This easy slow cooker Indian Butter Chicken is creamy, flavorful, and packed with spices. You’ll love how simple it is to make with tender chicken cooked in a rich tomato sauce!
The best part? You just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. I like to serve it with rice or naan for that perfect scoop of goodness. Yum! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute them with chicken breasts, but they may come out a bit drier.
Heavy Cream: This is what gives butter chicken its creamy texture. You can use coconut milk for a dairy-free option, which also adds a lovely flavor. If you’re looking to cut calories, half-and-half can work as well.
Garam Masala: The heart of this dish, garam masala is a spice blend that can vary based on preferences. If you don’t have it, a mix of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon can work in a pinch. It’s worth getting for that authentic taste!
Tomato Sauce: Canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes are great for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, fresh tomatoes can also be used, just cook them down before adding to enhance flavors.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Chicken in a Slow Cooker?
Getting the chicken perfectly cooked in the slow cooker is crucial. Here’s how to do it right:
- Season the chicken well with spices to ensure flavor throughout. Tossing it in spices creates a lovely base.
- Layering is key! Place onions, garlic, and ginger at the bottom. These will cook down and flavor the sauce beautifully.
- Cook on low for tenderness. Going low-and-slow gives the chicken time to absorb all those amazing flavors and stay juicy.
- For the last 30 minutes, add the heavy cream or coconut milk to give it that creamy finish without curdling.
By following these tips, you’ll have delicious and tender chicken that pairs wonderfully with rice or naan. Happy cooking!
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 Sauce:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
For the Spices:
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Finishing Touches:
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy slow cooker Indian Butter Chicken takes about 15 minutes to prep and then cooks for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, it’s perfect for a busy day! Just set it up in the morning and enjoy a delicious dinner with very little effort.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
In a bowl, mix together the garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This blend will give your chicken that classic butter chicken flavor.
2. Coat the Chicken:
Take the chicken pieces and toss them in the spice mixture until they are well coated. This step is where all that yummy flavor starts!
3. Layer in the Slow Cooker:
Place the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger at the bottom of the slow cooker. This will create a flavorful base for the chicken to cook on.
4. Add Chicken and Sauce:
Put the spiced chicken on top of the onion mixture. Then pour the tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes) over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful.
5. Add the Butter:
Dot the butter over the top of the ingredients in the slow cooker. This will melt and blend into the sauce as it cooks, adding richness.
6. Start Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
7. Add Cream and Yogurt:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the yogurt and heavy cream (or coconut milk) along with the lemon juice. This gives your butter chicken that creamy texture!
8. Adjust and Thicken:
Check if you need to adjust the seasoning, then let it cook uncovered for the remaining time to thicken the sauce slightly.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot alongside steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread for the perfect meal.
Enjoy your rich, creamy, and aromatic Indian Butter Chicken made effortlessly in a slow cooker!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer! Just keep in mind that they may come out slightly drier than thighs, so be careful not to overcook them. Cooking on low for 4-5 hours should be sufficient.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance and Reheat It?
Absolutely! You can make the butter chicken a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Greek yogurt can also be mixed in for a creamy consistency without the extra calories!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze the butter chicken as well for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
