This Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is creamy, spiced just right, and super easy to make. Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic!
The best part? It fills your kitchen with amazing smells but requires very little work. I love serving it with fluffy rice or warm naan to soak up that tasty sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are great for this dish because they stay juicy during slow cooking. You can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out a bit. For a lighter option, turkey thigh meat works well too!
Spices: Garam masala is key for that rich flavor. If you don’t have it, you could mix your own with ground cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Cumin and coriander can also be replaced with curry powder if in a pinch.
Cream: Heavy cream gives a nice richness. If you want a lighter version, coconut cream is a great alternative, providing a different (but delicious) taste! For a dairy-free option, skip the yogurt and cream.
Yogurt: This adds a tangy flavor. If you don’t have plain yogurt, you can substitute with sour cream, or even leave it out for a simpler dish.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Tender?
Getting tender chicken is the best part of slow cooking, but it’s important to follow a few key steps. Chicken thighs are fantastic here since they don’t dry out easily. Make sure to cut them into fairly even chunks for even cooking!
- Start by placing the onions, garlic, and ginger at the bottom of the slow cooker; they create a flavorful base.
- Add the chicken on top so it stews in its juices and doesn’t overcook.
- Cooking on a low setting for 6-7 hours allows the chicken to become super tender. If you’re short on time, 3-4 hours on high also works.
How Can I Make the Sauce Rich and Creamy?
The key to a creamy sauce is to add the heavy cream and butter towards the end. Stir them in about 30 minutes before you plan to serve. This helps the flavors meld while giving that rich texture without boiling.
- Ensure to let the sauce cook uncovered for a while to thicken it up.
- Add a touch more seasoning if needed, as cream can mellow the flavors.
This easy process makes dinner a breeze while still delivering on flavor! Enjoy making your butter chicken!
Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
For the Base:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1/4 cup (60g) plain yogurt (optional)
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
For the Spices:
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika (for color)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water or chicken broth
For the Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious butter chicken takes about 15 minutes of prep time. You’ll then need to cook it in the slow cooker for 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. Make sure to set aside some extra time at the end to let the sauce thicken. So, in total, you’re looking at around 7 hours and 15 minutes for the full process including prep!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by placing the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger into the bottom of your slow cooker. This mix creates a flavorful base for the chicken to cook in.
2. Add the Chicken:
Next, add the cut pieces of chicken thighs on top of the onion mixture. Make sure the chicken is well-distributed for even cooking!
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, brown sugar, and water or chicken broth. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
4. Combine It All:
Now, pour the tomato and spice mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. This will coat all the chicken pieces in those delicious flavors.
5. Cook It Up:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be very tender when it’s done.
6. Stir in the Cream and Butter:
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, add the unsalted butter, heavy cream, and yogurt (if using). Stir to combine and adjust seasonings like salt and sugar according to your taste.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Let it cook uncovered on low for the last 30 minutes to help thicken the sauce up a bit, making it rich and creamy.
8. Serve!
Before serving, garnish your butter chicken with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve it hot alongside basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up all the lovely sauce.
Enjoy your rich and flavorful butter chicken made effortlessly in the slow cooker!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can add an extra hour to the cooking time when using frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. You could also use half-and-half or evaporated milk, but these will result in a thinner sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 3 months). When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if it thickens too much.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Absolutely! To make it milder, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and garam masala. You can also add a bit of sugar to balance out the heat if you accidentally use too much spice. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level!
