Okay, listen up! If you’re looking for that ridiculously creamy, flavor-packed Indian comfort food without, you know, standing over a hot stove forever, then this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe is about to become your new best friend. Seriously. I stumbled upon the idea of making butter chicken in the slow cooker one crazy weeknight when I just didn’t have the energy for all the sautéing and simmering, and let me tell you, it was a game changer!
This isn’t some watered-down version, either. We’re talking tender chicken swimming in a rich, decadent tomato-based sauce that’s got just the right kick of spice and that signature buttery goodness. My family absolutely DEVOURS this, and the best part? My slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. You basically dump everything in, walk away, and come back hours later to kitchen smells that’ll make your neighbors jealous. Trust me, this is the easiest way to get authentic-tasting butter chicken on the table, even on your busiest days.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Okay, so why THIS butter chicken? Why bother with the slow cooker when there are a million stovetop recipes out there? Let me tell you, it’s all about making your life easier without sacrificing one bit of that amazing flavor. Here’s the lowdown on why you’re going to fall head over heels for this method:
- It’s RIDICULOUSLY Easy: Seriously, we’re talking minimal prep. Chop a few things, toss everything in, and let the magic happen.
- Flavor Explosion: Cooking low and slow lets all those beautiful spices meld together perfectly. The flavor is deep, rich, and so comforting.
- Buttery, Tender Chicken: The slow cooker is a champion at keeping chicken moist and tender. No dry bits here, just melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Hello, Busy Weeknights!: This recipe is practically made for those crazy days. Prep it in the morning, and dinner is ready when you walk in the door.
- Less Mess: One pot! That’s it. Easy cleanup is a major win in my book.
Basically, this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken delivers all the deliciousness with none of the fuss. It’s a weeknight hero, I promise!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Right, let’s talk ingredients! This isn’t rocket science, but using good quality stuff makes a difference. Here’s what you’ll need to get that incredible Slow Cooker Butter Chicken going. Don’t skimp on the spices, they’re the heart of it!
- Chicken: You want 1.5 kg of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into decent bite-sized pieces, not too small or they’ll disappear! Trust me, thighs stay way more tender in the slow cooker than breasts.
- Aromatics: Grab 1 large onion, chopped up. Also, 3 cloves of garlic, minced fine, and about a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated.
- Tomato Base: You’ll need 1 standard 400g can of crushed tomatoes.
- Creaminess: This is key! Get 1 cup of plain yogurt (full-fat is best for richness!) and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. And of course, 2 tablespoons of good old butter.
- The Spice Blend: This is where the magic happens! Make sure you have 2 tbsp garam masala, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder.
- Heat (Optional but recommended!): Just 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper. Add more if you like it fiery!
- Seasoning: Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste.
- For Garnish: A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped. It adds a lovely burst of freshness at the end.
See? Nothing too fancy, just simple ingredients that come together in the most delicious way in that slow cooker!
Equipment Needed for Your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Okay, you’ve got the ingredients ready to go! Now, let’s quickly chat about the tools you’ll need. Nothing fancy here, just the basics to get this delicious Slow Cooker Butter Chicken happening.
- Your trusty Slow Cooker: This is the MVP, obviously! Any size from 4-6 quarts will work great for this amount.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Gotta get those spices and liquids just right!
- A Good Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping up that onion and dicing the chicken.
See? Super simple. You probably have all this stuff already! Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Alright, the moment we’ve been waiting for! Making this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is ridiculously easy, but let’s break it down step-by-step to make sure you get that perfect, creamy goodness every single time. Trust me, you really can’t mess this up!
Getting Started with Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
First things first, grab your slow cooker insert. No need to brown the chicken first – that’s the beauty of this recipe! Just toss those bite-sized chicken thighs right into the bottom. Next, pile in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Don’t worry about mixing just yet. Now, pour in that can of crushed tomatoes, the plain yogurt, and the heavy cream. Plop the two tablespoons of butter right on top. Easy peasy!
Cooking Your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Now for the flavor bomb! Sprinkle your garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and that little bit of cayenne pepper (if you’re using it!) over everything in the pot. Give it a good stir to get all those lovely ingredients combined and coat the chicken. Season generously with salt and pepper – remember, you can always add more later, but you can’t take it away! Pop the lid on your slow cooker. You’ve got two options here: cook it on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, which is great if you’re heading out for the day, or cook it on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours if you’re in a bit more of a hurry. The key is to cook it until the chicken is super tender and practically falling apart.
Finishing and Serving Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Once the cooking time is up and your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly, give the butter chicken a really good stir. The sauce might look a little separated, but stirring will bring it all together into that beautiful, creamy consistency. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Ladle this deliciousness over some fluffy rice or with warm naan bread for dipping. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro right before serving for a pop of color and freshness. And that’s it! You’ve made incredible Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with hardly any effort. Enjoy every single bite!
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Okay, so making this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is pretty straightforward, but a few little tricks can take it from great to absolutely AMAZING. These are my go-to tips for getting that perfect result every time:
- Stick with Thighs: I know I mentioned it before, but seriously, chicken thighs are your friend here! They have more fat and stay so much juicier and tender than chicken breasts when cooked low and slow for hours.
- Don’t Peek!: I know it’s tempting because it smells so good, but try not to lift the lid too much while it’s cooking. Every time you open it, you lose heat and add a significant amount of cooking time.
- Spice it Up (or Down): The cayenne pepper is totally optional! If you love heat, feel free to add a little more. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can leave it out or just use a tiny pinch. Taste and adjust to your liking!
- Give it a Good Stir Before Serving: The sauce can sometimes look a little separated after cooking, but don’t worry! Just give it a vigorous stir right before you serve, and it will come together into that lovely, creamy consistency.
- Let it Rest (if you can!): If you’re not in a mad rush, letting it sit for about 10-15 minutes after cooking with the lid off can help the flavors deepen even more.
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have the most tender, flavorful Slow Cooker Butter Chicken imaginable!
Variations for Your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
While this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken recipe is pretty perfect as is (if I do say so myself!), there’s always room to play around and make it your own! Here are a few ideas if you’re feeling adventurous:
- Veggie Boost: Want to sneak in some extra goodness? You could add some chopped bell peppers, peas, or even some cubed sweet potato right in with the chicken at the beginning. They’ll soften up nicely in the sauce.
- Different Protein: If you absolutely HAVE to use chicken breast, I’d recommend cutting the cooking time down a bit and checking for doneness sooner to avoid it drying out. You could also try this with chunks of paneer cheese added towards the end!
- Spice Level Swap: If cayenne isn’t your thing, try a pinch of red pepper flakes instead for a different kind of heat. Or, for a smoky flavor, a little smoked paprika works beautifully.
- Nutty Richness: For an even richer sauce, you could stir in a tablespoon or two of almond butter or cashew butter towards the end of cooking. Just be mindful of allergies!
Have fun experimenting! That’s the beauty of home cooking, right?
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Got burning questions about making this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken? Don’t worry, you’re probably not the only one! Here are a few things people often ask:
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
You *can*, but I really, really recommend sticking with chicken thighs for this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. They just stay so much more tender and juicy during the long cook time. Chicken breasts tend to dry out easily in the slow cooker. If you do use them, maybe check on them a bit earlier.
How do I make this butter chicken spicier?
Easy peasy! Just increase the amount of cayenne pepper you add at the beginning. Start with an extra 1/4 teaspoon, taste it when it’s done, and add a pinch more if you dare! You could also stir in some finely chopped green chilies with the onion and garlic.
Can I freeze leftover Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
Absolutely! This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then spoon it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep in the freezer for a few months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
My sauce looks a little thin, what can I do?
Sometimes slow cooker sauces can be a bit on the thin side because there’s no evaporation. Give it a really good stir first, that often helps! If it’s still too thin for your liking, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, stir it into the hot sauce, and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes on high until it thickens up.
Serving Your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Okay, your incredible Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is ready! Now, how to enjoy it? My absolute favorite way is piled high over fluffy basmati rice – the rice just soaks up all that amazing sauce. And you HAVE to have some warm, pillowy naan bread for dipping! Seriously, scooping up that creamy sauce with a piece of naan is pure bliss. A simple side salad or some steamed greens makes for a nice fresh contrast too. Don’t forget that sprinkle of fresh cilantro right before you dig in!
Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Okay, a quick note about numbers. I’ve included some nutritional info based on the ingredients I use, but please remember that this is just an estimate! Things like the brand of your yogurt, how much salt you add, or the exact size of your chicken pieces can totally change these values. It’s a good ballpark figure, but definitely not a precise calculation. Just enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Butter Chicken!
Share Your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Experience
So, did you make this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken? I really hope you did! I’d absolutely love to hear how it turned out for you. Drop a comment below and let me know what you thought, or even better, give the recipe a rating! And if you snap a pic, share it on social media – just tag me so I can see your delicious creation!
Print
Ridiculously Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Tender chicken in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, made easy in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 (400g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, crushed tomatoes, yogurt, heavy cream, and butter to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Stir well before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot with rice or naan bread.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more cayenne pepper.
- You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but they may dry out if overcooked.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish freezes well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: slow cooker, butter chicken, chicken curry, Indian food, easy recipe