Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken

The slow cooker does its magic here, turning simple ingredients into a rich, aromatic masterpiece. As the chicken cooks low and slow, the spices meld together in the most wonderful way, creating a sauce that’s perfectly creamy and comforting. The garlic and ginger add a warming depth, while the blend of turmeric, garam masala, and cumin gives the dish that signature earthy warmth. And let’s not forget the touch of tang from the tomatoes, balancing out the richness of the butter and cream.

The beauty of this dish is that it’s practically effortless. You just toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and let the flavors develop while you go about your day. No need for constant stirring or watching the pot. By the time you come back, your kitchen will be filled with a mouthwatering scent that’ll have everyone asking, “What’s for dinner?”

If you’ve ever craved that indulgent, restaurant-style butter chicken, but didn’t want the hassle of a stovetop, this is your answer. The slow cooker ensures the chicken stays tender, soaking up all that savory goodness without drying out. And the best part? It’s even better the next day when the flavors have had a chance to deepen and settle in. You’ll find yourself looking forward to leftovers almost as much as the meal itself!

Key Ingredients in Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, contributing to that deliciously rich and fragrant sauce we all love. From the tender chicken to the perfect balance of spices, here’s what you’ll need:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: The star of the dish, chicken thighs stay juicy and tender after slow cooking, absorbing all the flavorful spices without drying out.
• Large Onion, Chopped: Onions provide a savory base that helps to develop the depth of flavor in the sauce, adding sweetness and umami as they cook down.
• Garlic, Minced: Garlic brings that signature aromatic punch, infusing the dish with warmth and a slight savory bite.
• Grated Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a bit of zest and warmth, cutting through the richness of the sauce with its bright, slightly peppery flavor.
• Garam Masala: This aromatic spice blend is the heart of Indian cuisine, offering a mix of warmth, sweetness, and earthiness to the dish.
• Ground Turmeric: Known for its golden color and earthy flavor, turmeric lends a subtle warmth and depth to the sauce, along with a vibrant hue.
• Ground Cumin: Cumin brings a smoky, slightly citrusy flavor that balances the richness of the butter and cream.
• Ground Coriander: With its light, citrusy notes, coriander adds a refreshing contrast to the earthy spices.
• Ground Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon imparts warmth and sweetness, helping to round out the dish’s complex flavors.
• Ground Cloves: Cloves provide a deep, aromatic spice that enhances the richness of the sauce and adds a subtle kick.
• Ground Cardamom: This exotic spice adds a slightly sweet and floral flavor, elevating the overall fragrance of the dish.
• Ground Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a mild heat and sharpness that balances the richness of the cream and butter.
• Red Pepper Flakes: These give the dish a gentle heat and a hint of spice that cuts through the creamy sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Tomato paste thickens the sauce while adding a deep, concentrated tomato flavor, contributing to the richness of the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes add a juicy, tangy element that balances the butter and cream, providing brightness to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Cream gives the sauce its signature silky texture, making the dish indulgently rich and smooth.
• Butter: Butter adds richness and depth, infusing the sauce with a creamy, velvety texture and enhancing the overall flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Used to sauté the onions and spices, vegetable oil helps create a smooth base for the sauce without overpowering the flavors.
• Plain Yogurt: Yogurt brings a subtle tang and helps tenderize the chicken, while also adding a slight creaminess to the sauce.
• Salt: Salt is essential for balancing the spices and enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
• Sugar: A touch of sugar rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes, ensuring a perfect balance of sweetness and savory richness.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color, finishing off the dish with a herby note that brightens up the richness of the sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken

1. With Steamed Basmati Rice: There’s nothing like a fluffy bed of basmati rice to soak up that rich, creamy sauce. The subtle aroma of the rice pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the butter chicken, creating a comforting, satisfying meal.

2. Naan for Dipping: Whether you go with classic, garlic, or even butter naan, this dish begs to be sopped up with warm, pillowy bread. Tear off a piece and dip it right into the sauce – it’s a perfect bite every time.

3. With a Side of Roasted Veggies: Balance out the indulgence of the butter chicken with some roasted vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, or carrots. Their slight char adds a wonderful contrast to the creamy dish, and they’re the perfect healthy sidekick!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy butter chicken? Would love to hear how you like to serve it up!

How to Store Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken

When it comes to storing your slow cooker Indian butter chicken, you’ll want to make sure it stays as fresh and flavorful as the first time you enjoyed it. After all, that rich, creamy sauce deserves to be savored again and again! The best way to store this dish is in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for about 3 to 4 days, and all you need to do is reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just remember, the flavors only deepen and improve with time, so leftovers can be a real treat.

If you’re planning to keep it longer, you can freeze the butter chicken for up to 3 months. Simply let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on low heat until it’s warmed through. Freezing doesn’t affect the richness of the sauce, and it’s like getting a little taste of heaven on a busy night.

For a quick and easy meal later, try storing individual portions of the butter chicken. That way, you can grab just what you need without reheating the whole batch. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you want a comforting dish with minimal effort. Just be sure to seal those portions tightly to lock in all the flavor!

Conclusion

And there you have it – a rich, creamy, and utterly comforting Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken that practically makes itself! From the tender chicken thighs to the velvety sauce, every bite is packed with layers of flavor that’ll make you feel like you’ve just stepped into your favorite restaurant, but without all the fuss. The best part? It’s super easy to prepare, and the slow cooker does all the hard work for you, letting you get on with your day while the magic happens in the background.

I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. The beauty of it is that it’s not just about the meal – it’s about the joy of cooking something that brings warmth and happiness to the table. Whether you’re enjoying it with a bowl of rice, some naan, or a side of roasted veggies, every serving is a comforting hug in a bowl.

If you try this recipe out (or if you’ve already made it!), I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Have any tweaks or personal touches you’ve added? Or maybe you have some questions along the way? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help. This dish is all about making it your own and enjoying the process, so feel free to ask away. Happy cooking, friends!

Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 6 hrs Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 6 hrs 25 mins

Calories: 520

Description

Tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and a hint of cinnamon. This slow cooker Indian Butter Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish that's perfect with fluffy naan or rice!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

• 1 tablespoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground cloves

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground cardamom

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• ¹⁄₂ cup tomato paste

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¹⁄₄ cup butter

• ¹⁄₄ cup vegetable oil

• ¹⁄₂ cup plain yogurt

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon sugar

• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant.
4. Stir in the garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Continue to cook the spices for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to bloom.
6. Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly to combine the paste with the spices.
7. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer.
8. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomato mixture thickens slightly and becomes fragrant.
9. Transfer the tomato and spice mixture into the slow cooker.
10. Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker, making sure they are evenly coated with the tomato and spice mixture.
11. Season the mixture with salt and sugar, stirring gently to combine.
12. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
13. Once the chicken is cooked, remove the thighs from the slow cooker and shred the meat using two forks.
14. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
15. Add the heavy cream and butter to the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine and melt the butter.
16. Stir in the plain yogurt and continue to mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
17. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or sugar, if desired.
18. Cover the slow cooker again and let it sit for an additional 10 to 15 minutes on low to allow the flavors to meld together.
19. Before serving, garnish the butter chicken with chopped cilantro.
20. Serve the Indian butter chicken over steamed rice or with naan bread for the perfect meal.

Note

• Be sure to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best texture and flavor as they stay tender when slow-cooked.
• For extra depth, consider adding a pinch of fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) at the end of cooking.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced fresh chili during the sautéing stage.
• For a richer sauce, use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
• Make sure to adjust salt and sugar based on the acidity of the tomatoes used.

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