Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken [+VIDEO] Dinner, then Dessert

There’s nothing quite like the rich, velvety texture of Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken. This dish fills your home with the intoxicating aroma of fragrant spices, creamy tomato sauce, and tender chicken, making it an ideal choice for cozy dinners or impressive gatherings. Whether you’re planning a casual family meal or a special occasion, this delightful recipe will surely become a favorite.

What Makes This Special

Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love making this dish:

• Simplicity: With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, dinner practically cooks itself.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of spices and creamy tomato sauce creates a comforting, savory balance.
• Versatility: Perfectly pairs with rice or naan, and is easily adaptable for various dietary preferences.
• Family Approved: A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

Gather These Ingredients

To create this dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients that work wonderfully together to build flavor. Below is the list to get you started:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

The chicken thighs become tender and flavorful, making them a perfect choice for this slow-cooked delight.

Step by Step Preparation

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken:

1. Prep the Chicken: Begin by placing the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. They will absorb all the flavors and create a tender bite.
2. Add Aromatics: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This fragrant mixture adds depth to the dish.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce, heavy cream, butter, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt until well combined. Pour this over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, take the chicken out and shred it with two forks before returning it to the sauce. Mix until well coated and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Prep ~15 minutes, Cook ~6-8 hours, Total ~6-8 hours 15 minutes, Servings ~6, Kcal ~500 (approx).

Plan Ahead

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can chop the onions, garlic, and ginger the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can assemble everything in the slow cooker the night before and store it in the fridge. Just plug in your slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll come home to an amazing, home-cooked meal.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, storing them properly will help maintain freshness. Place any leftover Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, checking that it’s heated through before serving.

Serving Ideas

Enhancing your Indian Butter Chicken meal can be effortless. Here are some great options to consider:

• Serve with fluffy basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Offer warm naan bread for dipping and mopping.
• Pair with a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch.
• Top with a dollop of yogurt to add creaminess that balances the spices.

Make It Your Own

Feel free to customize your Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken to suit your taste preferences. Here are some popular options:

• Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper for more or less heat based on your preference.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or paneer for a vegetarian twist.
• Coconut Cream: For a tropical flair, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
• Tandoori Flavor: Marinate the chicken in tandoori spices before adding it to the slow cooker for an extra layer of flavor.
• Vegetable Additions: Toss in some diced bell peppers, peas, or spinach during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

• Make sure to use a good quality garam masala, as it’s the star of the dish.
• If your sauce is too thick, you can add a little chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
• A quick burst of cooking on the stovetop can help to enhance the flavor of the sauce if needed.
• Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to deepen the flavors.

Your Questions Answered

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
  Yes, but keep an eye on the cooking time as chicken breasts can dry out.

• Is this dish spicy?
  The spice level can be adjusted by changing the amount of cayenne pepper you use.

• What can I use if I don’t have garam masala?
  You can create a simple blend of cumin, coriander, and turmeric as a substitute.

• Can I prepare this dish in advance?
  Yes! You can prep all ingredients and put them in the slow cooker a day in advance.

• How do I make this dairy-free?
  Consider using coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is not only delicious but also convenient for busy nights. With its warm spices and creamy sauce, it’s undoubtedly a dish that comforts the soul. I encourage you to give it a try soon, and you just might find yourself serving it again and again! Don’t forget to explore more delightful recipes, like this Chicken Pot Pie in the Slow Cooker and for a different flavor profile, check out this Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl that you can easily make in your own kitchen. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken

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• Author: anastasia-rice
• Total Time: 375 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A rich, velvety slow-cooked Indian dish filled with fragrant spices, creamy tomato sauce, and tender chicken thighs, perfect for cozy dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Begin by placing the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add Aromatics: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce, heavy cream, butter, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt until well combined. Pour this over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for about 360 minutes or on high for 240 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, take the chicken out and shred it with two forks before returning it to the sauce. Mix until well coated and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Make sure to use a good quality garam masala. If your sauce is too thick, add a little chicken broth or water. Allow the dish to rest before serving to deepen the flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 360 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Indian, butter chicken, slow cooker, chicken, curry

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