Indian Slow Cooker Butter Chicken (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2" pieces
02 -
1 large onion, finely chopped
03 -
4 garlic cloves, minced
04 -
1-2 tablespoons grated ginger root
05 -
2 tablespoons curry powder
06 -
1 tablespoon garam masala
07 -
1 teaspoon chili powder
08 -
1 teaspoon salt
09 -
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 -
14 ounces can full fat coconut milk
12 -
6 ounces can tomato paste
13 -
2 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
14 -
2 tablespoons cornstarch
15 -
2 tablespoons cold water
16 -
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat a medium skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent.
02 -
Add the curry powder, garam masala, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This step helps bloom the spices and intensify their flavors.
03 -
Transfer the spice and onion mixture to your slow cooker. Add the chicken pieces, coconut milk, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all ingredients and ensure the chicken is coated in the sauce.
04 -
Cover the slow cooker and cook on High heat for 2 hours or on Low heat for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
05 -
In a small bowl, whisk together the cold water and cornstarch until smooth to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker. Add the maple syrup or honey, then cover and cook on High for an additional 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
06 -
Serve the butter chicken hot over rice, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro.
# Notes:
01 -
This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before cooking.
02 -
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
03 -
Can be prepared as a freezer meal by completing steps 1-3 and freezing uncooked.