Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a perfect blend of rich, flavorful spices and tender chicken cooked to perfection. With minimal effort, you can create a comforting and aromatic meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with juicy chicken in a velvety, creamy tomato sauce. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set it and forget it: The slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly easy to prepare. Just toss in the ingredients, and let the cooker do all the work.
• Creamy, flavorful sauce: The combination of butter, cream, and aromatic spices creates a luxurious sauce that’s rich and smooth.
• Tender chicken: Cooking the chicken in the slow cooker results in a tender, juicy dish that practically melts in your mouth.
• Versatile: This recipe pairs wonderfully with rice, naan, or even steamed vegetables. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Place the chicken, chopped onion, garlic, and ginger into the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the ground coriander, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, cinnamon, and paprika. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken.
3. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and cubed butter to the slow cooker. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve hot with rice or naan.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Cooking time:
  • Low: 6-7 hours
  • High: 3-4 hours

Variations

• Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder and paprika to suit your preferred spice level. Add more chili powder for extra heat or reduce it for a milder dish.
• Chicken: You can substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs, though chicken thighs tend to remain more tender and juicy in the slow cooker.
• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, swap the butter and cream with coconut oil and full-fat coconut milk.
• Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Add Vegetables: You can include vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers in the sauce for added nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

How do I make butter chicken spicier?

To make it spicier, add more chili powder, or include cayenne pepper to increase the heat. You can also add sliced fresh green chilies to the slow cooker for an extra kick.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but chicken thighs will provide a juicier and more tender result in the slow cooker.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can simmer it uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce it, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to thicken.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and refrigerate them. Just cook it the next day in the slow cooker as directed.

Can I freeze this butter chicken?

Yes, this recipe freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is gluten-free as long as you check the labels for any hidden gluten in the tomato sauce and spices.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can use fresh tomatoes, but you will need to blend them to create a smoother texture. For this, use about 4-5 ripe tomatoes and cook them down until soft before adding to the slow cooker.

What should I serve with butter chicken?

This dish is best served with basmati rice, naan, or a side of roasted vegetables. It can also be paired with quinoa for a healthier alternative.

Can I reduce the amount of butter and cream?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of butter and cream to make it lighter. You can even replace the butter with olive oil and the cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

Can I use a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can use a pressure cooker. Set it to cook on high for about 15-20 minutes, and allow the pressure to release naturally for the best results.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that will quickly become a family favorite. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s the perfect meal to serve on busy days when you want something delicious without the hassle. The versatility of this recipe allows you to adjust the heat and ingredients to fit your preferences, making it a great option for everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s sure to impress.

Print