Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

Category: Chicken Recipes

This Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is a creamy and comforting dish that’s packed with flavor. Just toss in chicken, spices, and sauce, and let your cooker do the magic!

I love how the aroma fills the kitchen while it cooks. Serve it with rice or naan, and suddenly, dinner feels like a cozy restaurant meal right at home! 🍛

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Using boneless, skinless thighs is great for keeping the dish juicy. You can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer, just be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out.

Tomato Sauce: Canned tomato sauce gives a smooth consistency, but crushed tomatoes can add a bit more texture. If you prefer a fresh taste, use pureed fresh tomatoes or tomato paste mixed with water.

Heavy Cream: This adds richness, but you can swap it for coconut milk if you’re aiming for a dairy-free option. It’s perfect for a hint of tropical flavor!

Spices: Garam masala is key for authentic flavor. If you can’t find it, a mix of ground cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and cardamom can work, too. Adjust the chili powder to suit your spice level.

How Do I Perfectly Cook Chicken in a Slow Cooker?

Cooking chicken in a slow cooker requires some attention to ensure it stays tender and juicy. Here’s how:

  • Start with evenly cut chicken pieces for uniform cooking.
  • Layer the vegetables like onions and garlic at the bottom to prevent burning and provide moisture.
  • Use the correct cooking time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high works best.
  • Add creamy ingredients like butter and cream towards the end of cooking time to prevent them from curdling.
  • Always stir before serving to mix in flavors. Tasting before serving allows you to tweak the seasoning if needed!

Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

For the Sauce:

  • 1 (14 oz) can (400g) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter

For the Spices:

  • 2 tablespoons garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon paprika (for color)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Finishing:

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves for garnish
  • Cooked basmati rice or naan bread, to serve

How Much Time Will You Need?

This easy butter chicken recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and then lets your slow cooker do the work for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. That means you can set it and forget it, with a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of the day!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base:

Start by placing the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger into the slow cooker. This will create a flavorful base for your butter chicken.

2. Add the Chicken:

Next, add the chicken pieces right on top of the onion mix. No need to stir just yet; we’ll mix it all later!

3. Mix the Sauce:

In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes), garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is blended.

4. Combine it All Together:

Pour the tomato-spice mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Gently stir to ensure the chicken is well coated with the sauce.

5. Cook:

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing as it cooks!

6. Add Creaminess:

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add in the butter and heavy cream (or coconut milk). Stir everything together and let it heat through, making the sauce creamy and rich.

7. Final Touch:

Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors! This little addition really makes a difference.

8. Garnish and Serve:

Once everything is ready, garnish your butter chicken with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve it hot with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread, and enjoy your homemade Indian delight!

Bon appétit! Your creamy, flavorful Butter Chicken is ready to impress!

Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Recipe

FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thawing in the fridge overnight is best, or you can quickly defrost it in cold water. Just remember that cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly.

What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?

If you want a lighter option or need it to be dairy-free, coconut milk is a perfect substitute for heavy cream. It adds a lovely flavor while keeping the dish creamy!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to rehydrate the sauce if it’s thickened.

Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?

Absolutely! If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of chili powder or add some chopped fresh chili peppers when mixing the sauce. Just remember to adjust to your personal taste gradually!

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