Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
This comforting Slow Cooker Butter Chicken features a rich, creamy sauce and aromatic spices, transforming an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts Tender and juicy, the chicken serves as the perfect canvas for the flavorful sauce.
- 1 cup diced onion Aromatic and sweet, these add depth to the dish.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Creamy and rich, butter enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup tomato sauce Adds a vibrant base with a hint of acidity.
- 1¼ cups heavy cream This luscious cream makes the sauce wonderfully rich and indulgent.
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste Concentrated and sweet, it intensifies the tomato flavor.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic Pungent and fragrant, garlic amps up the savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger Earthy and slightly spicy, it brings warmth to the dish.
- 2½ teaspoons curry powder A complex blend that offers a delightful aromatic spice.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this adds a subtle kick.
- 2 teaspoons garam masala A traditional mix that adds depth and warmth, typical of Indian cuisine.
- ½ teaspoon cumin Nutty and warm, cumin enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt Essential for bringing out the dish's flavors.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch Used later to thicken the sauce to perfection.
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice The perfect accompaniment, light and fragrant.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish Adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin your culinary journey by melting the butter in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Once melted, add the diced onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Blending the Sauce
- Transfer the sautéed mixture to a blender. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and ¾ cup of heavy cream, then blend until smooth.
Cooking
- Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
- Pour the luscious sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Set your slow cooker to High for about 2½ to 3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken, slice it into bite-sized pieces.
Thickening the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining heavy cream with the cornstarch, stirring until smooth.
- Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce and stir well.
Combining and Serving
- Return the sliced chicken to the slow cooker, stirring to coat it in the thickened sauce.
- Serve the dish over fluffy jasmine rice and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for color.
Notes
Sautéing the aromatics before slow cooking enhances flavor. Cooking times can be adjusted based on preference for tenderness and spice levels. Use coconut milk for a lighter option.