This Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken is creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor. With tender chicken simmered in a spiced tomato sauce, it’s a hearty dish perfect for any day of the week!
I love how simple it is to make! Just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. Serve it with rice or naan, and you’re in for a treat! 🍚✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor. If you have chicken breasts, they work too, but may be less tender. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free version, coconut cream adds richness. If that’s not your thing, you can use Greek yogurt added at the end for a creamy texture.
Garam Masala: This is the heart of Indian butter chicken. If you don’t have it, a mix of ground cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and cardamom can be a substitution, though the flavor won’t be the same.
Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes are convenient. You can substitute with diced tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, or even tomato puree if it’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Make the Sauce Thicker?
If you find your butter chicken sauce too thin, there are a couple of helpful techniques. First, cooking it uncovered for the last 30 minutes allows moisture to evaporate, thickening the sauce. Stir in a little cornstarch mixed with water if you want it thicker!
- Set your slow cooker to high for this process, and keep an eye on it.
- Another option is to shred the chicken a bit before the last 30 minutes, as this helps absorb some of the sauce.
Both methods can help you hit that perfect creamy consistency for your dish. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 1 (14 oz/400 g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For Serving:
- Cooked basmati rice or naan bread
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 6-7 hours of slow cooking on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just set it to cook, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Start by chopping the chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks. Then, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Grate the ginger and set all your ingredients aside to make things easier as you cook.
2. Adding to the Slow Cooker:
In your slow cooker, place the chicken chunks, chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This will be the base of your flavorful butter chicken.
3. Mixing in the Sauce Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add all the spices and flavors! Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. This is where the magic begins!
4. Slow Cooking:
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is super tender and the house smells heavenly!
5. Finishing Touches:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the unsalted butter and heavy cream (or coconut cream). Give it a good mix and taste it—feel free to adjust the seasoning if you want it saltier or spicier.
6. Thickening the Sauce:
Cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken just right for dipping your naan or pouring over rice.
7. Serving it Up:
Once it’s ready, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor. Serve your Indian Butter Chicken hot with a side of steaming basmati rice or warm naan bread. Enjoy every bite!
And there you have it—a delicious meal made effortlessly in your slow cooker! Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can! Chicken breasts will work, but they may be slightly less tender. If you choose chicken breasts, consider reducing the cooking time a bit to prevent them from drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the butter or use a dairy-free alternative. This will still give you a rich and creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens upon refrigeration, feel free to add a splash of water or cream while reheating.
Can I Freeze This Butter Chicken?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
These tips should help you make the most of your delicious Easy Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken! Enjoy!
