Description
This creamy and flavorful butter chicken recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant. This quick step enhances the depth of flavor and is well worth it.
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with garam masala, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Coating the chicken in spices before slow cooking helps infuse each bite with flavor.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Add the seasoned chicken and sautéed onion mixture to the crockpot. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir everything gently to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fall-apart tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot. Then add the heavy cream and stir until well combined. Let cook for an additional 15–20 minutes on HIGH to thicken.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the butter chicken over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or serve with warm naan. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- This recipe can be adjusted for spice preference by adding more or less curry powder and garam masala.
- For a healthier option, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg