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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Your Family Will Love

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish, perfect for a comforting dinner, incorporating healthy ingredients and delightful spices.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
For the Aromatics
  • 1 medium Onion Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce; substitute with shallots for a milder flavor.
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced Use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable (1 teaspoon = 1 clove).
  • 1 tsp Fresh Ginger, minced Ground ginger can be used as a substitute (1/4 tsp).
For the Sauce
  • 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil or Ghee Provides a rich base and healthy fats; ghee offers a lovely buttery flavor.
  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander Offers citrusy notes; can substitute with ground cumin if necessary.
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin Enhances the savory profile.
  • 1 tsp Ground Cardamom Adds complexity and warmth; swap with curry powder for a different flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt Essential for enhancing flavors; adjust to taste.
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper, optional Provides heat; omit for a milder version or increase for more spice.
For the Creamy Base
  • 1 can Coconut Milk, full fat Forms the creamy sauce; light coconut milk can be used for lower fat.
  • 1 can Tomato Paste Thickens the sauce and adds richness; substitute with crushed tomatoes, reducing liquid elsewhere.
  • 1/2 lime Lime Juice Adds acidity to balance flavors; replace with lemon juice for a less tangy option.
For Garnishing
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Fresh herb garnish that enhances freshness; omit for a less herbal flavor or substitute with parsley.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
  1. Begin by dicing the medium onion, mincing the garlic, and the fresh ginger. Measure out the ground coriander, cumin, and cardamom to have everything ready for your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken.
  2. In a medium sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or ghee over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, ground coriander, cumin, cardamom, and cayenne pepper, cooking for an additional minute until the spices become fragrant.
  4. Next, add one can of full-fat coconut milk and six ounces of tomato paste to the pan. Stir everything together until well combined, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Transfer the chicken breasts into the slow cooker, spreading them evenly across the bottom. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well covered.
  6. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or on LOW for 6 to 8 hours.
  7. Once cooked, gently shred the chicken into the sauce using two forks. Drizzle the juice of half a lime over the dish, adding a fresh burst of acidity.
  8. Finally, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a vibrant garnish, adding to the enticing aroma before serving with your choice of sides.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 32gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For the best flavor, sauté the spices in coconut oil before adding the coconut milk. Adjust chile levels to suit your family's taste.

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