Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a meal that warms your heart and soul while delighting your taste buds. This dish encapsulates the rich and aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine, showcasing tender chunks of chicken simmered in a luxurious, creamy sauce. With its soothing spices and comforting texture, this butter chicken recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or a simple weeknight meal.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
There’s a lot to love about slow cooker butter chicken. First and foremost, the flavor. The combination of spices infuses the chicken with a depth that is hard to resist. Each bite melts in your mouth, and the creamy sauce elevates it to indulgent heights. Moreover, the recipe is quite forgiving, allowing for easy customization to suit your taste preferences.
Additionally, the slow cooker makes this dish a breeze to prepare. Simply marinate the chicken, brown it, and let the slow cooker do the work. Once cooked, this dish pairs beautifully with basmati rice or naan, providing a satisfying meal that feels both homemade and restaurant-quality.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
To make a delicious Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 14 oz tomato sauce
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt or to taste
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Directions
Making Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is simple and straightforward. It begins with marinating the chicken, which is pivotal in boosting the flavor. Combine the chicken cubes with Greek yogurt, minced ginger, garlic powder, garam masala, turmeric, ground cumin, red chili powder, paprika, and salt in a bowl or a ziplock bag. This marinade not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also tenderizes the meat. Ideally, let this sit for at least 30 minutes, but overnight will give even better results.
Next, move on to browning the chicken. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear the chicken for about 3-5 minutes per side until it’s browned but not necessarily cooked through. Once browned, set the chicken aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the diced onions, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant. This step adds depth to the sauce. Don’t rush it; the more you let it cook, the richer the flavor. Mix in the spices—ground cumin, garam masala, red chili powder, sugar, and paprika. Stir and cook for another minute to release the aromatic oils.
Afterward, transfer this onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add the browned chicken pieces, tomato sauce, and evaporated milk, then stir everything together. Make sure the chicken is well coated with the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper according to your taste and stir again to combine everything thoroughly.
Now, set your slow cooker. You can opt for low heat for 6 to 7 hours or high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The long, slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes the chicken incredibly tender. About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the heavy cream, which will add to the creaminess and richness of the sauce.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Once your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is ready, it’s time to serve up your delicious creation. The best way to enjoy this dish is to serve it over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread. The rice absorbs the creamy sauce and complements the spices wonderfully, making every bite flavorful.
You might also consider garnishing with fresh cilantro for an added touch of color and taste. A simple squeeze of fresh lime can elevate the flavors even more, providing a perfect balance to the richness of the dish. This hearty meal is not just filling; it’s a culinary experience that will impress anyone at your dining table.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
To ensure your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is the best it can be, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Use Chicken Thighs for Tenderness: While chicken breasts work well, chicken thighs are generally more forgiving in terms of moisture and flavor. They won’t dry out as easily during the slow cooking process.
- Don’t Skip the Marinade: Patience is key. Letting the chicken marinate overnight will intensify the flavors significantly.
- Adjust the Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of red chili powder. Conversely, if you enjoy heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or more chili powder.
- Make It Ahead: This dish keeps well in the fridge. You can make a bigger batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
- Experiment with Ingredients: Don’t hesitate to swap out some ingredients. For instance, you can use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk for a different flavor profile.
How to Store Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Storing your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is quite simple. Once it has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, perfect for enjoying leftovers or meal prepping for the week.
If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Simply portion the butter chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variation of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
While the classic Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe is undeniably delicious, you can easily put your own spin on it. Here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or mixed vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, and carrots. Make sure to avoid overcooking to keep the vegetables tender.
- Add Chickpeas: For a protein boost, consider adding canned chickpeas during the last 30 minutes of cooking, enhancing both texture and nutrition.
- Coconut Milk Twist: As mentioned earlier, swap out evaporated milk for coconut milk to introduce a tropical flair that pairs splendidly with the spices.
- Spicy Peanut Sauce: For a fusion twist, add a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter to the sauce for a nutty flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
- Different Protein: Experiment with shrimp or fish instead of chicken for a unique seafood take on this Indian favorite.
FAQ about Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
What is Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a delightful dish featuring marinated chicken pieces cooked slowly with a creamy blend of spices and flavors. It results in tender chicken enveloped in a rich, aromatic sauce, perfect for serving with rice or naan.
How long does it take to cook?
Depending on your slow cooker settings, it generally takes about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Using frozen chicken is not recommended for slow cooking because it may not cook evenly. It’s best to thaw it first to ensure proper cooking.
What should I serve with Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
This dish pairs well with basmati rice, naan, or even side dishes like a fresh salad, raita, or roasted vegetables.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! You can easily adjust the heat level by varying the red chili powder and adding other spices according to your taste.
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 Tbsp fresh minced ginger
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 14 oz tomato sauce
- 1¼ tsp salt or to taste
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a bowl or ziplock bag, combine chicken with Greek yogurt, minced ginger, garlic powder, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, red chili powder, paprika, and salt. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in batches and sear for 3-5 minutes until browned. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt butter. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Sauté until onions are translucent.
- Stir in ground cumin, garam masala, red chili powder, sugar, and paprika. Cook for another minute.
- Transfer the onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add the browned chicken, tomato sauce, and evaporated milk. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in heavy cream 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot over basmati rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!