This Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is creamy and full of flavor! Tender chunks of chicken simmer in a rich, spiced sauce that’s simply irresistible.
Who doesn’t love a meal that cooks itself? Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and a few hours later, you can enjoy this delicious dish with rice or naan. Yum!
I adore this recipe because it’s so easy to prepare! It makes weeknight dinners a breeze, and you can even impress your guests with it. Everyone will be asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but boneless breasts work too. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, chickpeas or paneer can be great substitutes!
Tomato Sauce: A can of tomato sauce gives a smooth base, but feel free to use crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture or even diced tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes this dish rich, but you can substitute with coconut milk for dairy-free alternatives. Greek yogurt also works, but add it at the end to avoid curdling.
Spices: Garam masala is key to that authentic flavor! If you can’t find it, try a mix of cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cinnamon. Adjust the chili powder to suit your spice tolerance!
How Do I Get the Chicken to Be Super Tender?
The secret to super tender chicken is all about the slow cooking! Choose the low setting for a longer cook time, ideally between 6-8 hours. This allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors well and become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Prep your chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Mix the spices with the chicken and sauce well before cooking. This ensures that every piece is flavored.
Lastly, don’t rush the end mix in of the cream or coconut milk! Adding it in the last 30 minutes gives it enough time to blend well without separating. Enjoy your delicious butter chicken!
Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 (14 oz/400g) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
For the Spices:
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Finishing:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice or naan bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires about 15-20 minutes of prep time and then cooks in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high). It’s super easy, just set it and forget it! In total, you’ll be enjoying your meal after about 6-8 hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by adding the chopped onion, minced garlic, and ginger into the slow cooker. This aromatic base will give your butter chicken a lovely flavor right from the start!
2. Add the Chicken:
Place the bite-sized chicken pieces directly on top of the onion mixture. Make sure to spread them out evenly for even cooking.
3. Season the Chicken:
Now it’s time to add the spices! Sprinkle the garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken, creating a flavorful spice layer.
4. Pour in the Tomatoes:
Next, pour the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes over everything, making sure to cover the chicken well. This will be the sauce base for your butter chicken.
5. Add the Butter:
Dot the top of the mixture with the butter. This will melt down and add richness to the dish as it cooks.
6. Mix it Together:
Gently stir the mixture to combine everything, ensuring that the chicken is well-coated with the spices and tomato sauce.
7. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through by the end of this time.
8. Cream it Up:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and the lemon juice. This will make the sauce creamy and delicious. Mix well and let it warm through.
9. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a little more salt or chili powder for an extra kick!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the butter chicken hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. Enjoy it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete meal!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure it’s fully thawed before adding it to the slow cooker, as this ensures even cooking. Ideally, thaw it overnight in the fridge or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients and store them in the fridge in advance. Just combine everything in the slow cooker and cook it when you’re ready. Alternatively, you can prepare the dish, let it cool, and then refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much upon reheating.
What Should I Pair with This Dish?
I recommend serving this butter chicken with basmati rice or naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of cucumber salad or roasted vegetables can add a fresh touch as well!
