This Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is full of yummy flavors! Tender chicken simmers in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce that will make your mouth water.
Trust me, this dish is so simple to make; just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic! I love serving it with warm rice or naan for the perfect meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and rich flavor. However, chicken breasts work just as well if you prefer a leaner option.
Onion: A large yellow or white onion adds sweetness to the dish. If you’re short on time, you can use shallots or even pre-chopped onion to save some effort.
Yogurt: Plain yogurt helps make the sauce creamy. Greek yogurt is thicker for more richness, while dairy-free eaters can opt for coconut yogurt.
Heavy Cream: For a truly indulgent sauce, heavy cream is the best choice. If you want to make it lighter, substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Spices: Garam masala is key to that authentic flavor, but if you don’t have it, a combination of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon can work in a pinch. Adjust chili powder for desired spice level!
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken is Tender and Flavorful?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker really brings out its tenderness, but here are key tips to get it just right:
- Always coat the chicken well in the spice mixture. This builds flavor as it cooks.
- Be patient! Cooking on low for 6-7 hours allows the chicken to soak up the flavors deeply.
- Adding the butter, yogurt, and cream near the end keeps the sauce luxuriously creamy instead of breaking it down.
- If your sauce gets too thick, simply add a splash of warm water or cream to loosen it up.
With these tips and ingredient suggestions, you’re on your way to a delicious Butter Chicken! Serve it with rice or naan, and enjoy every bite!
Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika (preferably smoked or sweet)
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sugar or honey
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious butter chicken takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then cooks in the slow cooker for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Give yourself a little extra time to adjust the seasoning at the end, and let it simmer until everything is perfectly tender and infused with flavor. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
In your slow cooker, toss in the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. These aromatics will start the flavor journey for your butter chicken!
2. Create the Sauce:
Next, add the crushed tomatoes along with the garam masala, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and sugar or honey. Give everything a good stir to combine well, creating a vibrant sauce base for the chicken.
3. Add the Chicken:
Now it’s time to add the chicken pieces! Make sure to coat them well with the sauce mixture in the slow cooker. This will ensure that every bite is flavorful.
4. Cook It Low and Slow:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and incredibly tender. It’s going to smell amazing!
5. Add Creaminess:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the butter, yogurt, and heavy cream (or coconut milk if you’re going dairy-free). This is what makes the sauce luscious and creamy!
6. Taste and Adjust:
Give your dish a taste. If it needs more seasoning, adjust according to your preference. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add a little water or extra cream to achieve your desired consistency.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your buttery chicken hot with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread for that perfect meal.
Enjoy your flavorful, creamy butter chicken made effortlessly in the slow cooker!
FAQ: Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
While it’s best to use fresh chicken for optimal texture, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s completely thawed first! Thaw it overnight in the fridge or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute plain yogurt with coconut yogurt and replace heavy cream with coconut milk. This will still provide a creamy texture while keeping the dish dairy-free!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat or heat in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like more heat, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add chopped fresh chilies to the sauce. Start with small amounts, as you can always add more to reach your preferred spice level!
