Irresistible Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Delight 🍛🇮🇳✨
1. Introduction
Discover the magic of Indian Butter Chicken with this easy and flavorful recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a rich and creamy Indian style chicken dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this slow cooker chicken curry delivers tender, juicy pieces of chicken coated in a luscious, spiced tomato sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, this creamy butter chicken dish will become your go-to comfort meal. Plus, the slow cooker ensures minimal effort and maximum flavor!
2. Ingredients Needed for the Creamy Butter Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free option
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for color)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Preparing the Chicken and Spice Mix
Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and half of the garam masala. Set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
In a skillet, melt butter or ghee over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. This step enhances the flavor of your creamy butter chicken.
Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the sautéed aromatics into the slow cooker. Add the seasoned chicken, tomato sauce, remaining spices, and a splash of water or broth if needed. Stir well to combine.
Cook the Dish
Set your slow cooker to low and cook for about 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and flavorful. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes perfectly tender and infused with spices.
Add the Cream and Final Touches
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream or coconut cream for that luxurious, creamy texture. Adjust salt and spices as needed. Let it heat through.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Butter Chicken
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions and reheat gently on the stove or microwave for a quick, delicious meal later.
5. Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Indian Butter Chicken is best enjoyed with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for added freshness. Check out our creamy chicken recipes for more comforting meals.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Indian Butter Chicken
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version that still maintains the rich flavor.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy during slow cooking. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook to prevent dryness.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The active prep time is about 15 minutes, with a slow cooker cook time of 6 hours for optimal tenderness and flavor infusion.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — Perfect for quick side dishes or reheats, making your Indian butter chicken dinner even easier.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker — This reliable slow cooker makes preparing this fragrant dish straightforward, ensuring your chicken is tender and soaked in flavors.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — Ideal for sautéing aromatics or preparing accompaniments like rice or naan.
8. Related Recipes You Might Love
9. Conclusion
This slow cooker Indian Butter Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy authentic Indian flavors with minimal effort. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic spices come together perfectly to create a comforting yet exciting meal. Whether for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and indulge in a bowl of this irresistible Indian style chicken delight!
Print
Irresistible Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken Delight
A hearty and creamy Indian Butter Chicken cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker, perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, heavy cream, melted butter, onion, garlic, and spices.
- Pour sauce over chicken and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, stir well and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs yield more flavor.
- Serve with basmati rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg