This Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is creamy, flavorful, and just the right amount of spicy! Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax.
What I love most is the smell that fills the kitchen. It’s like a warm hug! Serve it with rice or naan, and you have a delicious meal with hardly any effort. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy texture. If you want a leaner option, chicken breasts also work. Just remember, they cook faster, so check them sooner!
Onion: A large onion adds great flavor. If you’re short on time, using frozen chopped onions can save you some work.
Garam Masala: This spice blend is key for authentic flavor. If you don’t have it, you can mix equal parts of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon as a substitute.
Heavy Cream vs. Coconut Milk: Heavy cream makes it rich, but if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut milk is fabulous too! It will give a nice tropical flavor.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is perfect for garnish. If you’re not a fan, parsley can work instead, or just skip it altogether!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Onions and Spices?
To enhance the flavor, start by cooking the onions until they’re soft and golden. This caramelization brings out their natural sweetness. After that, toasting the spices is crucial—this helps release their flavors, making your butter chicken taste amazing!
- Heat the oil or ghee on medium heat; add onions and stir until golden (about 5-7 minutes).
- Once the onions are ready, add garlic and ginger for a minute.
- Finally, mix in the spices and toast for 1-2 minutes. This step is what makes all the difference in the flavor!
Feel free to follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious butter chicken that impresses everyone!
Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika (for color)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp sugar or honey (optional, for balance)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious butter chicken will take about 15 minutes to prep, followed by cooking time—6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high in the slow cooker. Perfect for a day when you want to relax while dinner cooks itself!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Onions:
Start by heating the vegetable oil or ghee in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it until it becomes softened and golden brown, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This will add a wonderful flavor to your dish!
2. Adding Garlic and Ginger:
Once the onions are ready, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook these for another minute until they are nice and fragrant. This will smell amazing!
3. Toasting the Spices:
Add the garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and paprika to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices. This step really brings out their flavors!
4. Combining in the Slow Cooker:
Now, transfer the spiced onion mixture to your slow cooker. Next, add the chicken chunks and the crushed tomatoes. Give it a good stir to make sure the chicken is well coated in the tomato and spice mixture.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours. Your chicken should become tender and juicy!
6. Adding Creaminess:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the unsalted butter and your choice of heavy cream or coconut milk. If you’d like a touch of sweetness, add the sugar or honey to balance the flavors.
7. Finishing Up:
Let the butter chicken cook uncovered on low for the remaining time so it can thicken a little. Keep an eye on the seasoning, and feel free to adjust salt or spices as needed.
8. Serving:
Once it’s ready, garnish your butter chicken with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve it hot alongside basmati rice or warm naan bread. Enjoy every bite!
This creamy and rich Indian butter chicken will quickly become a family favorite, all thanks to the simplicity of the slow cooker!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken; just make sure to cook it longer since it takes more time to become tender. If you do use bone-in thighs, you may want to remove the skin for a healthier dish!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a milder flavor. Alternatively, you can add more spices if you prefer a spicier kick. Just taste as you go!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the microwave or warm on the stove over low heat until thoroughly heated. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or cream to loosen it up.
Can I Freeze This Butter Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the butter chicken! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
