This family-friendly Indian Butter Chicken is rich, creamy, and fragrant — a perfect gateway to Indian flavors for kids and adults alike. Pair it with fluffy steamed Jasmine rice, roasted vegetables, and, for a special touch, crispy pappadums to scoop up the velvety sauce.
“I loved this recipe. The smells throughout the cooking process were amazing, and the chicken was very flavourful. Brooklin loved watching it cook through the day and said ‘Me love it!’” — Shannon Vogt, mom of Brooklin, 3, Rimbey, Alta.
Servings
4–6 servings
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep: 5 minutes
- Cook (Slow Cooker):
- 5 hours on LOW, or
- 2 ½ hours on HIGH
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 2–3 tbsp mild yellow or red curry paste
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ¾ cup coconut milk (unsweetened)
- 8 skinless, bone-in chicken drumsticks and thighs (about 3 lbs)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Melt butter in a small saucepan or directly in the slow cooker insert.
- Stir in cumin, curry paste, minced ginger, tomato sauce, and coconut milk until smooth.
- Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Add to the sauce and turn to coat well.
- Cover and cook:
- On HIGH for about 2 ½ hours, or
- On LOW for about 5 hours — until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with Jasmine rice, roasted vegetables, and pappadums.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm naan or garlic roti for an extra comforting touch.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a burst of brightness.
- Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers make a colorful side.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – 2 pieces chicken)
- Calories: 343
- Fat: 23 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Calcium: 42 mg
- Sodium: 493 mg
Pro Tips
- For a richer flavor, marinate chicken overnight in curry paste, garlic, and yogurt before cooking.
- Swap coconut milk for heavy cream for a classic restaurant-style butter chicken taste.
- This dish freezes well for up to 2 months — perfect for meal prepping.