Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that embodies the rich, comforting flavors of Indian cuisine, then look no further than this Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken recipe. This beloved classic is known for its creamy, spiced sauce that perfectly complements tender pieces of chicken. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a cozy meal for your family, this slow cooker recipe is incredibly easy to make and sure to impress.

What makes this dish particularly appealing is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can let your slow cooker do the work while you go about your day. The aroma that fills your home as it cooks is absolutely intoxicating. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan, making it a complete meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken recipe. Here are just a few:

• Effortless Preparation: With just a few minutes of prep work, you can set it and forget it. Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, and let it do all the magic.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices in this recipe creates a depth of flavor that is truly irresistible. The garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder meld together to form a deliciously fragrant sauce.
• Customizable Heat: Love your food spicy? Feel free to adjust the chili powder to your liking. This recipe allows for a personalized touch, so you can make it as mild or as fiery as you wish.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish holds up beautifully in the refrigerator. Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, making it a fantastic option for busy nights.
• Family-Friendly: With its creamy texture and delightful flavors, this dish appeals to all ages, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will be satisfied.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Still on the fence about trying this Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken? Here are a few compelling reasons to give it a go:

• Healthier Choice: Using chicken thighs instead of breasts keeps the meat juicy and tender, while the sauce made with yogurt and cream adds richness without being overly heavy.
• One-Pot Wonder: Cooking in a slow cooker means less mess in the kitchen. You won’t have to worry about multiple pots and pans, making clean-up a breeze.
• Great for Entertaining: Impress your guests with a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare, when in reality, it’s incredibly simple. Serve it alongside some warm naan and a fresh salad for a complete dining experience.
• Comfort Food: There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, creamy dish that fills your home with delightful aromas. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To make this Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving

In addition to your ingredients, you’ll need some essential kitchen utensils:

• Slow cooker (at least 4-quart capacity)
• Cutting board and knife for chopping
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon for combining ingredients
• Two forks for shredding chicken

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have your ingredients and utensils ready, let’s walk through the steps to create this Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In your slow cooker, place the 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Season them generously with salt and pepper. This initial step helps to build flavor.
2. Add Aromatics: Layer the chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh ginger over the chicken. These ingredients will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
3. Incorporate the Sauce: Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and add the garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir everything gently to ensure the chicken is well coated with the spices and sauce.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be tender enough to shred easily.
5. Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. This will allow the meat to absorb even more flavor from the sauce.
6. Add Creaminess: Stir in the unsalted butter, heavy cream, and plain yogurt. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy. This step transforms your sauce into the rich, velvety texture that butter chicken is famous for.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder based on your preference.
8. Serve and Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. This dish pairs wonderfully with cooked basmati rice or warm naan to soak up the delicious sauce.

FAQs

Conclusion

The Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is a dish that promises to bring comfort and deliciousness to your table. Its easy preparation, rich flavors, and versatility make it a must-try for any home cook. We hope you’ll enjoy making this recipe as much as we do!

Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Comment below or share your experience. Additionally, if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to check out this delicious Indian Butter Chicken with naan for another delightful twist on this classic dish!

Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken

This rich and creamy Indian Butter Chicken is made effortlessly in a slow cooker, resulting in tender chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful tomato and spice sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Knife
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger, minced
• 14 oz Crushed tomatoes 1 can
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup Unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons Garam masala
• 1 tablespoon Ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon Ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder Adjust to taste
• to taste Salt and pepper
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In the slow cooker, place the chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper.
• Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger over the chicken.
• Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
• Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
• Add the butter, heavy cream, and yogurt to the slow cooker. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, over cooked basmati rice or with naan. Enjoy!

Notes

For a spicier dish, increase the chili powder. You can also add more vegetables like peas or bell peppers if desired.

Keyword butter chicken, easy, slow cooker