If you’re looking for a comforting dish that combines convenience with mouthwatering flavor, look no further than this slow cooker butter chicken. This recipe takes the classic Indian dish and simplifies it so that you can enjoy its rich, creamy goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine coming home to a warm bowl of tender chicken simmered in a spiced tomato sauce infused with buttery cream. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about making slow cooker butter chicken from scratch. Whether you serve it over rice or with naan bread, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: I recommend using thighs for their rich flavor and tenderness during cooking; however, breasts work too.
- Canned Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes to create a smooth sauce base; they add natural sweetness.
- Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk gives the sauce its creamy texture while adding a hint of sweetness.
- Butter: A key ingredient that adds richness and depth of flavor; use unsalted to control seasoning.
- Garlic and Ginger: Fresh minced garlic and ginger bring aromatic flavors that are essential in Indian cuisine.
For the Spices:
- Curry Powder: Choose your favorite blend for authentic flavor; adjust the quantity based on desired spice level.
- Cumin and Coriander: These spices add warmth; use ground versions for convenience or whole seeds for extra crunch.
End with: “The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.”
How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the boneless skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine canned tomatoes, coconut milk, melted butter, minced garlic, grated ginger, curry powder, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Place the cut chicken pieces into your slow cooker. Pour the tomato mixture over the top of the chicken ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
Step 4: Set Your Slow Cooker
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat. Cook for about six hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
Step 5: Finish with Cream
Once cooked, stir in additional coconut milk or cream if desired while adjusting seasoning as needed. Let it warm through on low for an extra five minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer servings onto plates or bowls over steamed rice or alongside warm naan bread for dipping.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
- Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the ingredients overnight
Enjoy making this flavorful slow cooker butter chicken! It’s not only simple but also sure to become a family favorite.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken a day in advance. Chop the onions, garlic, and ginger, and mix them with the spices. Store this mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Storing: Leftovers of this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags to keep it fresh for up to three months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the Slow Cooker Butter Chicken in a saucepan over low heat on the stove until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in short intervals of one minute, stirring between each interval until heated evenly.
Suggestions for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Choose the Right Cut of Chicken
Selecting the appropriate cut of chicken is crucial for your slow cooker butter chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they remain juicy during slow cooking. Breast meat can dry out, leading to a less flavorful dish. If you prefer chicken breasts, consider adding a bit more liquid or cooking them on a shorter setting. Using whole chicken pieces or bone-in cuts can also enhance flavor but be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly. Always trim excess fat to avoid greasy sauce and achieve a balanced taste.
Don’t Skip the Marinade
Skipping the marinade is a common mistake when preparing slow cooker butter chicken. Marinating your chicken in yogurt and spices enhances flavor and tenderness. Aim to marinate for at least one hour, but overnight is even better. This step allows the spices to penetrate deeply into the meat, resulting in a rich and aromatic dish. If you’re short on time, at least let it sit for 30 minutes before cooking. This simple step transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.
Adjust Spice Levels Carefully
When making slow cooker butter chicken, adjusting spice levels requires caution. Many recipes call for garam masala and cayenne pepper, which can vary significantly in heat. If you’re unsure about your spice tolerance, start with smaller amounts and taste as you go. Remember that flavors intensify during cooking, so it’s easier to add more spice than to reduce it once added. Consider offering additional spices on the side for guests who prefer more heat without overwhelming the dish itself.
Thicken the Sauce Effectively
A common pitfall is ending up with a watery sauce in your slow cooker butter chicken. To avoid this issue, use full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream as your base; these provide both richness and thickness. Additionally, incorporating tomato paste helps create a thicker consistency while enhancing flavor. If you find your sauce too thin at the end of cooking, consider removing the lid during the last hour to allow some moisture to evaporate or mix in a cornstarch slurry for quick thickening.
FAQs
What is Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
Slow cooker butter chicken is an Indian-inspired dish that combines tender pieces of chicken simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce flavored with spices such as garam masala and turmeric. The slow-cooking process melds these flavors beautifully while keeping the chicken moist and tender. It’s perfect for busy weeknights since you can prepare it in advance and let it cook throughout the day. Serve it over basmati rice or with naan bread for a complete meal that many people enjoy.
How long should I cook Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
Cooking time for cooker butter chicken typically ranges from four to six hours on low heat or two to three hours on high heat. The exact duration may vary based on your specific slow cooker model and the size of your chicken pieces. Ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving to guarantee safety and optimal texture. Cooking longer allows flavors to develop further but be cautious not to overcook, which can lead to dry meat.
Can I make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making cooker butter chicken ahead of time enhances its flavors as they have more time to meld together. You can prepare it up to two days in advance by storing it in an airtight container after cooking or even freeze portions for later consumption. When ready to serve, simply reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.
What should I serve with Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
Slow cooker butter chicken pairs wonderfully with several sides that complement its rich flavors. Traditional accompaniments include basmati rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully, or naan bread for dipping and scooping up every morsel. You might also consider serving it with roasted vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad for balance. For those looking for variety, quinoa or cauliflower rice can also work well as lighter alternatives.
Conclusion for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
In summary, preparing slow cooker butter chicken involves selecting the right ingredients and following key steps to ensure success. Avoid common mistakes like skipping marinating and not adjusting spice levels carefully; both are essential for achieving rich flavors and tender meat. Remember that using full-fat coconut milk or cream will help thicken your sauce effectively while enhancing its creamy texture. By making this dish ahead of time, you not only save effort but also allow flavors to deepen beautifully over time. With these tips in mind, you’ll create an unforgettable meal that everyone will love.
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a delectable and creamy dish that brings the flavorful essence of Indian cuisine right to your home with minimal effort. This recipe transforms tender boneless chicken thighs into succulent pieces simmered in a luscious tomato-coconut sauce, enriched with aromatic spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this easy-to-make meal pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. With just a handful of common ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create an unforgettable dining experience that will delight your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, melted butter, garlic, ginger, curry powder, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Place cut chicken in the slow cooker and pour the tomato mixture over it.
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Stir in additional coconut milk if desired before serving over rice or naan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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