CREAMY SLOW COOKER BUTTER CHICKEN

I’ll never forget the first time I tasted Indian Butter Chicken. It was at a tiny restaurant downtown, and the aroma alone transported me to another world. I was determined to recreate that experience at home, but with my busy schedule, the thought of standing over a hot stove for hours was daunting. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken! So Creamy you’ll ever make, and it’s unbelievably easy!

The Creamiest, Dreamiest Slow Cooker Butter Chicken You’ll Ever Make

Okay, friends, let’s talk Butter Chicken. Not just any Butter Chicken, but the kind that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite. The kind that has everyone asking for seconds, and then asking for the recipe. This isn’t just good; it’s life-changingly good. And the best part? We’re making it in a slow cooker! Yes, you heard that right. This is a “dump and forget” recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to fall in love!

Why Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a Game Changer

There are so many reasons why I adore this recipe. First and foremost, the slow cooker does all the work. No constant stirring, no babysitting the stove. You just toss everything in, set it, and forget it. The low and slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and infused with flavor. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to prepare a delicious meal without heating up your entire kitchen. During the summer months, that’s a major win!

Another huge advantage is the depth of flavor that develops over time. The spices meld together beautifully, creating a complex and aromatic sauce that you just can’t achieve with quick stovetop methods. And let’s not forget the convenience! This is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! Don’t be intimidated by the list; most of these are pantry staples, and the rest are easily found at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

• Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces). Trust me, Chicken Thighs are the key to ultimate tenderness and flavor. You can use breasts, but thighs stay moister in the slow cooker.
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
• Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced.
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon ginger, grated. Fresh ginger is best, but you can use ginger paste in a pinch.
• Tomato Paste: 6 ounces tomato paste. This adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup heavy cream. This is what makes the sauce so incredibly creamy.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces.
• Spices:
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or more, to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, chopped; cooked rice or naan bread for serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Butter Chicken Dream a Reality

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying the most delicious Butter Chicken of your life in no time.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. This helps them cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Add the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the slow cooker. These ingredients form the aromatic base of our Butter Chicken, creating a warm and inviting fragrance as they cook.
3. Stir in the Tomato Paste and Diced Tomatoes: Add the tomato paste and diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine. The tomato paste will add a concentrated tomato flavor and help thicken the sauce.
4. Add the Spices: Sprinkle the garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder (if using), cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the spices. The aroma at this point should be intoxicating!
5. Add the Butter: Place the butter pieces on top of the chicken and sauce mixture. The butter will melt slowly during the cooking process, adding richness and flavor to the final dish.
6. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable. The longer it cooks on low, the more tender and flavorful it will be.
7. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. This allows the shredded chicken to soak up even more of the flavorful sauce.
8. Stir in the Heavy Cream: Stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. The heavy cream adds the final touch of richness and indulgence to our Butter Chicken. The color will become a beautiful, vibrant orange.
9. Taste and Adjust: Taste the Butter Chicken and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or garam masala to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of brightness.
10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot over cooked rice or with warm naan bread. Prepare for rave reviews!

Success Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Want to guarantee Butter Chicken perfection? Of course, you do! Here are my top tips for achieving the creamiest, most flavorful results every single time.

• Don’t Skip the Thighs: Chicken thighs are the key to juicy, tender Butter Chicken. They have a higher fat content than chicken breasts, which helps them stay moist and flavorful during the long cooking process.
• Bloom the Spices (Optional): For an even deeper flavor, try blooming the spices before adding them to the slow cooker. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the spices and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. This releases the essential oils in the spices and intensifies their flavor.
• Don’t Overcook: While slow cooking is forgiving, overcooking can still result in dry chicken. Check the chicken for doneness after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high. It should be easily shreddable with a fork.
• Adjust the Heat: Butter Chicken is traditionally mild, but you can easily adjust the heat level to your liking. Add more chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicier dish.
• Make it Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply plug it in and let it cook. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

Variations and Adaptations

Want to put your own spin on this classic dish? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Vegetarian Butter Chicken: Substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese), tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Coconut Milk Butter Chicken: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free and vegan option. This will also add a subtle coconut flavor to the dish.
• Instant Pot Butter Chicken: If you’re short on time, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot. Simply follow the same steps, but cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in some chopped bell peppers, peas, or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrients and flavor.
• Consider making a big batch of Shredded Chicken Crockpot BBQ for another easy meal prep option.

Serving Suggestions

Butter Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Rice: Basmati rice is the classic choice, but you can also use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
• Naan Bread: Warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up the delicious sauce.
• Raita: A cooling yogurt-based condiment like raita helps balance the richness of the Butter Chicken.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy dish.
• For another delicious flavor combination, try serving this with a side of our Peanut Chicken Dish!

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or simmer on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to thin the sauce if it has thickened too much.

Butter Chicken also freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

While you’re at it, why not try our Crockpot BBQ Chicken Recipe for another easy slow cooker meal? You might also enjoy our Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. For a truly decadent experience, check out the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Recipe: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Here’s the complete recipe, all in one place for your convenience!

Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Ingredients:

* 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
* 6 ounces tomato paste
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
* 2 teaspoons garam masala
* 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin powder
* 1 teaspoon coriander powder
* 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or more, to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
* Cooked rice or naan bread (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the slow cooker.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes.
4. Sprinkle the garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder (if using), cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine.
5. Place the butter pieces on top of the chicken and sauce mixture.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
7. Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker.
8. Stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
9. Taste the Butter Chicken and adjust the seasoning as needed.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot over cooked rice or with warm naan bread.

Conclusion

And there you have it! The most amazing Best Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken! So Creamy that you’ll want to make it again and again. I promise, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. So go ahead, give it a try. I know you’re going to love it!

Lady Maria

Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

This slow cooker butter chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic Indian spices, resulting in a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or more, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
• Cooked rice or naan bread for serving

Equipment

• slow cooker
• Chopping board
• knife
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• grater
• mixing spoon
• Two forks (for shredding)
• Serving bowls
• Rice cooker or saucepan (if serving with rice)
• Skillet (optional, for blooming spices)

Method

 

1. Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and place them in the slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the slow cooker.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes (with their juice) until well combined.
4. Sprinkle the garam masala, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder (if using), cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the spices.
5. Place the butter pieces on top of the chicken and sauce mixture.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable.
7. Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker.
8. Stir in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy, achieving a vibrant orange color.
9. Taste the Butter Chicken and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or garam masala to taste. A squeeze of lemon juice can add brightness.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot over cooked rice or with warm naan bread.

Notes

For optimal tenderness and flavor, use chicken thighs rather than breasts. To deepen the spice flavor, bloom the spices in a tablespoon of oil over medium heat for 30 seconds before adding them to the slow cooker. Adjust the chili powder and cayenne pepper to control the spiciness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to thin the sauce.