Olivia Carter
Butter chicken is a delicious and popular Indian dish that is loved by many. Traditionally, it is cooked by marinating chicken in a mixture of spices and yogurt, and then simmering it in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. While this classic method can take some time and effort, using a slow cooker can make the process much easier and yield equally amazing results.
Using a slow cooker to cook butter chicken is not only convenient, but it also allows the flavors to develop and marry together over a long period of time. The slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken and allows it to soak up all the delicious spices and flavors of the sauce. Plus, the low and slow cooking method ensures that the chicken stays moist and juicy.
To make butter chicken in a slow cooker, start by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and lemon juice. This helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. Once the chicken has marinated for a few hours, transfer it to the slow cooker along with a fragrant tomato-based sauce.
The sauce is made by sautéing onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices until fragrant. Once the spices are toasted, add in some tomato puree, cream, and butter to create a rich and creamy base for the chicken. Pour this sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and cook on low for several hours until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together.
When the butter chicken is ready, serve it hot over a bed of fluffy rice or with some warm naan bread. The creamy and flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, using a slow cooker to make butter chicken is a fantastic way to enjoy this iconic Indian dish with minimal effort.
Step-by-Step Guide: Cooking Butter Chicken in a Slow Cooker
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular Indian dish that is rich in flavor and aroma. It is made with tender chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. If you want to enjoy this delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen, you can use a slow cooker to make it. Follow these steps to cook butter chicken in a slow cooker.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather all the ingredients you will need:
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 can of tomato puree (14 ounces)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons of garam masala
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons of ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chicken pieces and toss them to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat the butter and vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Transfer the marinated chicken and sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker. Add the tomato puree and mix well. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Add the Cream
Stir in the heavy cream into the slow cooker and mix well. Let it cook for an additional 20-30 minutes to let the flavors blend together.
Step 6: Serve
Once the butter chicken is ready, serve it hot over steamed rice or with naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for added freshness and flavor.
Now you can enjoy a delicious and flavorful butter chicken made effortlessly in a slow cooker. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests. Try making it yourself and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
Gather the Ingredients
Before you can start cooking your butter chicken in a slow cooker, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the chicken marinade:
- 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste
- 2 teaspoons garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the curry:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 4 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Salt to taste
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. Now, let’s move on to the next step.
Prepare the Chicken
Before you can start cooking the butter chicken in a slow cooker, you need to prepare the chicken. Begin by washing the chicken thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities.
Next, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This will help the marinade adhere to the chicken better and prevent the chicken from becoming soggy while cooking.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring that they are all roughly the same size. This will ensure even cooking throughout and provide a consistent texture in the final dish.
Place the chicken pieces into a mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the chicken well to ensure that all the pieces are coated evenly with the seasoning.
In a separate bowl, combine yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and fenugreek. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces, making sure they are all well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This will allow the flavors to develop and the chicken to become tender.
Once the chicken has marinated, it is ready to be cooked in the slow cooker. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions for cooking times and settings to achieve the best results.
Make the Butter Chicken Sauce
To make the rich and flavorful butter chicken sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- Salt to taste
Follow these steps to make the butter chicken sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for an additional minute.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the ground turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder. Stir well to combine the spices with the onions, garlic, and ginger.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
- Add the tomato puree and stir to mix it well with the spices.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Stir in the heavy cream and yogurt until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt to taste.
Your butter chicken sauce is now ready to be added to the slow cooker with the chicken. This rich and aromatic sauce will infuse the chicken with mouthwatering flavors as it cooks slowly. Enjoy!
Cook in the Slow Cooker
Cooking butter chicken in a slow cooker is a convenient and easy way to prepare this delicious Indian dish. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and the chicken to become tender and juicy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook butter chicken in a slow cooker:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, and salt to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the spices.
- Add the tomato puree to the skillet and stir until it is well incorporated with the spice mixture.
- Transfer the onion and spice mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken pieces to the slow cooker and stir it to coat the chicken with the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the butter chicken on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours.
- After the cooking time is over, stir in the yogurt and heavy cream. Mix well to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker again and let the butter chicken cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Once the butter chicken is cooked, garnish it with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
Now you can enjoy the rich and creamy butter chicken right from your slow cooker. Serve it over steamed rice or with warm naan bread for a complete meal.
Questions and answers
What is butter chicken?
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular Indian dish made with chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce.
What are the ingredients needed to cook butter chicken in a slow cooker?
The ingredients needed to cook butter chicken in a slow cooker include chicken, butter, onion, garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, cream, and cilantro.
How long does it take to cook butter chicken in a slow cooker?
Cooking butter chicken in a slow cooker typically takes about 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat.
Can I use boneless chicken for butter chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken for butter chicken in a slow cooker. However, bone-in chicken may add more flavor to the dish.
What can I serve with butter chicken?
Butter chicken can be served with basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. It is also delicious with a side of raita (yogurt sauce) and pickled onions.
