Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Irresistible Indian Comfort Food 🍛🧈✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a flavorful, creamy dinner that requires minimal effort, this slow cooker butter chicken recipe is your new go-to. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this easy dish combines tender chicken in a rich, spiced tomato sauce, all cooked to perfection in your Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker. With its authentic Indian flavors and luxurious texture, it’s a quintessential comfort food that everyone will love.
2. Ingredients List for Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free options
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt (optional for extra creaminess)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Deliciously Creamy Butter Chicken
Preparing the Chicken and Spices
Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garam masala, cumin, paprika, and turmeric. This blend of spices is essential for capturing the authentic Indian flavor profile of butter chicken.
Layering the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Add the seasoned chicken to the slow cooker. Pour in the tomato sauce, then add minced garlic and grated ginger. Dot with small pieces of butter or ghee for added richness.
Cooking to Perfection
Set your Crock-Pot to low and cook for 6 hours, or on high for about 3 hours, until chicken is tender and flavors meld beautifully.
Finishing with Creaminess
Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking. For extra tangy flavor, add a dollop of plain yogurt. Let it cook uncovered for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Storage Tips for Your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore its creamy texture.
5. Serving Suggestions for Indian Comfort Food
Serve your butter chicken over steamed basmati rice or with warm naan bread for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. Want to elevate your dinner? Pair it with a side of our hearty crockpot lasagna soup or a crisp salad.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Butter Chicken
Can I make butter chicken dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk, and use vegan butter or ghee. The flavor remains rich and satisfying.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
The prep takes about 10 minutes. Cooking in the slow cooker typically takes 4-6 hours, making it perfect for a easy dinner when you want minimal hands-on time.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay moist during slow cooking. Adjust cooking time if necessary.
7. How to Make the Best Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Use fresh spices for authentic taste, and stir in the cream gradually to prevent curdling. For an even richer dish, garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
8. Explore Kitchen Tools that Enhance Your Cooking Experience
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Make chopping garlic, ginger, and herbs quick and effortless, ensuring your butter chicken is perfectly seasoned every time.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: This reliable slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it, while the flavors develop beautifully.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Perfect for preparing accompaniments like rice and naan with ease.
9. Conclusion
With its creamy, flavorful profile and easy preparation, this slow cooker butter chicken is the ultimate Indian comfort food for your weekly dinner rotation. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or feeding a family, this dish delivers on taste and simplicity. Give it a try today and bring the warm, rich flavors of India to your table!
Print
Crockpot Butter Chicken
Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is an authentic Indian comfort food featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce with a luscious creaminess. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this easy-to-make dish combines aromatic spices and a velvety texture, making it a favorite for the whole family.
- Total Time: 3-6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free options
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt (optional for extra creaminess)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garam masala, cumin, paprika, and turmeric to develop authentic Indian flavors.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the slow cooker, pour in the tomato sauce, then add minced garlic and grated ginger. Dot with small pieces of butter or ghee for richness.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours until chicken is tender and flavors meld.
- Stir in heavy cream or coconut cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking. For extra tang, add a dollop of plain yogurt. Let it cook uncovered for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality spices for the best flavor.
- For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut or almond milk and vegan butter or ghee.
- Adjust cooking time for chicken thighs if used, as they may cook faster or slower depending on size.
- Serve with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread and garnish with extra cilantro for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 380 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
4 thoughts on “Crockpot Butter Chicken”