Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for slow cooker butter chicken! This dish is a total game changer—rich, creamy, and bursting with aromatic spices that dance on your palate. I remember the first time I made it; my kitchen was filled with the most heavenly scent and as soon as I took that first bite, I was hooked. It’s a staple in Indian cuisine, and for good reason! The combination of tender chicken thighs simmering in a luscious sauce made from butter, spices, and cream is just divine. Plus, it’s so easy to throw together! You can set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a cherished favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering slow cooker butter chicken. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that rich, creamy flavor profile, so let’s get right into it!

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs – These are perfect for slow cooking as they stay juicy and tender.
• 1 cup unsalted butter – This is what gives the dish its signature creaminess and richness.
• 1 large onion, finely chopped – Adds a sweet base flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Because what’s butter chicken without garlic? It adds a fragrant kick.
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated – Fresh ginger gives a lovely warmth and depth to the sauce.
• 2 tsp garam masala – This aromatic spice blend is key for that authentic Indian taste.
• 1 tsp ground cumin – Adds an earthy flavor that rounds out the spices beautifully.
• 1 tsp ground coriander – Brings a subtle citrusy flavor to balance the richness.
• 1/2 tsp turmeric – Not only for color but also for its warm, earthy notes.
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper – Adjust this to your spice preference for a nice kick!
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree – This forms the base of your sauce, providing sweetness and acidity.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Stir this in for that luscious, creamy finish.
• Salt to taste – Essential for balancing all those flavors.
• Fresh cilantro for garnish – Adds a pop of color and freshness when serving.

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of preparing this delicious slow cooker butter chicken. Don’t worry; it’s super straightforward, and I’ll be here to guide you through each step!

Sautéing Aromatics

First things first—grab a large pan and melt that 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbly, toss in your finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. You want them to turn a lovely golden color, which means they’re just right! Next, add in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for another minute until you can smell that fantastic aroma filling your kitchen. Trust me, it’s heavenly!

Incorporating Spices and Tomato Puree

Now it’s time to bring the flavors to life! Stir in the garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook these spices for about 1-2 minutes, allowing them to toast slightly and release their essential oils—this is where the magic happens! After that, pour in the tomato puree and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. You want to let it bubble away for about 5 minutes, so all those flavors meld beautifully.

Slow Cooking the Chicken

Once your sauce is ready, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the chicken thighs and season generously with salt. Make sure the chicken is coated well in that luscious sauce. Now, set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. The key here is to let it cook low and slow, which makes the chicken incredibly tender. Just resist the urge to lift the lid too often—every time you do, you release heat!

Finishing Touches

About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the heavy cream. This will give your butter chicken that dreamy, creamy finish. For the final touch, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top just before serving. Not only does it add a lovely pop of color, but it also brightens up those rich flavors. Serve it up with a side of basmati rice or warm naan, and you’ve got yourself a feast!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delicious slow cooker butter chicken! Each serving, which is about a quarter of the recipe, packs a hearty 650 calories, with 45g of fat (including 25g of saturated fat) and 50g of protein—perfect for a filling meal. You’ll also find around 10g of carbohydrates and 2g of fiber. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your ingredient choices, so feel free to adjust as needed for your dietary preferences!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation—just set it and forget it!
• Rich, creamy flavors that will transport you straight to India.
• Perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day.
• Gluten-free option, making it suitable for various diets.
• Versatile—great for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests.

Tips for Success

To really elevate your slow cooker butter chicken, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First off, if you prefer a leaner option, you can absolutely swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as breasts can dry out if overcooked. For those who like it spicy, don’t hesitate to bump up the cayenne pepper or even toss in a chopped jalapeño for an extra kick.

Also, if you want to sneak in some veggies, feel free to add diced bell peppers or peas during the last hour of cooking. They’ll absorb all that delicious flavor! And for a touch of tanginess, a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving can really brighten up the dish. Trust me, these little tweaks make a world of difference!

Variations on Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Now, let’s get creative with this slow cooker butter chicken! One of my favorite variations is to swap out the spices for a twist on flavor. Try adding curry powder for a different spice profile, or mix in some smoked paprika for a subtle smoky taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with a dash of coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a tropical vibe!

Another fun idea is to sneak in some veggies. Toss in spinach or cauliflower during the last hour of cooking to add color and nutrition without overpowering the dish. And if you want to switch up your protein, paneer works beautifully as a vegetarian option, soaking up all those flavors while staying delightfully creamy. Each variation brings its own charm, so don’t be afraid to play around and find your perfect version!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your slow cooker butter chicken, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to label the container with the date!

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it and stir every minute to keep it from drying out. Enjoy that deliciousness all over again!

Serving Suggestions

To truly elevate your slow cooker butter chicken experience, serve it alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm, pillowy naan. The rice soaks up all that luscious sauce, while naan is perfect for dipping! For a beautiful presentation, place a generous scoop of butter chicken on a plate and sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color. You can also add a wedge of lime on the side for a zesty touch. This combination not only looks stunning but enhances the flavors, making your meal utterly irresistible!

creamy butter chicken pasta is a great way to use leftovers, and it’s just as delicious! For more on the health benefits of spices, check out this Healthline article on spices.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: 5 Simple Steps to Delight

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 6-8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A rich and creamy slow cooker butter chicken with aromatic spices.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat butter in a pan and sauté the onion until translucent.
2. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
3. Stir in garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper.
4. Add tomato puree and bring to a simmer.
5. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
6. Add chicken thighs and season with salt.
7. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
8. Stir in heavy cream 30 minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

• For a spicier version, increase cayenne pepper.
• Serve with basmati rice or naan for a complete meal.
• Can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 25g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 50g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: slow cooker butter chicken, Indian cuisine, creamy chicken dish