Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

A Flavorful Journey into Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure filled with creamy, flavorful goodness? Let me introduce you to the star of the show: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken! This dish is not just a meal; it’s a delightful symphony of spices and tender chicken simmered to perfection. Imagine walking into your kitchen after a long day and being greeted by the tantalizing aroma of aromatic spices and savory sauces wafting through the air.

This recipe is incredibly special not just for its bold flavors, but also for its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that’ll impress your family and friends. In fact, it’s as easy to make as classic spaghetti but packed with exotic Indian flavors! If you’ve enjoyed our popular recipe for Spicy Chicken Tikka, you’re going to love this one even more. So grab your slow cooker, and let’s dive into the creamy bliss of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken!

What is Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?

Now, you might be wondering, “Why is it called Butter Chicken?” Good question! This beloved dish hails from India and is famously known for its rich, buttery sauce, and it just might make your heart skip a beat. Imagine a smooth, luscious gravy swimming in spices that dance on your taste buds! They say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and believe me, this recipe is a surefire way to win over anyone with its comforting flavors. Intrigued? You should definitely give this hearty dish a try!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

There are three glorious reasons to fall in love with Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: First, the star of the dish is undoubtedly its rich, creamy sauce. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Second, you’ll appreciate the cost-saving benefits that come with crafting this dish at home, avoiding the higher prices of dining out. Finally, the aromatic blend of garlic, ginger, and spices delivers a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds. If you’ve enjoyed cooking dishes like Chicken Curry before, this recipe will excite your palate even more! Ready to take the plunge? Let’s get cooking!

How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Quick Overview

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is the epitome of comfort food made easy! You’ll find the preparation to be a breeze, as you can simply toss in the ingredients and let the magic happen while your slow cooker does all the hard work. In about 15 minutes of prep time and a few hours of slow cooking, you’ll have a satisfying meal that embodies rich flavors and tender meat, perfect for just about any occasion.

Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

To whip up this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably whole milk)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for more intense flavors).
2. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the marinated chicken to the slow cooker. Add in the chopped onions and crushed tomatoes, then give it a gentle stir to combine.
3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You aim for tender, juicy chicken simmering in that flavorful sauce.
4. Add Cream: Once cooked, stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on high with the lid off, allowing the sauce to thicken.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve warm with rice or naan.

What to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken With

To accentuate the flavors of your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, consider serving it with fluffy basmati rice or some warm naan bread to soak up that delightful sauce. You can also pair it with a fresh cucumber salad or a tangy mango chutney for a refreshing bite. White wine or a cold lager would complement this meal beautifully too!

Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

• Marination Matters: Allow the chicken to marinate for a few hours or overnight for richer flavors.
• Creamy Alternatives: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version while keeping all the rich flavors intact!
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less chili powder and adjust to your liking.
• Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your slow cooker; cooking too long can dry out the chicken.

Storing and Reheating Tips

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, slow cooker butter chicken can also be frozen for up to 3 months! To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Now that you are armed with everything you need to recreate this mouthwatering dish, grab your slow cooker and start cooking up a storm. You’re just a few steps away from savouring the creamy, delicious goodness of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken!

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

A flavorful and creamy dish made with tender chicken thighs and a rich blend of spices, perfect for a comforting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Marinade Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably whole milk)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for more intense flavors).

Cooking

1. Transfer the marinated chicken to the slow cooker. Add in the chopped onions and crushed tomatoes, then give it a gentle stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Once cooked, stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on high with the lid off, allowing the sauce to thicken.

Serving

1. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm with rice or naan.

Notes

Marination enhances flavor; consider using coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Adjust spices depending on heat preference. Store leftovers for 3-4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.