Butter Chicken Slow Cooker is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family meal or a cozy dinner. With its aromatic Indian spices and creamy sauce, this recipe is both comforting and easy to make, especially when you let your slow cooker do all the hard work. If you love Indian cuisine or are new to it, this slow cooker butter chicken is sure to become a favorite in your home.
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Why Choose Butter Chicken Slow Cooker?
One of the main reasons butter chicken slow cooker recipes are so popular is their ease. The slow cooker does all the work, and you get a rich, hearty dish with minimal effort. Plus, this recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. The combination of tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and warm spices makes for a comforting, family-friendly meal that everyone will love. The best part? It’s a perfect make-ahead dish that can be stored in the fridge for days, making it ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients for Butter Chicken Slow Cooker
For this flavorful slow cooker butter chicken recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce
• Onion: Provides a savory base for the sauce and enhances the overall flavor
• Garlic: Adds a fragrant, aromatic note
• Ginger: Brings a hint of warmth and spice
• Curry Powder: The key spice for an authentic flavor
• Chili Powder: Gives the dish a mild heat
• Garam Masala: A fragrant spice blend that enhances the dish’s complexity
• Cumin: Offers an earthy, smoky flavor
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavors
• Tomato Sauce: Forms the base of the sauce, giving it a rich texture
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth to the sauce
• Heavy Cream: The key ingredient for creating a creamy, indulgent sauce
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The main protein of the dish
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a perfect consistency
• Jasmine Rice: A fragrant rice that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce
• Fresh Cilantro: For garnish and a fresh, herbal note
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to make this dish your own, there are a few ingredient substitutions you can try:
• Rice: While jasmine rice is commonly used, you can swap it out with basmati rice for a more traditional Indian feel.
• Cream: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. Just make sure to shake the can well before use.
• Chicken: Though this recipe uses boneless skinless chicken breasts, you can also opt for chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result. Keep in mind that thighs will need slightly more time to cook.
How to Make Butter Chicken Slow Cooker
Making Butter Chicken Slow Cooker is incredibly simple. Follow these steps to create a delicious meal for your family.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Spices: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add diced onions, garlic, ginger, curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are tender and the spices become fragrant.
- Blend the Sauce: Transfer the sautéed onions and spices to a blender along with tomato sauce, tomato paste, and ¾ cup of heavy cream. Blend until smooth, creating a rich, creamy sauce.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Place the raw chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the blended sauce over the chicken and cover. Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 2½ to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Prepare the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup of heavy cream with cornstarch to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir to combine. Allow the sauce to thicken for about 10-15 minutes.
- Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Add the cut chicken back into the slow cooker and stir gently to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the butter chicken over a bed of cooked jasmine rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Butter Chicken Slow Cooker
To get the best results with this Butter Chicken Slow Cooker recipe, keep the following tips in mind:
• Use Full-Fat Ingredients: For the creamiest, richest sauce, opt for full-fat heavy cream instead of low-fat alternatives.
• Avoid Cutting Chicken Too Early: Wait until the chicken is fully cooked before cutting it into pieces. If you cut the chicken too early, it may fall apart and turn into shredded chicken.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the chili powder or add a few chopped fresh chilies to the sauce.
• Storing Leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the rice and butter chicken separate for best results. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Butter Chicken Slow Cooker
Butter chicken is often served with rice, but there are several other ways to enjoy this dish:
• Naan Bread: Serve with warm naan bread to soak up the rich, creamy sauce.
• Vegetables: Pair with sautéed or roasted vegetables, like cauliflower or peas, for added texture and flavor.
• Make it Spicy: For a spicy twist, add chopped green chilies or extra chili powder to the sauce.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips
Butter Chicken Slow Cooker is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge overnight. Just reheat before serving. You can also freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop for the best texture.
The Health Benefits of Butter Chicken Slow Cooker
While Butter Chicken Slow Cooker is indulgent, it’s also a great source of protein from the chicken and essential fats from the cream. For those looking to make the dish even healthier, consider using light coconut milk or opting for boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
This dish also offers the rich flavors of Indian cuisine with the health benefits of spices like cumin, garam masala, and curry powder, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Whether you’re craving comfort food or want to introduce your family to a new, flavorful meal, Butter Chicken Slow Cooker is a delicious choice that’s sure to please.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Creamy Delights of Butter Chicken Slow Cooker
Butter Chicken Slow Cooker is not only a delicious and comforting meal, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With its creamy tomato-based sauce and tender chicken, this dish brings authentic Indian flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy the warm, savory comfort of butter chicken. The slow cooker ensures that you can prepare a hearty meal with just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends. Try it today and experience the rich flavors that are sure to please the entire family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for Butter Chicken Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can absolutely use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, though they may require slightly more time to cook than chicken breasts. Simply follow the same instructions, but check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through.
Can I make Butter Chicken Slow Cooker with coconut milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative or want a different flavor profile, you can use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Be sure to use the canned version of coconut milk, as the one found in the refrigerated section is much thinner and will not provide the same creamy consistency.
How can I make Butter Chicken Slow Cooker spicier?
If you prefer a spicier version of this dish, you can easily increase the chili powder or add freshly chopped green chilies or red pepper flakes. Adjust the spice level to your liking, but remember that the cream in the dish will balance out the heat, so feel free to experiment!
More Relevant Recipes
Butter Chicken Slow Cooker
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Butter Chicken Slow Cooker is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic Indian spices. This easy-to-make recipe uses a slow cooker to create a hassle-free and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2½ teaspoons curry powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1¼ cups heavy cream, divided into ¾ cup and ½ cup
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a sauté pan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add diced onions, garlic, ginger, curry powder, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onions are tender and the spices become fragrant.
- Transfer the sautéed onions and spices to a blender along with tomato sauce, tomato paste, and ¾ cup of heavy cream. Blend until smooth.
- Place the raw chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour the blended sauce over the chicken and cook on high for 2½ to 3 hours.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining ½ cup of heavy cream with cornstarch to create a slurry. Add this to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken pieces to the slow cooker and stir gently to coat the chicken in the sauce. Turn off the slow cooker.
- Serve the butter chicken over cooked jasmine rice, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- For a dairy-free alternative, use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts for a juicier result, but may need more cooking time.
- Ensure to store rice and chicken separately if keeping leftovers for optimal texture.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or green chilies for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2½ to 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 688 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 831mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 54g
- Cholesterol: 233mg
