Indian Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a beloved dish that embodies the richness and depth of Indian cuisine. This recipe transforms tender chicken thighs into a creamy, spiced masterpiece, all thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. Enjoying this dish is simple – just let your slow cooker do the work while you sit back, relax, and savor the mouthwatering aromas wafting through your kitchen. With its easy preparation and comforting flavors, this Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken will become a staple in your home.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken recipe is its convenience. You can set it up in the morning and come home to a warm, fragrant dish that’s ready to serve. The slow cooking process allows the spices to meld perfectly, resulting in deeply flavorful chicken that is incredibly tender. The addition of heavy cream and butter gives it that luscious, velvety texture you crave, making every bite a delight. Paired with basmati rice or naan, this comforting meal is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
To make this delicious Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
How to Make Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Directions
Making Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is straightforward and quick, allowing you to enjoy this hearty dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The process involves a few simple steps to get everything ready for the slow cooker.
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Having everything on hand will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. In a medium bowl, mix together the garam masala, ground cumin, ground turmeric, chili powder, ground coriander, and salt. This spice blend will pack your butter chicken with amazing flavors that are characteristic of Indian cuisine.
Next, place the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger at the bottom of your slow cooker. These aromatics create a fragrant base for your dish. After that, layer the cut chicken thighs on top. The chicken should be evenly spread out, so it cooks uniformly.
Now, sprinkle the prepared spice mix over the chicken and onions. This is where the magic starts to happen, as the spices will infuse into the chicken during the slow cooking process. Then, pour the tomato puree over everything in the slow cooker. The puree adds a rich, tangy element that perfectly complements the spices.
Once all the ingredients are in the cooker, cover it and set it to cook. You can choose to cook it on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, and it breaks down beautifully into the sauce.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and butter. This addition gives your butter chicken its creamy finish. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding a tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavors.
When everything is ready, serve the butter chicken in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro. This dish is perfect over a bed of fragrant basmati rice or served alongside warm naan to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Serving this Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is one of the joys of preparing this dish. The creamy, spiced sauce paired with tender chicken is a feast for the senses. To serve, ladle the butter chicken into bowls. You can enhance the presentation with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves on top, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
For an authentic touch, offer a side of basmati rice or warm naan bread. Basmati rice, with its long grains and fragrant aroma, is an ideal companion, soaking up the rich sauce beautifully. If you prefer naan, you can warm it up in the oven or on a skillet. Guests can tear off pieces of the fluffy, soft bread to scoop up the chicken and sauce, making each bite easy and delightful.
Whether hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet weeknight meal, complement your butter chicken with a side of cooling cucumber raita or a fresh salad, adding balance and contrast to the flavors.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
To ensure your Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep the following expert tips in mind. First, it’s essential to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. These cuts are more flavorful and remain tender during the long cooking process. While chicken breasts are a popular choice, they can dry out in the slow cooker.
Make sure to finely chop your onion and garlic to release their flavors fully. If you’re looking for a shortcut, you can use pre-minced garlic and jarred ginger. However, fresh ingredients will give you the best flavor.
Don’t skimp on the spices! The blend of garam masala, cumin, and turmeric is what makes this dish so aromatic and flavorful. If you’re unsure about the spice levels, start with less and adjust according to your taste preferences.
When it comes to the heavy cream, you can substitute coconut cream or a dairy-free option if you want to make this dish vegan-friendly. Just be mindful of the taste, as coconut cream will change the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Lastly, be patient! The slow cooker is designed to enhance flavors over time. Allowing the dish to simmer low and slow will yield the best results, so resist the urge to open the lid too often during cooking.
How to Store Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Storing your Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is straightforward. After enjoying your meal, allow any leftovers to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within the next few days.
Properly stored, this dish can stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Simply place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or sealable bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, you can warm it in the microwave or heat it gently on the stove over low heat. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, adding a splash of water or additional cream can help bring it back to the desired consistency.
Variation of Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
While this Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken recipe is fantastic as it is, there are numerous variations you can explore to keep things fresh and exciting. Here are a few ideas to help you customize this dish according to your taste preferences.
One popular variation is adding vegetables. You can toss in diced bell peppers, peas, or even spinach to add extra nutrition and color to your meal. Just be mindful of the cooking time; softer vegetables like spinach should be added toward the end of the cooking process to retain their texture.
For a spice level adjustment, consider adding sliced green chilies or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mix. This will enhance the heat of the dish, providing that authentic Indian kick that spice lovers crave.
If you enjoy nutty flavors, you might want to add cashew cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream. This will give your butter chicken a unique richness that complements the spices beautifully.
Another variation is to incorporate different proteins, such as shrimp or paneer, if you’re looking for a seafood or vegetarian option. Just be aware that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.
For a smoky flavor, try adding a touch of smoked paprika or even a few drops of liquid smoke to the sauce. This will introduce a new dimension to your butter chicken, offering a delightful twist on the classic recipe.
FAQ
What is Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken? Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is a rich and creamy dish made with chicken thighs, spices, and a tomato-based sauce that cooks in a slow cooker to enhance flavors and tenderness.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken? You can cook this dish on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on how much time you have available.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? While you can use chicken breasts, they tend to dry out during the long cooking process. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make it dairy-free? Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative. However, keep in mind that this will change the flavor slightly.
How do I serve Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken? Serve this dish hot in bowls, garnished with chopped cilantro, and alongside basmati rice or warm naan for a complete meal.
Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1.5 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree
- 1.25 cups heavy cream
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the garam masala, ground cumin, ground turmeric, chili powder, ground coriander, and salt.
- Place the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Layer the cut chicken thighs on top of the onion mixture.
- Sprinkle the prepared spice mix over the chicken and onions.
- Pour the tomato puree over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and butter.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding sugar to balance flavors.
Serving
- Serve the butter chicken in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Pair with basmati rice or naan to soak up the delicious sauce.
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