Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: A Creamy and Flavorful Indian Classic 🍛🧈🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a delicious Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe that combines rich flavors with the convenience of a slow cooker, you’ve come to the right place. This Ninja Slow Cooker Recipes favorite offers a healthy twist on the classic Indian dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners. Whether you’re new to Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes or a seasoned home chef, this easy recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Explore the secrets to achieving tender, flavorful chicken enveloped in a creamy tomato-based sauce, all cooked effortlessly in your slow cooker.
2. Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Optional: red chili powder for extra heat
3. How to Prepare Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
3.1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant. This step enhances the flavor of your chicken recipes and ensures the spices develop fully.
3.2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the sautéed aromatics to your Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker. Add the chicken pieces, tomato sauce, remaining butter, and spices. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices and sauce.
3.3. Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. The slow cooker will ensure the chicken becomes incredibly tender, making this Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie style dish perfectly creamy and flavorful. For a healthier variation, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
3.4. Finish with Creaminess
Stir in the Greek yogurt or heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This step creates the signature creamy texture of authentic butter chicken. For more tips on making your dish lush, check this Creamy Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake.
4. Serving Suggestions
Serve your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken over steamed basmati rice or with warm naan bread for a complete meal. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for added freshness. To elevate your meal, pair it with a side of crockpot chicken noodle soup or other comforting chicken recipes. For a flavorful vegetable side, consider this easy black bean and sweet potato soup.
5. Storage Tips for Leftover Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When reheating, microwave or warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, to preserve the creamy texture and flavors.
6. Variations and Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Adjust spice levels to suit your taste by adding more chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat and enhanced flavor.
- Experiment with different types of tomatoes, such as cherry or plum, for a richer sauce.
- To make it even healthier, substitute coconut milk for cream, and check out more vegan options.
7. Why Choose Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
This dish epitomizes the convenience of slow cooker dinner recipes, allowing flavors to meld slowly for maximum taste. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for Slow Cooker BBQ fans and those seeking nourishing, hassle-free meals. Don’t forget that this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful addition to your collection of Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes.
8. FAQs About Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
What cut of chicken should I use for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work best for this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, especially when cooked in the slow cooker for a long time.
Can I use coconut milk instead of cream?
Yes, substituting coconut milk adds a dairy-free, vegan-friendly element and a different flavor profile, while still maintaining creaminess.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
Generally, it takes about 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high in a standard slow cooker. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your appliance.
Is Slow Cooker Butter Chicken healthy?
Yes, especially if you use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and control the salt and spice levels. It’s a wholesome, hearty, and flavorful dinner option.
9. Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe offers a perfect blend of richness, spice, and convenience. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish effortlessly. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or a weekend feast, this recipe is a savory addition to your collection of chicken recipes. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful experience and make it your own by experimenting with spice levels and serving accompaniments. Don’t forget to explore more flavorful slow cooker chicken recipes for your culinary adventures!
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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free Option Available
Description
Discover the rich and creamy flavor of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, an Indian classic transformed for your convenient busy weeknights. This easy and flavorful recipe combines tender chicken with aromatic spices, cooked slowly to perfection for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Optional: red chili powder for extra heat
Instructions
- Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger in 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat until fragrant.
- Transfer the aromatics to your slow cooker. Add chicken pieces, tomato sauce, remaining butter, and spices. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until chicken is tender.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in Greek yogurt or heavy cream to add creaminess.
- Serve hot over steamed basmati rice or with warm naan bread, garnished with chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels to taste by adding more chili powder or cayenne pepper.
- For juicier meat, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Experiment with different tomato varieties for a richer sauce.
- Substitute coconut milk for cream for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low / 3 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
