This Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken brings tasty spices and creamy sauce to your table with little effort. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work!
I love how this dish fills the kitchen with a wonderful smell. Serve it over rice or with naan, and you’ve got a meal that feels fancy but is super easy to make. Yum! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tenderness. However, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Both will work well in this recipe!
Tomato Sauce: A can of tomato sauce gives a nice, smooth base. If you want a chunkier texture, opt for crushed tomatoes. You could even use fresh tomatoes; just chop them up if using fresh.
Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk: For a creamy finish, heavy cream is ideal, but if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut milk is a fantastic substitute. It adds a lovely richness too!
Garam Masala: This spice mix is key to the dish’s flavor. If you can’t find it, you can make your own with equal parts of cumin, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Tender and Flavorful?
A slow cooker is perfect for making chicken tender, but a few tips can help maximize flavor. Start by layering your onions, garlic, and ginger at the bottom; this helps them infuse their flavors into the chicken.
- Make sure all the chicken pieces are coated with the spice-tomato mix. Don’t be shy to stir!
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours for the best tenderness. The low heat breaks down the chicken, making it juicy.
- Adding cream or coconut milk toward the end allows it to mix in without curdling, keeping it smooth and rich.
Take the time to garnish with fresh cilantro—it adds a pop of flavor and color to your dish!
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
Spices:
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or lime juice
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked basmati rice or naan bread for serving
Time Estimate
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then the slow cooker does the magic! You’ll need to cook it for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, in total, plan for a day at home or a lazy Sunday to enjoy the amazing smells and flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by placing the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will help the flavors to release and infuse the chicken.
2. Add the Chicken:
Now, add the chicken pieces right on top of the onion mix. Don’t worry if it looks piled up; it will cook down beautifully!
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes) with all the spices: garam masala, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until it’s all blended together.
4. Combine It All:
Pour that lovely spice-tomato mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce—this is where the magic begins!
5. Cook Forthe Flavor:
Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic! Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
6. Creamy Finish:
About 20 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the pieces of butter and the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Cover again and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes to meld those delicious flavors together.
7. Adding Brightness:
Stir in the lemon or lime juice just before serving to add a lovely zing to the dish.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and color! Serve hot with basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful slow cooker butter chicken—it’s sure to be a hit at your table!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the slow cooker. For quicker thawing, submerge the sealed chicken in cold water for about an hour. This helps ensure even cooking!
Can I Make Butter Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance by following the recipe up until adding the cream and butter. Once cooked, let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving.
What Should I Do if My Sauce is Too Thick?
If your sauce turns out thicker than you like, simply stir in a little bit of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Add it slowly, mixing until it’s just right. You can also adjust the seasoning if needed after thinning it out.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain quality, you can also freeze the butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat gently when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
