Ah, butter chicken—a dish that embodies comfort, warmth, and a hint of spice. Who doesn’t love that creamy, buttery goodness coating tender chicken pieces? After years of experimenting with various recipes, I finally settled on this slow cooker version. Trust me; it’s a game changer!
You get all the rich flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. If you love Indian cuisine or just want to treat your taste buds to something delightful, grab your slow cooker and prepare for a culinary adventure.
What is Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
Slow cooker butter chicken is a simplified version of the traditional Indian dish, Chicken Makhani. The rich, buttery sauce is made with tomatoes, cream, and spices. When prepared in a slow cooker, the chicken becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in that delicious sauce for hours. It’s like a warm hug on a plate. You can pair it with rice or naan, and it feels like you’re dining in a five-star restaurant, but without the fuss of a full meal prep.
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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
Let’s just say, you won’t want to wait for the weekend to indulge in this dish. Why, you ask? Here are a few reasons:
– Simplicity: With just a few minutes of prep, you can toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Less fuss means more time for you.
– Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices, tomatoes, and cream creates a rich flavor profile that tantalizes your taste buds.
– Versatility: Whether you’re serving a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish fits the bill. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.
– Meal Prep Wonder: Make a big batch at the start of the week and enjoy it throughout. Perfect for busy evenings.
– Customizable: Adjust the spice levels based on your heat tolerance. You’re in control!
Feeling intrigued? Let’s dive into the details of how to bring this slow cooker butter chicken to life.
The Ingredients
Before we roll up our sleeves, here’s a list of what you’ll need:
– 2 lb (900 g) boneless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs for their tenderness and flavor.
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: For that creamy richness.
– 1 medium yellow onion: Diced, for depth.
– 5 cloves garlic: Minced, because garlic makes everything better.
– 2 tablespoons fresh ginger root: Grated, offering warmth and zest.
– 16 oz (450 g) smooth tomato passata or tomato sauce: This forms the base of our sauce.
– ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream: Or double cream for an even richer taste.
– 2 teaspoons garam masala: The aromatic spice blend that is key to the flavor.
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin powder: For an earthy note.
– ½ teaspoon red chili powder: Adjust according to your heat preference.
– 1 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika: This adds a subtle smokiness.
– 1 teaspoon sea salt: To enhance all those beautiful flavors.
– ½ teaspoon turmeric: For color and health benefits.
– Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, mint, or cilantro): Choose your favorite!
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: To brighten the whole dish.
Got everything? Let’s move to the fun part—cooking!
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather the Ingredients
First things first—gather all your ingredients. This makes the cooking process smoother.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Take the boneless chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and set them aside. The marinated meat soaks in flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Using a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions are translucent. This step is crucial; fragrant aromatics make a significant difference in flavor.
Step 4: Combine in the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, place the sautéed mixture. Add the chopped chicken, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garam masala. Stir everything together until the chicken is coated evenly.
Step 5: Pour in the Tomato Sauce
Next, add the tomato passata and stir again. This will be the base of your sauce, and all those spices will meld beautifully as it cooks.
Step 6: Add Cream and Butter
Throw in the remaining butter and pour the heavy cream over the top, and give it one last stir.
Step 7: Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken will be.
Step 8: Finish with Lemon Juice
When it’s done cooking, drizzle that fresh lemon juice over the top to brighten the flavors.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving. The pop of color and freshness is the cherry on top!
Tips & Tricks
Let me share some of the wisdom I’ve gathered through trial and error. Here are five tips to ensure your butter chicken turns out perfect every time:
– Choose Chicken Wisely: Thighs are recommended for tenderness, but if you prefer chicken breast, that’s fine too. Just be mindful that it may dry out a bit.
– Prep in the Morning: If you have a busy day ahead, prep everything the night before. Store it all in the fridge, and toss it in the cooker in the morning.
– Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the chicken and sautéing the onions adds a depth of flavor that’s too good to skip.
– Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, ease up on the red chili powder. You can always add more later!
– Experiment with Flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
Nutrition Information
This dish is not only tasty, but it’s also pretty good for you when enjoyed in moderation. Each serving typically contains:
– Calories: 490
– Protein: 40g
– Fat: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Fiber: 2g
Keep in mind, the nutrition can vary based on the exact ingredients you use.
Can I Store Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
Absolutely! This dish stores well. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What Can I Serve with Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
Looking to complete the meal? Here are a few suggestions:
– Basmati Rice: Fluffy rice acts as a beautiful base.
– Naan Bread: Perfect for scooping up that divine sauce.
– Roasted Vegetables: Adding color and nutrition to your plate.
– Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt sauce balances the spices well.
– Simple Salad: A fresh green salad is a great palate cleanser.
Variations
Feeling a little adventurous? Here are five creative twists on this slow cooker butter chicken:
– Coconut Butter Chicken: Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. This adds a tropical touch.
– Butter Chicken Tacos: Use the butter chicken filling in soft tortillas topped with slaw for a fun twist.
– Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like chickpeas and cauliflower for a vibrant meatless option.
– Spicy Butter Chicken: Want more heat? Add extra chili flakes or serve with a hot sauce on the side.
– Butter Chicken Bowls: Layer the butter chicken over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a nutritious alternative.
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- First things first—gather all your ingredients. This makes the cooking process smoother.
- Take the boneless chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and set them aside. The marinated meat soaks in flavor.
- Using a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions are translucent. This step is crucial; fragrant aromatics make a significant difference in flavor.
- In your slow cooker, place the sautéed mixture. Add the chopped chicken, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garam masala. Stir everything together until the chicken is coated evenly.
- Next, add the tomato passata and stir again. This will be the base of your sauce, and all those spices will meld beautifully as it cooks.
- Throw in the remaining butter and pour the heavy cream over the top, and give it one last stir.
- Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken will be.
- When it’s done cooking, drizzle that fresh lemon juice over the top to brighten the flavors.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving. The pop of color and freshness is the cherry on top!
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker. Just remember to cook it longer, about 8-10 hours on low.
2. What if I don’t have garam masala?
If you can’t find garam masala, feel free to make your own. Combine equal parts of ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, and cinnamon. It won’t be the exact flavor, but it will still be delicious!
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Good news! This butter chicken is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the ingredients you use, particularly any sauces.
4. Is it spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your taste. Start with a small amount of chili powder, and you can always add more later if you want it spicier.
5. What’s the best way to reheat butter chicken?
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it, but add a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
Conclusion
There you have it—slow cooker butter chicken that’s packed with flavors, ease, and comfort. It’s transformed my weeks, making those hectic evenings feel a whole lot more manageable. Try it out, and I’m confident it’ll make its way into your regular rotation of meals. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated; it can be an exciting journey right in your kitchen. Happy cooking!