Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce. This version of butter chicken, inspired by the popular Indian dish, is made easy and convenient by using a slow cooker. The tender chicken soaks up the aromatic spices, garlic, and ginger, creating a deep and complex flavor profile that is both savory and subtly sweet. The slow cooking method enhances the sauce, making it smooth, velvety, and perfect for dipping with naan or serving over steamed rice.

Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a staple in Indian cuisine, known for its creamy, flavorful tomato-based sauce and tender chicken. This recipe simplifies the cooking process by using the slow cooker, allowing you to let the ingredients cook slowly and meld together without much hands-on effort. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

• Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The sauce is the star of this dish. It’s made with tomatoes, cream, butter, and a blend of aromatic spices, resulting in a deep, flavorful, and creamy texture that is perfect for serving with rice or bread.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken: The slow cooker works wonders in keeping the chicken tender and juicy. As it cooks low and slow, the chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce and becomes fall-apart tender.
• Convenient and Hands-Off: This recipe is perfect for busy nights or when you want to prepare a meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does most of the work, and all you need to do is prepare the ingredients and let it cook.
• Customizable to Your Taste: You can adjust the level of spice, sweetness, and richness to suit your personal preference. The beauty of slow cooking is that it allows the flavors to meld, so you can always tweak the dish to match your tastes.
• Comforting and Satisfying: This dish is incredibly comforting, with its warm, creamy sauce and tender chicken. It’s a meal that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any time you want a flavorful, satisfying meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 7-8 hours (on low setting)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 7 hours (on low setting) or 4 hours (on high setting)
• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 450-500 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Fat: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 12-15g
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 6-8g

Ingredients

For the Butter Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, but thighs are preferred for tenderness)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for color)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• Additional butter (for richness)
• A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)

Special Equipment

While making Slow Cooker Butter Chicken doesn’t require many specialized tools, a few items will help make the process smoother and ensure better results:

1. Slow Cooker (Crockpot): A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. The slow cooker allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and infuses it with the flavors of the spices and sauce.
2. Sauté Pan: If you prefer to sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger before adding them to the slow cooker, a sauté pan is useful for bringing out the flavors of these ingredients before slow cooking.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are important to achieve the right balance of flavors, so having a set of measuring cups and spoons on hand is essential.
4. Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: You’ll need a cutting board and a sharp knife to chop the onions, garlic, and chicken, making sure everything is prepared properly before adding it to the slow cooker.
5. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce and ingredients inside the slow cooker, a wooden spoon or spatula is useful to avoid damaging the non-stick surface if you are using a non-stick slow cooker.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken thighs into large, bite-sized pieces. If you are using chicken breasts, ensure they are cut into similar-sized chunks. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper on both sides. This will allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce as it cooks.

2. Sauté Aromatics (Optional)

In a large sauté pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and become translucent. Add the garlic and ginger, sautéing for another 2 minutes until fragrant. This step helps to release the aromatic oils from the garlic, ginger, and onion, intensifying their flavors.

Once the onions, garlic, and ginger are softened, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. This step is optional but helps to deepen the flavor of the sauce. If you are in a rush, you can skip this and directly add the raw ingredients to the slow cooker.

3. Add the Spices and Tomatoes

To the slow cooker, add the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and cloves (if using). Stir the spices into the onions, garlic, and ginger to coat them evenly. This will help activate the spices, releasing their fragrant oils.

Next, add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir everything together until well combined. The tomato paste adds richness and depth to the sauce.

4. Add the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken pieces into the slow cooker, mixing them into the sauce mixture to coat the chicken with the spices and tomatoes. This ensures that every piece of chicken gets infused with flavor during the slow cooking process.

5. Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 7 hours or on high for 4 hours. The chicken will cook slowly, allowing it to become very tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce. The longer you cook it, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will become.

6. Finish the Sauce

Once the chicken has cooked and is tender, stir in the heavy cream and butter. The cream adds a smooth, velvety texture to the sauce, while the butter adds richness and a silky finish. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding salt, pepper, or honey (if you like a touch of sweetness).

If you prefer an even richer sauce, you can add a bit more butter at this stage.

7. Serve the Butter Chicken

Serve the Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with steamed rice or warm naan bread. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. For an added touch of indulgence, drizzle a little extra melted butter over the top of the chicken before serving.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

• Use Chicken Thighs: For the most tender and flavorful results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken breasts can be used, but they may dry out more easily during the slow cooking process.
• Sauté the Aromatics: While optional, sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavor and creates a deeper base for the sauce.
• Adjust the Spice Level: This recipe is fairly mild, but you can adjust the level of heat by adding more chili powder or cayenne pepper to the sauce if you like spicier food.
• Use Full-Fat Cream: Full-fat cream gives the sauce the rich, creamy texture that is characteristic of butter chicken. Avoid using low-fat cream, as it will affect the final texture of the sauce.
• Add Sweetness (Optional): Some people prefer to add a touch of sweetness to balance the richness of the sauce. If you’d like, stir in a tablespoon of honey or sugar towards the end of cooking for a subtle sweetness.

Variations of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

• Vegan Butter “Chicken”: For a plant-based version, substitute the chicken with cauliflower, tofu, or chickpeas. Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.
• Spicy Butter Chicken: For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few fresh chopped chilies to the sauce. You can also top the finished dish with chili flakes for extra heat.
• Butter Chicken with Vegetables: Add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach to the slow cooker for added flavor and texture. These vegetables will absorb the spices and become tender in the sauce.
• Butter Chicken with Yogurt: For a tangy twist, replace the heavy cream with plain yogurt. This will give the dish a slight tanginess and make it a little lighter.

Storage and Shelf Life

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a great make-ahead meal. The flavors develop even more after resting for a day or two, making it perfect for leftovers.

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Freezing: Butter chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Pair your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with these complementary sides for a complete meal:

• Naan Bread: Soft, pillowy naan is perfect for sopping up the rich butter chicken sauce.
• Steamed Rice: White or brown rice works wonderfully with butter chicken, as it helps to absorb the flavorful sauce.
• Cucumber Raita: A cool, creamy cucumber raita offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy flavors of the butter chicken.
• Saag Aloo: This classic Indian dish made with spiced spinach and potatoes complements butter chicken beautifully.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a deliciously rich and comforting dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker allows the chicken to become tender and soak up the spices, while the creamy sauce ties everything together. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite. With a few simple ingredients and easy instructions, you’ll have a flavorful, indulgent meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken—it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!