why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a fantastic dish that brings the warm flavors of India right to your table. This recipe is perfect for busy days since it requires minimal effort and lets your slow cooker do all the work. The chicken becomes tender and juicy while soaking up all the rich spices and creamy sauce. It’s a comforting meal that everyone will love, making it great for family dinners or meal prep for the week.
how to make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions:
- In a slow cooker, add the chicken thighs, onion, garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, coconut milk, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it back into the sauce.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro over rice or naan.
how to serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Serve this delicious butter chicken over steaming hot rice or with warm naan bread. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with both, allowing you to soak up every last drop of flavor. Garnish with fresh cilantro to add a burst of color and freshness to your plate.
how to store Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
To store any leftovers, let the butter chicken cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in yogurt and spices for a few hours before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Adjust the spice level to your liking. You can add more paprika for heat or add a pinch of chili powder.
- If you want a thicker sauce, remove the lid in the last hour of cooking to let some of the liquid evaporate.
variation
You can try adding vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition and color. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or paneer.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts. They may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! You can add more spices or even a chopped chili to enhance the heat.
What should I serve with Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken goes well with rice, naan, or even steamed vegetables for a fuller meal.
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delicious and easy slow cooker recipe for tender butter chicken infused with rich Indian spices.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, add the chicken thighs, onion, garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, coconut milk, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and mix it back into the sauce.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro over rice or naan.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in yogurt and spices for a few hours before cooking. Adjust spice levels to taste.