Description
A cozy, slow-cooked version of butter chicken bringing bold Indian-inspired flavors with minimal fuss, perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked basmati rice (for serving)
- Naan bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare your aromatics and chicken: Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
- Brown the onion in butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and cook the onion until softened and lightly golden.
- Add garlic and ginger: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cook until fragrant.
- Brown the chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the skillet, cooking until lightly browned on all sides.
- Bloom the spices: Stir in tomato paste, garam masala, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne, salt, and black pepper, cooking until aromatic.
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and chicken broth, stirring well.
- Transfer to the slow cooker: Move the mixture to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Finish with cream and lemon: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream and lemon juice.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve with basmati rice and naan.
Notes
For a lighter option, serve with cauliflower rice and a side of steamed greens. Can freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: butter chicken, slow cooker, Indian cuisine, weeknight dinner, comfort food