This Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is a creamy, rich delight that brings all the flavors of India right to your kitchen. It simmers slowly, making the chicken tender and tasty!
I love how easy it is to just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the work. You can enjoy it with rice or naan, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🍛
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy texture, but chicken breasts work too. If you’re avoiding chicken, try using chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Garam Masala: This spice blend is key to that authentic flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mix of cinnamon, cumin, and nutmeg. Just remember, it won’t taste quite the same!
Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk: For rich creaminess, I usually use heavy cream. However, coconut milk is a healthy, dairy-free alternative that still keeps it creamy. It also adds a subtle sweetness.
Plain Yogurt: This adds tanginess to the dish. If you’re dairy-free, you can swap it with a plant-based yogurt or simply skip it. You might want to add a touch of lemon juice instead.
How Do You Ensure Tender Chicken in Slow Cooker Recipes?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker is all about timing. Start by cutting your chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Don’t skip the browning step if you want extra flavor. If not, just make sure your sauce surrounds the chicken well.
- Remember to layer: Put the heavier ingredients at the bottom to prevent burning.
- Cook on low heat for a longer, more tender result. High heat works too, but keep an eye on it.
Lastly, don’t overcook it; chicken thighs are forgiving, but breasts can dry out quickly. Happy cooking!
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
For the Sauce:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (115g) plain yogurt
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or coconut milk
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
For the Spices:
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnishing and Serving:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked basmati rice or naan bread (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious butter chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep. The slow cooker will do the rest for about 6-7 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat. It’s an easy way to have a warm, comforting dinner ready when you are!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It helps to ensure that they cook evenly and get soaked up in the flavorful sauce. Set aside your chicken for later.
2. Make the Sauce:
In your slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed tomatoes. Add in the yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This is the base of your sauce!
3. Combine and Coat:
Next, add in the chicken pieces. Stir gently to coat all the chicken with that delicious sauce mixture. Don’t be shy, make sure every piece is covered!
4. Add the Butter:
Cut the butter into small pieces and place them on top of the chicken mixture. This will melt into the sauce as it cooks, adding extra richness.
5. Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook. If you’re cooking on low, let it go for about 6-7 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can set it to high for 3-4 hours. Either way, you want that chicken to be tender and fully cooked through.
6. Add Cream and Lemon Juice:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and lemon juice into the pot. This will make your butter chicken creamy and delightful. Adjust the seasoning if you need to—sometimes a little extra salt or spice does the trick!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro on top for that pop of color and flavor. This dish is perfect served hot over basmati rice or with warm naan bread. Enjoy every bite of your creation!
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful slow cooker butter chicken!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Just remember that cooking time might be extended if you use frozen meat.
Can I Use Low-Fat Options for the Dairy Ingredients?
Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with low-fat Greek yogurt or a reduced-fat version of cream. For the yogurt, choose a thicker one to maintain the creaminess of the dish. Just remember that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Butter Chicken?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or cream to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or paneer for a vegetarian option. If using chickpeas, add them in the last hour of cooking so they don’t become mushy. For paneer, add it about 30 minutes before it’s done cooking to warm it through.
