Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

$- Chicken - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks - Aromatics - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, minced - Spices and Seasonings - 2 tablespoons garam masala - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level) - Salt and pepper to taste - Sauce Components - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup coconut milk - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 tablespoon honey - Garnish and Serving Suggestions - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Cooked basmati rice or naan, for serving Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making a rich and creamy butter chicken. I suggest using chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender during cooking. The aromatics—onion, garlic, and ginger—add a wonderful base flavor. For spices, garam masala is key. It brings warmth and depth. Adjust cayenne pepper to fit your taste. The sauce components, like crushed tomatoes and coconut milk, create a velvety texture. Don't forget the butter; it makes everything better! Lastly, fresh cilantro and rice or naan make great finishing touches. The cilantro adds a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy crafting this dish with these fresh ingredients! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Layering the Onion, Garlic, and Ginger Start by adding the chopped onion to the slow cooker. Next, add the minced garlic and ginger. Mix them gently with a spoon. This layer brings out great flavor. - Placing the Chicken Now, take your chicken thighs and cut them into chunks. Place the chicken on top of the onion mix. Don’t worry if it looks piled high; it will cook down nicely. - Mixing the Tomatoes and Coconut Milk In a bowl, pour in the crushed tomatoes and coconut milk. Add the unsalted butter, and stir until combined. This creamy mix forms the base of your sauce. It will make everything rich and smooth. - Incorporating the Spices Add garam masala, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, honey, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix well. These spices give your butter chicken its signature flavor. You can adjust the cayenne for heat, depending on your taste. - Setting Cooking Time and Temperature Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover the cooker and set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and soak up all the flavors. - Shredding the Chicken Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix it into the sauce. This adds more flavor to every bite. Taste your dish before serving; you can adjust the seasoning if needed. Adjusting Spice Levels To make your butter chicken just right, taste as you go. If you want more heat, add cayenne pepper. Start with a little, then increase. For milder dishes, cut back on spices. Use less garam masala or cayenne. You can also add more honey to balance the spice. Enhancing Creaminess For extra creaminess, add more coconut milk. You can also stir in a bit of yogurt before serving. Cream or sour cream will work too. These options make the dish rich and smooth. Slow Cooker vs. Instant Pot The slow cooker gives deep flavors. It allows the chicken to cook slowly, making it tender. The Instant Pot cooks faster but may not build the same depth of flavor. If you're short on time, the Instant Pot is a great choice. Tips for Quick Cooking For quicker meals, use chicken breasts instead of thighs. They cook faster and still taste great. You can also chop the chicken smaller for even quicker cooking. Prepping the night before saves time too. Pairing with Rice or Naan Serve your butter chicken over basmati rice. The rice soaks up the sauce well. Naan is also a great option. It’s perfect for dipping and adds a nice touch. Presentation Ideas Garnish with fresh cilantro for color. A lime wedge adds a zesty pop. Use a nice bowl to serve, and make it look inviting. These small steps make your dish look gourmet. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices like garam masala can significantly enhance the flavor of your butter chicken. If possible, grind whole spices right before use for maximum potency. Adjust the Heat: The level of spiciness can be tailored to your preference. Start with less cayenne pepper and add more gradually to maintain control over the heat. Let it Rest: After cooking, let the butter chicken sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together for a richer taste. Garnish Creatively: Enhance presentation by garnishing with not just cilantro, but also finely chopped green onions or a drizzle of coconut cream for an appealing look. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in butter chicken for a new taste. - Using Chicken Breasts Chicken breasts work well too. They are leaner than thighs. You can cut them into chunks just like the thighs. The cooking time stays the same, so it’s easy to switch. - Vegetarian Versions with Paneer For a vegetarian option, try paneer. It adds a nice texture. Cut the paneer into cubes. Add it at the last hour of cooking. This keeps it soft and creamy. Spices are key to flavor in butter chicken. You can use different blends for fun. - Homemade Garam Masala Making your garam masala is simple. Just combine cumin, coriander, cardamom, and more spices. This gives the dish a fresh taste. You can adjust the amounts to fit your taste. - Adding Heat with Other Peppers To make it spicier, add other peppers. Jalapeños or green chilies work great. Chop them finely and add them to the sauce. This adds a kick that some love! You can create unique sauces to suit your taste buds. - Adding Vegetables like Spinach or Peas Vegetables can boost nutrition and flavor. Spinach adds a bright color. Peas add sweetness. Stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking for the best results. - Citrus Variations with Lime or Lemon For a zesty twist, try lime or lemon juice. Add it right before serving. This brightens the flavors and adds freshness. It’s a fun way to change the dish! How Long It Lasts You can keep leftover butter chicken in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure it cools down before you put it in the fridge. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Best Storage Containers Use airtight containers for best results. Glass containers work nicely, but plastic ones are fine too. Choose a size that fits your leftovers well. Tips for Thawing and Reheating To freeze butter chicken, let it cool down completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove or microwave until hot. Portioning for Meal Prep For meal prep, divide the butter chicken into single-serving containers. This makes it easy to grab a meal anytime. Don’t forget to label each container with the date. You can use heavy cream or Greek yogurt. Almond milk works too but may change the flavor. If you want a lighter choice, use unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk. Just add a bit of cornstarch for thickness. Yes! You can cook butter chicken on the stovetop. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in a pot. Then add chicken and cook until browned. Pour in all sauce ingredients. Simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes. To make this dish dairy-free, skip the butter and use coconut oil instead. Use coconut milk for creaminess. This keeps the rich flavor while making the dish dairy-free. Garam masala is a spice blend from India. It usually has cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. You can make it at home. Combine 1 teaspoon of each spice: cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cardamom. Add ½ teaspoon of ground cloves and nutmeg for extra flavor. Chicken is cooked when it reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Another way is to shred the chicken with two forks. If it shreds easily, it's done! This article covered a delicious slow cooker chicken recipe. We explored the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips and tricks to enhance flavors. You can easily adjust spice levels or use different cooking methods. I shared exciting variations and provided storage tips to help you enjoy this dish later. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting, so feel free to try new ingredients and flavors. Enjoy your cooking journey and make this slow-cooked chicken a staple in your home!$

Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

A rich and creamy butter chicken made effortlessly in a slow cooker.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 7

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup coconut milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
1 tablespoon honey
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh cilantro
for serving cooked basmati rice or naan

Instructions

In the slow cooker, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir lightly to combine.
Add the chicken chunks on top of the onion mixture.
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, butter, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cayenne pepper, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Once cooked, shred the chicken gently with two forks right in the slow cooker. Stir the sauce to combine with the shredded chicken.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne if desired.
Serve hot over basmati rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Serve in a beautiful bowl with a sprinkle of cilantro on top and a wedge of lime on the side for a pop of color.

Keyword butter chicken, chicken, coconut milk, Indian cuisine, slow cooker