce and stir to create a rich, creamy texture.
  2. Finish with Lemon and Cilantro: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the sauce for a touch of brightness. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://buttereats.com/slow-cooker-butter-chicken/