Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

If you’re a fan of rich, flavorful Indian cuisine but don’t have the time to spend hours in the kitchen, Slow Cooker Butter Chicken might just become your new favorite dinner recipe.

This classic dish, also known as Murgh Makhani, combines tender chicken with a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices.

The magic of using a slow cooker lies in its ability to meld the flavors together while requiring minimal effort on your part.

Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, you’ll find this dish a delightful addition to your repertoire.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Here are some serving suggestions to complement your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken:

Basmati Rice: Serve the butter chicken over a bed of fluffy basmati rice. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce and provide a perfect balance to the rich flavors.

Naan Bread: Warm naan bread is excellent for dipping into the creamy butter chicken sauce. You can serve plain naan or garlic naan for an extra flavor boost.

Raita: A cool and refreshing cucumber raita (yogurt sauce with grated cucumber, mint, and spices) can help balance the heat and richness of the butter chicken.

Vegetable Side Dish: Serve with a side of sautéed or steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or peas to add some freshness and crunch to the meal.

Chutney: Mango chutney or lime pickle can add a sweet and tangy contrast to the rich butter chicken.

Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy butter chicken.

Papadum: These thin, crispy Indian crackers can be served on the side for an additional texture and flavor element.

Garnishes: Freshly chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a sprinkle of toasted almonds can add a fresh and flavorful finish to the dish.

These serving suggestions will help you create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that complements the rich and creamy flavors of the Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips

Here are some cooking tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken turns out perfectly:

Use Chicken Thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs stay tender and juicy during the long cooking process, while breasts can dry out.

Sauté Aromatics: For extra depth of flavor, you can sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger in a bit of butter or oil until softened before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional but adds a richer flavor to the dish.

Drain Tomatoes Well: If you’re using canned crushed tomatoes instead of tomato sauce, make sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid, which can make the sauce too watery.

Consistent Sizing: Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Stir Occasionally: If possible, give the mixture a stir once or twice during cooking to ensure even distribution of flavors. However, if you’re not able to, it will still turn out fine.

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, a squeeze of lemon juice for acidity, or extra cayenne pepper for heat.

Creamy Finish: Stir in the butter towards the end of cooking to add richness and a silky texture to the sauce. Ensure it melts completely and is well incorporated.

Avoid Overcooking: While slow cooking generally allows for a wide window of doneness, avoid cooking the chicken for too long on high, as it can become dry.

Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, then stirring it into the sauce and cooking on high for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor. Ground versions can be used in a pinch, but they won’t provide the same depth of flavor.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors often deepen and improve after a day or two.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is flavorful, tender, and delicious. Enjoy your cooking!

Recipe FAQ’s

How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?

Cooking times typically range from 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat, but it can vary depending on your specific slow cooker model and settings.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or even triple the ingredients to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, Butter Chicken often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that's easy to prepare.
The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for a hassle-free dinner that the whole family will love. Enjoy!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 411 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
  • 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 can 14 oz coconut milk
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter cut into small pieces
  • 3 tablespoons garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
  • Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked basmati rice for serving
  • Naan bread for serving

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Ingredients:
    Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
    Finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic and ginger.
  • Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
    In a 6-quart slow cooker, add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger.
    Add the tomato sauce, coconut milk, Greek yogurt, and heavy cream.
    Stir in the garam masala, curry powder, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  • Add the Chicken:
    Add the chicken pieces to the slow cooker and stir to coat them evenly with the sauce and spices.
  • Cook:
    Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  • Finish the Dish:
    About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the butter, allowing it to melt and blend into the sauce.
    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve:
    Serve the butter chicken over cooked basmati rice.
    Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
    Serve with naan bread on the side for dipping into the delicious sauce.
Keyword Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating