Description
Rich & Creamy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that packs in comfort and flavors in every bite. This amazing recipe brings the essence of Indian cuisine right to your dining table, offering everyone a chance to indulge in a meal that feels like a warm hug. The tender chicken, swimming in a velvety sauce, resonates with aromatic spices that transform ordinary ingredients into something truly special. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. Imagine coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of butter chicken filling your kitchen, promising a memorable dinner. With its creamy texture and rich taste, this dish is bound to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and finely chopping the onion, garlic, and ginger.
- Layer the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add Aromatics: Sprinkle the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger evenly over the chicken.
- Mix Tomato Sauce: Pour the two cans of tomato sauce over the chicken and aromatics.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in the garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Add Butter: Dot the mixture with cubes of unsalted butter for richness.
- Set Your Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Incorporate Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to heat through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as necessary.
- Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- Use Fresh Spices: For optimal flavor, use freshly ground spices. They add a vibrant taste that enhances the dish.
- Marinate the Chicken: For even richer flavor, marinate the chicken with yogurt and spices overnight before cooking.
- Experiment with Cream: Swap out heavy cream for coconut cream for a lighter, dairy-free version.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t shy away from adding extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving for an added freshness.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Cooking times can vary by slow cooker. Check the chicken for tenderness around the suggested cooking times.
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Increase the cooking time slightly, as they will need more time to fully cook.
- How can I make it spicier? In addition to red pepper flakes, you can add cayenne pepper or use a spicier curry powder to increase the heat level.
- Is this butter chicken healthy? While it is a rich dish, you can make it healthier by using less butter and cream or substituting with yogurt.
- Can I scale the recipe down? Absolutely! You can halve the ingredients and still achieve a delicious result. Adjust cooking times as needed.
- What should I do with leftovers? Use leftover butter chicken in wraps, over salads, or mixed with pasta for a unique fusion meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Fat: 45g