Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
If there’s one dish that brings together all the comforting flavors of Indian cuisine Main Course. Imagine juicy pieces of chicken blanketed in a decadent, spiced tomato cream sauce, all gently simmered to perfection while your home fills with an irresistible aroma. This is a dish you’ll crave after one bite, and thanks to your slow cooker, it’s brilliantly simple—just toss, wait, and indulge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here is simple, familiar, and easy to find, but together they build layers of flavor, creamy richness, and vibrant color—the hallmarks of authentic butter chicken. From lush Greek yogurt to warm spices and a splash of cream, every component plays a starring role.
- Chicken Thighs: Juicier and more flavorful than breasts, thighs stay tender throughout long, slow cooking.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with a mild tang that balances the sauce’s richness.
- Lemon Juice: A fresh, zesty punch that wakes up every bite.
- Garam Masala: This warming blend is quintessential to Indian cooking, delivering complexity and familiar aroma.
- Ground Cumin: Earthy and smoky, cumin is the backbone of this spice mix.
- Ground Coriander: Sweet, floral notes that brighten and balance the heavier spices.
- Turmeric: Lends golden color and subtle peppery flavor—plus it’s packed with antioxidants.
- Chili Powder: Adjust for your heat preference; it brings a gentle warmth to the sauce.
- Salt: Essential for deepening all the other flavors.
- Butter: It’s not butter chicken without real butter—it adds luscious mouthfeel and flavor.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion dissolves into sweetness as it cooks.
- Garlic: Just the right amount of zest and intrigue, finely minced so it melts into the sauce.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds brightness and spicy depth—fresh is best!
- Tomato Sauce: The creamy, savory base that brings that classic butter chicken color and flavor.
- Heavy Cream: That final swirl at the end gives this sauce its silkiness and rich finish.
- Brown Sugar: Boosts sweetness just enough to round out the tang and spice.
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Scatter this over the top for a truly vibrant, aromatic finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by whisking together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and all your beautiful spices—garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt—in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces and toss thoroughly so every morsel is coated. This quick marinade not only flavors the chicken through and through, it helps keep it tender during its slow cooking bath. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour, or let it rest overnight for even bolder taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, get your kitchen smelling amazing by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, followed by the garlic and freshly grated ginger. Sauté for just 3 to 4 minutes until the kitchen fills with that telltale scent of cozy, sweet aromatics. The onion should soften but not take on much color—this is all about coaxing out subtle sweetness and punchy spice. Transfer this fragrant trio straight into your slow cooker.
Step 3: Layer and Cook
Spoon in the marinated chicken right over the sautéed onions, then pour the tomato sauce across the top. Give everything one last gentle stir to mingle the flavors. Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker on low for 6 to 7 hours (or high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re in a hurry). The chicken will emerge fall-apart tender, having soaked up all those dynamic flavors from the sauce and spices.
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Sweetness
When the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth soft, swirl in the heavy cream and brown sugar. Let everything warm through for another 15 minutes—this final step turns the sauce from tomato-based to velvet-smooth, balancing the flavors with a delicate sweetness. Taste and adjust salt or chili powder if you like.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Ladle the Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe into bowls or onto fluffy rice, then scatter a generous handful of fresh chopped cilantro over the top. The green against the golden-orange sauce is pure dinner party magic!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference. A heap of vibrant, freshly chopped cilantro brings color, freshness, and a tiny citrusy pop. For extra richness, you might drizzle a swirl of cream on each serving. And if you’re feeling playful, a few thinly sliced red onions or a dusting of toasted almonds add texture and flair.
Side Dishes
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe absolutely begs to be paired with warm, pillowy naan bread for sopping up the luscious sauce. Fragrant basmati rice is classic and perfect for catching every drop. For contrast and crunch, serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad or lightly roasted veggies—think cauliflower, peas, or carrots.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon your butter chicken into lettuce cups for a low-carb, finger-food option, or pile onto sliders for a party platter. If you’re packing up lunch, tuck a scoop inside a wrap with crunchy slaw. Individual mini cocottes make for a stunning dinner party presentation, especially when garnished generously.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool fully before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe will stay tender and delicious for up to four days, making lunches and midweek dinners a breeze.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Simply portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.
Reheating
To revive leftovers, place the butter chicken in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring gently until heated through. A splash of extra cream or even a touch of milk can bring back the silky sauce if it’s thickened in the fridge. The microwave works in a pinch—just use a lower power setting and stir frequently for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely, you can swap in chicken breasts for a leaner option. While chicken thighs stay juicier during slow cooking, breasts will still absorb all those amazing spices and turn out delicious—just be careful not to overcook them.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this recipe?
Definitely! Replace the Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative and swap the heavy cream for canned coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer. The sauce stays incredibly rich, and you’ll love the subtle coconut twist.
How can I make it spicier?
To turn up the heat, add extra chili powder, a pinch of cayenne, or even diced fresh chilies to the marinade. Taste towards the end to tweak spice levels to your liking—this recipe is super adaptable!
Does it really need marinating time?
For maximum flavor and tender chicken, do marinate at least an hour—or overnight for best results. If you’re in a rush, even 15–30 minutes will help infuse flavor and start the tenderizing process.
Can I prepare Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe ahead?
Yes! You can fully cook the dish a day or two in advance. Flavors deepen as it rests. Simply reheat gently and finish with fresh cilantro. It’s the ultimate make-ahead dinner for busy nights or entertaining.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe, the dazzling blend of creamy, spiced sauce and succulent chicken will have you looking for excuses to make it again and again. It’s a meal that’s just as perfect for cozy weeknights as it is for impressing company—so don’t wait, get that slow cooker out and treat yourself to something extraordinary tonight!
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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Slow Cooker Butter Chicken that will surely become a family favorite. This creamy and aromatic dish is a perfect blend of tender chicken in a spiced tomato-based sauce, finished with a touch of cream for a luxurious finish.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine yogurt, lemon juice, spices, and salt. Add chicken, coat well, and marinate.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in butter until fragrant.
- Slow Cook: Transfer onion mix to slow cooker. Add marinated chicken and tomato sauce. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Finish: Stir in cream and sugar. Cook for 15 minutes more.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and enjoy with rice or naan.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute coconut milk for heavy cream.
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs.
- Adjust spice level to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
