Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will revolutionize your weeknight meals with this mind-blowing Cashew Butter Chicken recipe! Imagine tender, succulent chicken pieces bathed in a luxuriously creamy cashew and coconut sauce, infused with aromatic curry spices that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of India. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or simply craving a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen, this slow cooker or Instant Pot recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup cashew butter
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by trimming any excess fat from chicken thighs and cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cashew butter, coconut milk, curry powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Finely chop the onion and distribute evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker or Instant Pot.
- Place chicken thigh pieces on top of the chopped onions in a single layer.
- Pour the cashew butter and coconut milk mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- For slow cooker method: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- For Instant Pot method: Close the lid, set to manual pressure cook for 15 minutes, then allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, gently stir the chicken to break it into smaller pieces and ensure it's fully coated in the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or curry powder if needed.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or cauliflower rice, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are key for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption. They're more forgiving during long cooking times compared to chicken breasts.
- Cashew Butter Quality Matters: Use fresh, high-quality cashew butter for the richest, most authentic flavor. If possible, opt for natural, unsweetened varieties.
- Spice Customization: Adjust the curry powder to your heat preference. For a milder dish, use less; for more kick, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk the cashew butter and coconut milk thoroughly to create a smooth, emulsified sauce that won't split during cooking.
- Layering is Crucial: Distribute the chopped onions evenly and place chicken in a single layer to ensure uniform cooking and flavor distribution.
- Don't Rush the Cooking: Whether using a slow cooker or Instant Pot, allow sufficient cooking time for the chicken to become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Garnish for Extra Wow: Fresh cilantro, green onions, or a sprinkle of toasted cashews can elevate the dish's presentation and add a delightful textural contrast.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with steamed basmati rice, cauliflower rice, or warm naan bread to soak up the luxurious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 140mg
