If you have ever dreamed of sinking your fork into tender, aromatic chicken swimming in a rich and creamy sauce, then you are in for a treat with this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. This dish brings together the authentic warmth of Indian spices with the comforting ease of slow cooking to deliver a meal that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe promises incredibly tender chicken infused with a luscious buttery tomato sauce that’s both vibrant and soul-warming. The best part? You get all that incredible depth of flavor with almost no fuss, thanks to your trusty slow cooker!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this dish is a breeze, yet each one plays a vital role in crafting the flavor, texture, and beautiful color that make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe a standout. From the creamy dairy to the fragrant spices, every element harmonizes perfectly.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 ½ pounds): These provide tender, juicy meat that stays moist throughout slow cooking.
- Large onion (1, finely chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings a savory foundation to the curry’s flavor profile.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Offers a gentle zing and warmth uniquely suited to Indian dishes.
- Tomato paste (6 oz can): Concentrates the tomato’s rich flavor, giving the sauce its vibrant hue.
- Tomato sauce (14 oz can): Adds smoothness and forms the base of our luscious sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Provides a velvety richness that balances the spices beautifully.
- Plain Greek yogurt (½ cup): Adds creaminess with a hint of tang that complements the chicken.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Infuses the curry with its signature buttery smoothness.
- Garam masala (2 teaspoons): A fragrant Indian spice blend that is essential for authentic flavor.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Offers an earthy note that deepens the curry’s complexity.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild sweetness and enhances color.
- Ground turmeric (1 teaspoon): Provides subtle bitterness and signature golden color.
- Chili powder (½ teaspoon): Gives a gentle heat that awakens the palate without overpowering.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances and enhances all flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a bit of sharp warmth.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens the dish with fresh acidity.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish): Adds a fresh herbal note and pretty finishing touch.
- Cooked basmati rice or naan (for serving): Perfect companions to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Aromatics and Chicken
Start by layering the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger at the bottom of your slow cooker. These aromatics will slowly release their wonderful fragrances into the sauce as it simmers. Next, add the chicken thighs on top, ensuring they’re spread evenly for consistent cooking.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, Greek yogurt, butter, and all the spices including garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Finish with a good squeeze of lemon juice to brighten all the rich flavors. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Pour and Gently Stir
Pour the luscious sauce over the chicken and use a spoon to gently stir, making sure every piece of chicken is coated well but not broken apart. The sauce will thicken and mingle with the chicken juices, creating that classic buttery texture you crave.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Patience here is key to achieving the tender melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe so special.
Step 5: Final Touches
Before serving, give the sauce a good stir to fully combine any separated fats and adjust seasoning according to taste. Garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro to add that vibrant herbal freshness that complements the richness perfectly.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped cilantro is a classic and visually appealing garnish that adds a burst of herbal brightness. You can also sprinkle a few toasted fenugreek leaves or drizzle a little extra melted butter on top for an indulgent finish. A wedge of lemon on the side provides an optional fresh zing for those who like a citrusy punch.
Side Dishes
Serve your butter chicken over steaming basmati rice to soak up the creamy sauce, or opt for soft, warm naan bread for scooping up every last bite. Roasted or steamed vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, or peas also pair beautifully and add a fresh textural contrast to the rich curry.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving the curry in individual mini cocottes or copper bowls for that authentic Indian touch. Garnish each serving with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of paprika or cumin seeds for eye-catching detail. Alternatively, transform leftovers into a butter chicken wrap with naan and fresh salad for a delicious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slow cooker butter chicken keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even more delicious meal the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover butter chicken in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Portion it out for easy defrosting and future meals. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and to bring the sauce back to a creamy consistency. You can add a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work, but since they tend to dry out more easily, be cautious not to overcook. Thighs are preferred for their richness and moisture retention during slow cooking.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream and Greek yogurt with coconut milk for a luscious, dairy-free alternative that still maintains creamy texture and adds a subtle tropical flavor.
Do I need to sear the chicken before slow cooking?
Searing is optional but can add an extra layer of flavor and a slightly caramelized texture. If short on time, you can skip this step and still get fantastic results.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe delivers a mild to medium warmth with a gentle kick from chili powder and spices. You can adjust chili amounts to suit your heat preference, adding more for extra spice or less for a milder dish.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Definitely! Use the sauté function for the aromatics, then pressure cook for about 10 minutes with natural release. It’s a great quicker alternative while still delivering rich slow-cooked flavors.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe that makes it a comforting staple for any home cook. Its blend of fragrant spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken pulls you back to the warmth of homemade meals time and time again. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and experience just how effortless it is to create restaurant-worthy Indian flavors right from your own kitchen. You’re going to love every bite!
Print
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and aromatic Indian-inspired dish with tender chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful spiced tomato and cream sauce. Perfect for busy days, this hands-off recipe allows the slow cooker to meld all the vibrant flavors together for an ultimate comfort meal served with rice or naan.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Garnish and Serving
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Cooked basmati rice or naan (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Place the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger in the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful aromatic base for the dish.
- Add the chicken: Arrange the cut chicken thighs on top of the onion mixture inside the slow cooker.
- Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, tomato sauce, heavy cream, Greek yogurt, unsalted butter, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice until thoroughly combined.
- Combine and cook: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat all the chicken pieces with the sauce without disturbing the layers too much.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the dish on the low setting for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Before serving, stir the sauce well to combine all ingredients evenly. Adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.
Notes
- For a richer and deeper flavor, sear the chicken pieces in a hot skillet until browned before adding them to the slow cooker.
- To make a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream and Greek yogurt with coconut milk.
