Olivia Carter
If you love Indian cuisine and want to recreate the flavors of traditional butter chicken at home, then this slow cooker recipe is perfect for you! Made with tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
The secret to making the best butter chicken lies in the spices and the slow cooking process. The combination of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala adds depth and complexity to the sauce, while the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. Simply marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices, then let it cook low and slow for several hours. The result is tender, juicy chicken swimming in a velvety sauce that is bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to enjoy a comforting and delicious meal, this slow cooker butter chicken recipe is a must-try. Serve it over basmati rice or with naan bread for a complete Indian-inspired feast that will impress everyone around the table.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Are you in the mood for a delicious and flavorful Indian dish? Look no further than this slow cooker butter chicken recipe. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender chicken pieces, and aromatic spices, it’s the perfect dish to impress your family and friends. Follow this step-by-step guide to make the best slow cooker butter chicken that will leave everyone craving for more!
1. Gather all the necessary ingredients for the recipe. You will need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, yogurt, butter, onion, garlic, ginger, tomato puree, garam masala, turmeric, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and heavy cream. Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking.
2. Marinate the chicken
- Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and add yogurt, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This will help infuse the flavors and tenderize the meat.
3. Cook the aromatic base
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato puree, garam masala, turmeric, ground cumin, and chili powder. Cook for a couple of minutes to allow the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
4. Transfer to slow cooker
- Pour the aromatic base into the slow cooker, making sure to scrape all the flavorful bits from the skillet. This will add depth of flavor to the final dish.
- Add the marinated chicken thighs to the slow cooker and stir well to coat the meat with the sauce.
5. Slow cook to perfection
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream to create a creamy and luscious sauce. Adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt or spices.
6. Serve and enjoy!
Once the slow cooker butter chicken is ready, serve it hot with steamed rice or naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests. Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of this classic Indian dish!
Ingredients You Will Need for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
If you’re planning to make the best ever slow cooker butter chicken, there are a few key ingredients that you’ll need to have on hand. These ingredients will help you create a flavorful and delicious dish that will leave you and your family wanting more.
First and foremost, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs. This cut of chicken is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and juicy as it cooks. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer, but the thighs will give the butter chicken a richer and more flavorful taste.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Onions
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Garam masala
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Turmeric
Next, you’ll need a variety of aromatic spices such as garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, and turmeric. These spices will help give the butter chicken its authentic Indian flavor and aroma. If you don’t have these spices on hand, you can usually find them in the international section of your grocery store.
You’ll also need onions, garlic, and ginger to add depth and flavor to the dish. These ingredients will help create the base of the sauce and give it a rich and robust taste. Make sure to finely chop the onions and mince the garlic and ginger for the best results.
Other ingredients you’ll need include heavy cream, tomato paste, butter, and salt to taste. These ingredients will help create a creamy and flavorful sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. You can adjust the amount of butter and cream to suit your taste preferences.
By having these ingredients ready, you’ll be well-prepared to make the best ever slow cooker butter chicken. Gather everything you need and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that’s full of rich flavors and tender chicken.
How to Prepare and Marinate the Chicken for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Preparing and marinating the chicken is an essential step in making the best ever slow cooker butter chicken. To ensure that the chicken is tender and flavorful, follow these simple steps.
1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces: Start by cutting boneless chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the marinade.
2. Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, garam masala, and other spices. Whisk the marinade well to ensure that all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
3. Coat the chicken in the marinade: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss them well to coat them evenly. Make sure that each piece of chicken is completely covered in the marinade to enhance its flavor.
- Tip: You can also add a pinch of salt to the marinade to enhance the taste of the chicken.
4. Let the chicken marinate: Once the chicken is coated in the marinade, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. Marinating the chicken for a longer period allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
5. Stir occasionally: During the marinating process, it is a good idea to stir the chicken occasionally to ensure that all the pieces are evenly marinated. This will help in distributing the flavors throughout the chicken.
By following these steps to prepare and marinate the chicken for slow cooker butter chicken, you can ensure that your dish turns out tender, flavorful, and absolutely delicious!
Instructions for Cooking Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
To prepare the best ever slow cooker butter chicken, follow these simple instructions:
1. Marinate the chicken:
- In a bowl, mix together yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, and spices.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
2. Sear the chicken:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter or oil.
- Sear the marinated chicken on all sides until browned. This step helps seal in the flavors.
- Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
3. Prepare the sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add onions, ginger, and garlic.
- Cook until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add tomato puree, spices, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Slow cook the butter chicken:
- Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours.
- Stir the chicken occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- The chicken is ready when it is tender and cooked through.
5. Serve and enjoy:
- Garnish the slow cooker butter chicken with fresh cilantro.
- Serve it with steamed rice or naan bread.
- The flavorful and creamy butter chicken is now ready to be enjoyed!
Tips and Variations for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Incorporating your own twists and variations to the classic slow cooker butter chicken recipe can make this dish even more delectable. Here are some tips to help you customize and enhance the flavors:
1. Spice Level:
Adjust the heat level of the butter chicken according to your preference. Add more or less red chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even fresh chili peppers to increase or decrease the spiciness.
2. Creaminess:
To make the butter chicken extra creamy, you can add some heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of the cooking time. This will not only enhance the texture but also give a rich, velvety taste to the dish.
3. Fresh Herbs:
Consider garnishing your slow cooker butter chicken with fresh cilantro or mint leaves before serving. This adds a vibrant touch of flavor and freshness to the dish.
4. Vegetarian Options:
If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, you can substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach to make it a wholesome vegetarian dish.
5. Serving Suggestions:
Traditionally, butter chicken is served with basmati rice or naan bread. However, you can also serve it with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even whole wheat bread for a healthier option.
6. Cooking Time:
While the recipe calls for a cooking time of 6-8 hours on low heat, you can adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker and the tenderness you desire for the chicken. Cooking it for longer will make the chicken more tender and flavorful.
With these tips and variations, you can take your slow cooker butter chicken to a whole new level of deliciousness. Experiment with flavors, try different ingredients, and make this classic Indian dish your own.
10 Best Ever Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
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FAQ
What ingredients do I need for slow cooker butter chicken?
You will need chicken thighs or breasts, butter, onion, garlic, ginger, tomato puree, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, heavy cream, and cilantro.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for slow cooker butter chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to dry out faster, so you may need to adjust the cooking time or use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
Conclusion
In conclusion, slow cooker butter chicken is a versatile and delicious dish that can be easily customized to suit individual taste preferences. By following the tips mentioned in this article, such as marinating the chicken beforehand, adding extra spices and adjusting cooking times, it is possible to create a flavorful and tender butter chicken in the slow cooker. Additionally, the variations provided, such as using coconut milk or adding vegetables, offer exciting options to add a unique twist to the classic recipe. Whether serving the butter chicken with rice, naan bread, or even as a filling for tacos, the slow cooker method ensures convenience and allows for a hands-off approach to cooking this Indian favourite. Enjoy experimenting and creating your own signature slow cooker butter chicken!
