Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to dish: slow cooker butter chicken! Seriously, it’s one of the easiest and most delicious meals you can whip up, perfect for anyone just starting their cooking journey. I remember the first time I made it; the house filled with the most incredible aroma, and I couldn’t believe how simple it was! You just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. Trust me, you’ll impress your friends and family with this rich, creamy dish that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s comforting and satisfying, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. Let’s dive into how you can make this dish effortlessly!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this slow cooker butter chicken a hit! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs: I love using thighs because they stay tender and juicy during cooking. You can use chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs have that extra flavor!
- 1 cup plain yogurt: This acts as the marinade base, adding creaminess and tang. Make sure it’s plain, as flavored yogurts will change the dish.
- 1 onion, chopped: Just a regular yellow onion will do! It adds a lovely sweetness as it cooks down.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic kick! Don’t skimp on this step.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated: Fresh ginger gives the dish a warm, zesty note. You can use ground ginger in a pinch, but fresh is best!
- 1 tablespoon garam masala: This is a spice blend that’s essential for that authentic butter chicken flavor. If you can, get it fresh from the store for the best taste!
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the garam masala beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon turmeric: This gives the dish its signature golden color and a hint of warmth.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adjust this to your spice preference! I usually go for mild, but if you like it spicy, add more!
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes: This adds a rich, tangy base to the sauce. You can also use diced tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For that silky, creamy finish! This is what makes the dish so indulgent.
- Salt to taste: Don’t forget to season! Taste as you go to get it just right.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish: This is optional, but a sprinkle of fresh cilantro really brightens up the dish before serving.
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! This process is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Just follow these simple steps!
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
First, grab a large bowl and mix together the plain yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder. This is where the magic starts! Coat the chicken thighs in this flavorful marinade, making sure each piece is well-covered. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes; if you have a little extra time, you can even let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. The longer, the better for those flavors to develop!
Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Once your chicken is marinated, it’s time to assemble everything in the slow cooker. Start by placing the chopped onion at the bottom. This will cook down beautifully and add sweetness to the dish. Next, layer the marinated chicken right on top of the onions. Finally, pour the crushed tomatoes over everything, making sure the chicken is submerged in that rich tomato goodness. This layering is crucial for even cooking!
Step 3: Cooking Time
Now, it’s time to set your slow cooker! If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for about 3 hours. But if you can, cooking it on low for 6 hours will yield even more tender chicken and deeper flavors. Just set it and forget it while you go about your day!
Step 4: Finishing Touches
When the cooking time is up, give everything a good stir. Now, here’s the best part: stir in that luscious heavy cream and season with salt to taste. This step transforms your butter chicken from good to absolutely indulgent! Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like, and get ready to serve this delightful dish over rice or with warm naan. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
To truly elevate your slow cooker butter chicken, here are some handy tips I’ve learned along the way! First off, don’t hesitate to adjust the spice level. If you like a milder dish, stick to the lower end of the chili powder, or even omit it altogether. On the flip side, if you’re a spice lover, feel free to add extra chili or even some cayenne pepper for a kick!
Also, consider switching up your chicken cuts. While thighs are juicy and flavorful, chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as breasts can dry out if overcooked. And don’t forget, serving this dish with fluffy rice or warm naan makes all the difference—it’s the perfect way to soak up that delicious sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to keep these tips in mind for a truly delightful meal!
Nutritional Information
This slow cooker butter chicken is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. If you’re looking to make it a bit lighter, you can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter version or even coconut milk for a different twist!
FAQ About Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While I love using chicken thighs for their juicy, tender texture, chicken breasts can work just as well. Just keep in mind that breasts tend to cook faster, so you might want to check them around the 2.5-hour mark on high or 5 hours on low. If you overcook them, they could dry out, so be cautious!
How do I adjust the spice level?
Adjusting the spice level is super easy! If you prefer a milder dish, start with just half a teaspoon of chili powder and then taste it before serving. You can always add more if you’re feeling adventurous! For those who love a good kick, feel free to double the chili powder or even toss in some cayenne pepper for an extra punch!
What can I serve with slow cooker butter chicken?
This slow cooker butter chicken is best enjoyed with fluffy rice or warm naan. Both options soak up that delicious sauce beautifully! You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Trust me, you’ll want to have something to mop up every last bit of that creamy goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With minimal prep work and just a few steps, you can have a delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Great Flavor: The combination of spices, tender chicken, and creamy sauce creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress your taste buds.
- Beginner-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for those new to cooking! The slow cooker does all the hard work, making it almost foolproof.
- Gluten-Free: With simple, wholesome ingredients, this butter chicken is a great option for those following a gluten-free diet.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is pretty common because this butter chicken is so good!), storing it properly is key to keeping that delicious flavor intact. First, let the butter chicken cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This will help prevent any moisture buildup. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is super simple! You can pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes, but I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Just place it in a saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until it’s heated through. If it looks a bit thick, you can add a splash of water or extra cream to loosen it up. Just be careful not to overheat it, or the chicken might dry out!
If you want to keep it for longer, this butter chicken freezes beautifully! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat as mentioned above. You’ll be amazed at how well the flavors hold up!
Print
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: 5 Easy Steps to Deliciousness!
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious slow cooker butter chicken recipe that is perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder.
- Add chicken thighs to the mixture and coat well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Place the chopped onion in the slow cooker.
- Add the marinated chicken on top of the onion.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Once cooked, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder.
- Serve with rice or naan for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: slow cooker butter chicken, butter chicken recipe, easy butter chicken
