Life needs spice, variety, and excitement, and the best way to do that is to… well, reach for spices! Famous Butter Chicken is ready to take you on a flavor journey of epic proportions through its myriad of fragrances and flavors. Succulent chicken thighs are slow-cooked with the perfect lineup of Indian spices that develops into the creamiest butter sauce. Let your chicken strut its stuff with Famous Butter Chicken. Get your spice on!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced, can substitute 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, divided
- 3 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- basmati rice, optional, to taste, cooked and warm, for serving
- 1/3 cup cilantro, optional, chopped, for garnish
Directions
Step 1 –In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Step 2 –Add the onion to the melted butter and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
Step 3 –In a slow cooker, add the cooked onions, the garlic, the ginger, the garam masala, the coriander, the turmeric, the cumin, the chili powder, the crushed tomatoes and their juices, the tomato paste, the lemon zest, and 1 cup of the heavy cream and stir to combine.
Step 4 –Add the chicken thighs to the onion mixture and stir to combine.
Step 5 –Cover and cook on low until the chicken thighs are cooked through with the meat reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 4-5 hours.
Step 6 –In a small bowl, add the cornstarch and the remaining heavy cream and whisk to combine.
Step 7 –Add half of the slurry mixture and the salt to the sauce mixture, gently stirring to combine.
Step 8 –Let the sauce sit until thickened, about 2-4 minutes.
Step 9 –Add the remaining heavy cream mixture to the sauce mixture if needed for desired consistency.
Step 10 –Cover and cook the sauce on low for 15 minutes.
Step 11 –Serve the chicken with the rice, garnished with the cilantro.
