This easy slow cooker Indian butter chicken is packed with rich flavors and tender chicken. It cooks low and slow, making it super tasty with minimal effort!
Plus, the warm sauce makes your kitchen smell amazing! I love serving it with rice or naan to soak up all that yummy goodness. You’ll want seconds, trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy during slow cooking. If you prefer chicken breasts, you can use those instead, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out.
Tomato Sauce: Canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes work well. If you’re looking for a fresh twist, you can substitute with pureed fresh tomatoes or even tomato paste (just dilute it with water).
Cream: Heavy cream adds richness. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or full-fat coconut cream for a dairy-free version. You could even try Greek yogurt, but add it in at the end to avoid curdling.
Spices: Garam masala is key, but you can create a mix using equal parts cumin, coriander, and a bit of cinnamon. If you don’t have all the spices, curry powder can also work in a pinch!
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker is a breeze, but there are a few key tips to keep in mind for the best results:
- Ensure the chicken is coated well in the sauce before cooking. This helps it stay moist and flavorful.
- Cook on LOW for a longer time for more tender chicken. If short on time, HIGH works, but check it a bit earlier.
- Adding cream and butter at the end helps keep them rich and smooth without separating. Stir gently!
Using these tips will help you serve up chicken that melts in your mouth every time. Happy cooking!
Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 3 tbsp butter
For the Spices:
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (for color)
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious slow cooker butter chicken will take about 15 minutes to prep, and then you’ll let it cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After that, just a quick stir and it’s ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Sauce:
In your slow cooker, start by adding the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, tomato sauce, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the spices are well mixed into the tomato sauce.
2. Add the Chicken:
Now, take the chunked chicken thighs and add them to the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to ensure the chicken is coated nicely with that flavorful sauce.
3. Cooking:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. You want that chicken to become tender and fully cooked through.
4. Final Touches:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the butter, heavy cream, and yogurt (if you opted for it). Squeeze in the lemon juice and give it a taste. Adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or chili, if needed.
5. Thickening the Sauce:
For the last 30 minutes of cooking, uncover the slow cooker. This helps the flavors blend beautifully and thickens up your sauce slightly.
6. Serve It Up:
Once the chicken is ready and the sauce is thickened, serve it hot! Sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro on top for a lovely touch. Pair your butter chicken with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan to soak up all that wonderful sauce!
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful slow cooker Indian butter chicken!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can! However, keep an eye on the cooking time, as chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. They typically need about 4-5 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and skip the yogurt. The coconut cream provides a deliciously creamy texture without dairy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to help rehydrate the sauce if needed.
Can I Freeze the Butter Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It should last up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy it!
