Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Butter chicken is a dish known for its rich and creamy flavors. Many people love it because it is filled with spices and savory ingredients. The beauty of making butter chicken in a slow cooker is that you can set it and forget it! This dish not only warms your heart but also fills your home with delightful aromas. Whether you are looking for a comforting meal after a long day or you want to impress your guests, slow cooker butter chicken is an excellent choice.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make slow cooker butter chicken. Firstly, it is incredibly easy to prepare. You can quickly chop your ingredients and throw everything in the slow cooker. There is no need for complicated cooking techniques or constant attention.
Another great reason to make this dish is that it is very delicious. The blend of spices like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin creates a mouthwatering flavor that will satisfy your taste buds. The creamy coconut milk and tomato sauce provide a rich base that makes every bite delightful.
Additionally, slow cooker butter chicken is versatile. You can serve it with rice, naan, or even salad. It is also an excellent dish for meal prep. You can cook a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
If you are looking for a healthy meal option, this recipe offers that too. Chicken thighs are a great source of protein, and when paired with fresh ingredients, it becomes a wholesome dish.
Lastly, this recipe is perfect for busy families. You can prepare everything in the morning and return home to a steaming hot meal. It is a fantastic way to simplify your dinner routine and make mealtime enjoyable.
How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Making slow cooker butter chicken is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious meal for your family.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions:
Prepare the Vegetables: Start by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and ginger. Place them in the slow cooker. This mix adds a wonderful base flavor to your dish.
Add the Chicken: Take the boneless chicken thighs and place them on top of the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger in the slow cooker. Make sure they are spread out evenly.
Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coconut milk, and tomato sauce. Stir well until everything is mixed. This blending of ingredients creates a rich sauce that will coat the chicken beautifully.
Pour the Sauce: Carefully pour the sauce mixture over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Make sure all the chicken pieces are covered well with the sauce.
Season it Right: Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember to season to your preference, as this will enhance the flavors in your dish.
Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking it low and slow allows the flavors to develop fully and makes the chicken super tender.
Shred the Chicken: When the cooking time is done, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to eat and helps soak up the sauce.
Combine Everything: Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce in the slow cooker. Make sure it is well combined for even flavor.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish your dish with fresh cilantro. It adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Serve it Up: Enjoy your butter chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or with some warm naan.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Serving slow cooker butter chicken is a treat! Here’s how to present this delicious meal:
Over Rice: Serve the warm butter chicken over a bed of white or brown rice. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce and complement the meal perfectly. You can prepare basmati or jasmine rice for an aromatic touch.
With Naan: For a complete Indian meal experience, serve the chicken with warm naan. Use the naan to scoop up the chicken and sauce; it’s both fun and flavorful.
Side Dishes: Pair with some simple side dishes like a cucumber salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the butter chicken. Yogurt or raita can also cool down the spices if it’s too spicy for some.
Garnishes: Fresh cilantro is a fantastic garnish to brighten the dish. You can also sprinkle some toasted almonds or cashews on top for added texture and flavor.
How to Store Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
If you have leftovers of slow cooker butter chicken, you can store them easily. Here’s how:
Cool Completely: Allow the butter chicken to cool down at room temperature before storing it in the fridge or freezer.
Refrigerator: Place the chicken in an airtight container. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it to keep it fresh and prevent any odors from mixing.
Freezer: If you want to save the butter chicken for a longer time, you can freeze it. Store it in a freezer-safe container or freeze in individual portions for easy meals. It can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: When you are ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
To get the best results when making slow cooker butter chicken, consider these tips:
Chicken Type: While boneless chicken thighs are recommended for their flavor and moisture, you can also use chicken breasts. Just note that breasts can dry out more easily.
Spice Level: If you love spicy food, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for extra heat.
Thicker Sauce: If you like your sauce thicker, you can simmer it on the stovetop for a few minutes after cooking to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Vegetability: You can include vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach in the slow cooker for added nutrients. Toss them in during the last hour of cooking for the right tenderness.
Variations
Feel free to explore variations of slow cooker butter chicken:
Vegetarian Version: Instead of chicken, you can use chickpeas or tofu to create a vegetarian butter chicken. Simply substitute the chicken with 2 cans of drained chickpeas or cubed firm tofu.
Different Proteins: You can try this recipe with ground turkey or pork for different flavor profiles. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Coconut Milk Alternatives: If you are not a fan of coconut milk, you can use heavy cream or yogurt instead. Keep in mind that this may change the flavor and texture slightly.
FAQs
Is butter chicken spicy?
Butter chicken can vary in spiciness. The recipe uses warm spices but doesn’t have to be hot. You can adjust the heat level by adding or reducing spices like cayenne pepper or leaving out the added chilies.
Can I cook it on high in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook butter chicken on high for 3-4 hours instead of low for 6-8 hours. Just make sure to check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just take it out in the morning and let it cook in the slow cooker throughout the day for a delicious meal ready when you come home.
This detailed guide will help you create mouthwatering slow cooker butter chicken your family will love. Enjoy making this easy and delightful dish!
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Chop the onion, and mince the garlic and ginger. Place them in the slow cooker.
- Add the boneless chicken thighs on top of the chopped vegetables in the slow cooker, making sure they are spread out evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coconut milk, and tomato sauce until well combined.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are all covered.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- When the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce in the slow cooker until well combined.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
- Serve over a bed of rice or with warm naan.