Looking for an easy way to impress your family with a homemade meal? Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is the answer you’ve been searching for! This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without all the fuss.
Butter Chicken is a beloved Indian dish known for its tantalizing flavors and creamy texture. Imagine tender pieces of chicken slowly simmered in a blend of aromatic spices and a rich, buttery sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, ideal for any dinner table.
Why make this dish? First and foremost, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of recipe. You can toss the ingredients in the slow cooker, go about your day, and come home to a fragrant meal. Plus, it’s made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, making it accessible for everyone. And let’s not forget, it’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike will absolutely love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready with minimal effort: Just add ingredients to the slow cooker and wait!
- Great for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Rich in flavor: Each bite is a delightful explosion of spices and creaminess.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- 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
Step-by-Step Instructions of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Combine the marinade: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, minced ginger, garlic powder, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, red chili powder, paprika, and salt. Toss the chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Sauté the aromatics: In a pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft. Stir in minced garlic and freshly minced ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Transfer to the slow cooker: Add the marinated chicken to the slow cooker, followed by the sautéed onions and spices. Pour in tomato sauce, sugar, and additional salt. Stir well to combine.
Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Cream it up: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in evaporated milk and heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer for the remaining time to develop the creamy texture.
Serve it up: Once done, give it a gentle stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve over rice or with naan to soak up that delicious sauce. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Marinate for flavor: The longer you can let the chicken sit in the marinade, the more flavorful it will be.
- Don’t rush the cooking: Allow the chicken to cook slowly for the best tenderness.
- Feel free to adjust spices: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili powder and garam masala.
Substitutions & Variations of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Use tofu or chickpeas in place of chicken and substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream.
Variations: Feel free to mix in vegetables like bell peppers or spinach towards the end of cooking for added nutrients and color. A dash of lime juice before serving can also brighten up the flavors!
Storage Instructions of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Freezer: This dish freezes beautifully! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Make-Ahead: You can marinate the chicken a day ahead, letting all those flavors mingle, and simply throw everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker, but be sure to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
What can I serve with Butter Chicken? This dish pairs wonderfully with basmati rice, naan bread, or even a fresh salad.
How can I make it spicier? Add more red chili powder or serve with a side of hot sauce for those who like real heat!
Final Toughts
Indulging in a plate of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken will undoubtedly elevate your dinner game. With its creamy, fragrant sauce and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite and a go-to on your busy weeknights. Don’t hesitate to whip it up and share your experience with us leave a comment and let us know how it turned out!
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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
A delicious and easy recipe for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, perfect for busy nights. Tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce with aromatic spices.
- Total Time: 390 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
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
Instructions
- Combine the marinade: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, minced ginger, garlic powder, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, red chili powder, paprika, and salt. Toss the chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft. Stir in minced garlic and freshly minced ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Transfer to the slow cooker: Add the marinated chicken to the slow cooker, followed by the sautéed onions and spices. Pour in tomato sauce, sugar, and additional salt. Stir well to combine.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Cream it up: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in evaporated milk and heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer for the remaining time to develop the creamy texture.
- Serve it up: Once done, give it a gentle stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve over rice or with naan to soak up that delicious sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
For a vegan option, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. This dish pairs well with basmati rice or naan.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian