Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Indian cuisine. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights in. The tender chicken, combined with a rich and creamy sauce, makes this recipe irresistibly flavorful. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal hands-on time, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker works its magic.
• Rich Flavor: A blend of spices like garam masala and turmeric creates a mouthwatering taste that impresses everyone.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, with naan bread, or as a filling for wraps—perfect for any occasion.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and nutritious spices, this meal is both satisfying and wholesome.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its unique flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike, making it an ideal choice for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the heart of the recipe, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully over hours.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures safe and efficient chopping of ingredients like onions and garlic.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining your spices and marinades before adding them to the slow cooker.

Ingredients

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is made with tender, perfectly seasoned chicken and a rich curry sauce made with tomato and cream. This combination is nothing short of mouthwateringly delicious and so easy to make—the slow cooker does all the work.

For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 lbs chicken breasts (or thighs cut into 2-inch cubes)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 14 oz tomato sauce
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

• In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced ginger, garlic powder, garam masala, turmeric, ground cumin, red chili powder, paprika, and salt.
• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Ensure they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

• Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
• Stir in minced garlic and ginger; cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

• Transfer sautéed aromatics to your slow cooker.
• Add marinated chicken along with any remaining marinade.
• Pour in tomato sauce and mix well.

Step 4: Cook Slowly

• Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Cook for about 7 hours or on high heat for about 4 hours until chicken is tender.

Step 5: Finish with Cream

• Once cooked, stir in evaporated milk and heavy cream. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if desired.
• Allow it to warm through for another 15 minutes before serving.

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is not just easy but also packed with flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Serving Slow Cooker Butter Chicken can elevate your dining experience and impress your guests. With its rich flavors, this dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and garnishes.

With Basmati Rice

• Basmati rice is a classic pairing for butter chicken, absorbing the flavorful sauce beautifully.

On Naan Bread

• Serve the butter chicken on warm naan bread for a delightful combination of textures.

With Fresh Cilantro

• Garnish with fresh cilantro to add a burst of color and freshness to each serving.

With Yogurt Sauce

• A side of cucumber raita or plain yogurt can help balance the spices in the dish.

Accompanied by Pickles

• Indian pickles offer an extra kick and tanginess that complements the creamy curry sauce.

With Papadam

• Crispy papadam adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender chicken.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

To ensure your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Marinate the chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in yogurt and spices for at least an hour enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Use quality spices: Fresh and high-quality spices will bring out the best flavor in your dish.
• Thicken sauce if needed: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it uncovered towards the end of cooking.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt or spice levels before serving to meet your preference.
• Add cream at the right time: Stir in heavy cream towards the end of cooking for a rich and creamy texture.
• Let it rest: Allow the dish to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking; this helps all flavors meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken can enhance its flavors even further. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans provide nutrition and balance.
2. Couscous Salad: A refreshing couscous salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness to your meal.
3. Aloo Gobi: This spiced potato and cauliflower dish complements the rich curry well.
4. Chickpea Salad: A chickpea salad with tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers offers a hearty yet light side option.
5. Raita: This cooling yogurt condiment helps offset the heat from spices in butter chicken.
6. Samosas: Crisp samosas filled with potatoes or peas make for a delightful appetizer alongside the main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Skipping marination: Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices ensures better flavor and tenderness. Don’t rush this step—allow at least 30 minutes or overnight if possible.
• Using too much heat: Cooking on high heat can lead to dry chicken. Stick to low heat for a tender result. Patience pays off in flavor and texture.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your sauce before serving. If it’s bland, don’t hesitate to add more salt or spices according to your preference.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking for too long can make the chicken tough. Aim for about 6-8 hours on low heat to achieve that perfect tenderness.
• Not using enough liquid: The slow cooker needs enough moisture to cook evenly. Ensure you have adequate sauce by measuring your tomato sauce and cream correctly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover Slow Cooker Butter Chicken in an airtight container.
• item It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

• item Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• item Use freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion.
• item It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

• item Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• item Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot.
• item Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Slow Cooker Butter Chicken.

Can I use frozen chicken for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it beforehand for even cooking and better flavor absorption.

How spicy is Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?

The spice level depends on the amount of red chili powder used. Adjust it based on your taste preference; you can always start with less and add more as needed.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrients or substitute coconut milk for cream for a dairy-free version.

How do I serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?

Serve it over rice or with naan bread. A side of cucumber salad adds freshness and complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is not just easy; it’s also incredibly flavorful and versatile. You can customize it based on your preferences while enjoying its rich, creamy sauce. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that feels gourmet without all the effort!