If you have ever craved a rich, flavorful dish that effortlessly melts in your mouth, the Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a luscious blend of spices, creamy tomato sauce, and a touch of butter, all slowly simmered to perfection. The magic of slow cooking allows every ingredient to harmonize into a comforting, aromatic delight that fills your home with irresistible warmth. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for casual family dinners or impressing friends with little fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavors just right in this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is all about having the right combination of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each item brings its own unique taste and texture, building layers of depth and color that make the dish so special.
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that soaks up all the spices beautifully.
- 1 large onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and body to the sauce as it slowly cooks down.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that enhances the other spices.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Offers a subtle warmth and fresh zing essential to traditional butter chicken.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: The rich tomato base adds tanginess and gives the curry its vibrant color.
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk: Contributes creamy texture and delicate sweetness.
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken and enriches the sauce with slight tanginess.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Creames the sauce, making it luscious and velvety.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces: The final melting butter adds richness and that signature silky finish.
- 3 tablespoons garam masala: The heart of the spice blend, warming the dish with complex flavor.
- 1 tablespoon curry powder: Brings traditional Indian curry flavors to life.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Adds earthiness and depth to the spice profile.
- 1 tablespoon paprika: Offers subtle sweetness and beautiful color.
- 1 teaspoon turmeric: Gives the dish its golden hue and a mild, earthy taste.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle heat to balance the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Lends a warm, peppery note.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Surprises with a subtle, warming sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like an extra kick of spice.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: A bright, fresh garnish that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce.
- Cooked basmati rice: The perfect fluffy companion to soak up every luscious bite.
- Naan bread: Ideal for scooping and savoring every last bit of sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cutting the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors. Finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic and fresh ginger so they can marry perfectly into the sauce during the slow cooking process.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
In your trusty 6-quart slow cooker, place the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger as the flavor base. Pour in the tomato sauce, coconut milk, Greek yogurt, and heavy cream to create a rich and velvety foundation. Next, stir in all the aromatic spices: garam masala, curry powder, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and optional cayenne pepper for some extra heat. This spice mix is what transforms the dish into a true butter chicken sensation.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Gently add the chicken pieces into the slow cooker, making sure each piece is well coated in the luscious sauce and spices. This step is all about evenly distributing that incredible flavor so every bite delights.
Step 4: Cook
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and let the magic happen. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and soak up all those vibrant flavors, or speed things up by cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking is essential to developing the depth and richness butter chicken is known for.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the chunks of unsalted butter so it can melt smoothly into the sauce, lending that signature silky finish. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed — a sprinkle of salt or a pinch more spice can make all the difference.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your glorious Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe over a bed of fluffy, cooked basmati rice and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Don’t forget the naan bread on the side! It’s perfect for mopping up every last drop of the luscious sauce.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a classic garnish that adds a lovely pop of color and a refreshing brightness to contrast the creamy sauce. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a little garam masala or finely chopped green chilies for those who love heat.
Side Dishes
Alongside the basmati rice and naan bread, consider serving a crisp cucumber raita or a simple green salad for a cooling balance. Roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach also pair beautifully to add nutrition and texture contrast to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the butter chicken on top of a warm, flaky paratha or stuffed inside a pita pocket with a dollop of yogurt and fresh herbs. You could also create a butter chicken bowl layered with grilled veggies and a squeeze of lime for a vibrant, on-the-go meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover butter chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to keep the rice and naan separately to maintain freshness.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat the butter chicken on the stovetop over low heat or microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. Add a splash of water or cream if it thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during the slow cooking process, making them the preferred choice for this recipe.
Is the Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe very spicy?
The heat level is moderate and can be easily adjusted by adding or omitting the cayenne pepper. Feel free to tailor it to your taste buds.
Can I make this recipe in a regular pot instead?
You can, but slow cooking brings out deeper flavors and tenderizes the chicken more effectively. If using a stovetop pot, simmer gently for 45 minutes to an hour instead.
What can I substitute for garam masala?
If you don’t have garam masala, a mix of ground coriander, cumin, cinnamon, and cardamom can be a good stand-in to recreate the warm, complex spice profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! It naturally contains no gluten, especially if you serve it with traditional gluten-free basmati rice and opt for gluten-free naan or simply enjoy it without bread.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe is truly a game changer for anyone looking to bring classic Indian flavors into their kitchen with ease. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with a creamy, comforting dish that pleases every crowd. Dive in and enjoy the heartwarming satisfaction of butter chicken made simple, delicious, and all your own.
Print
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3.5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato and coconut milk sauce infused with fragrant spices. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker, this comforting Indian-inspired dish is easy to prepare and ideal for serving with basmati rice and naan bread.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Spices
- 3 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For Garnish and Serving
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked basmati rice (for serving)
- Naan bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic and ginger to ensure they meld smoothly into the sauce.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In a 6-quart slow cooker, add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Pour in the tomato sauce, coconut milk, Greek yogurt, and heavy cream. Stir in the garam masala, curry powder, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper if using, to create the flavorful base of the dish.
- Add the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into the slow cooker and stir thoroughly to coat them evenly with the sauce and spices for balanced flavor infusion.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, allowing the spices to develop their full aroma.
- Finish the Dish: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the unsalted butter, allowing it to melt and blend seamlessly into the sauce, enhancing its richness. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve: Serve the butter chicken hot over a bed of cooked basmati rice. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a vibrant finish and offer naan bread on the side to scoop up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs provide more tenderness and flavor.
- For extra heat, use the optional cayenne pepper or add fresh chopped green chilies.
- Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a slight tang; ensure it’s well stirred to avoid curdling.
- Cooking times in the slow cooker may vary depending on your model; check for doneness accordingly.
- Butter can be replaced with ghee for a more authentic Indian flavor.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead; flavors intensify when reheated.
