Slow Cooker Butter Chicken (Indian Style)

Welcome to a culinary journey where spices dance and flavors blend beautifully! If you’re searching for a dish that is both comforting and exotic, then look no further than Slow Cooker Butter Chicken (Indian Style). This beloved Indian classic combines tender chicken thighs bathed in a creamy, spiced sauce that is nothing short of heavenly. Perfect for busy weeknights or an impressive dinner party, this recipe requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. The best part? It’s all done in your slow cooker, allowing you to set it and forget it while you go about your day. So, gather your ingredients and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First and foremost, Slow Cooker Butter Chicken (Indian Style) is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress with its rich, creamy texture and aromatic spices. The tender chicken thighs absorb the flavors beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s bursting with taste.

Moreover, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spice levels to suit your palate, making it perfect for those who prefer milder dishes as well as spice enthusiasts. The creamy coconut milk and yogurt sauce is not only delicious but also adds a unique twist to the traditional recipe, catering to various dietary preferences.

In addition to its delightful flavor, this slow cooker butter chicken is a time-saver. With just a few minutes of prep work, you can set your slow cooker and go about your day. When you return, you’ll be greeted by the mouthwatering aroma wafting through your home. Plus, it pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or warm naan, making for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Finally, the nutrition aspect doesn’t take a backseat either. Each serving of this dish is packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a balanced meal option. With just a few ingredients, you can create a wholesome dish that feels indulgent without the guilt.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

There are countless reasons to give Slow Cooker Butter Chicken (Indian Style) a try! For starters, it’s a great opportunity to explore Indian cuisine if you haven’t already. The combination of spices such as garam masala, cumin, and coriander not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and digestive support.

This recipe is also an excellent choice for meal prepping. You can easily make a large batch and store leftovers in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat and enjoy, saving you valuable time on busy days.

Moreover, it’s a fantastic way to introduce your kids to new flavors. The creamy texture and mild spices make it appealing to younger palates, and they might even enjoy helping you prepare this dish! Cooking together can be a fun family activity, fostering a love for diverse cuisines.

Lastly, if you’re someone who enjoys cooking but struggles with time constraints, this recipe is a game-changer. The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze, making it a win-win!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To prepare this delectable Slow Cooker Butter Chicken (Indian Style), you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Cooked rice, for serving

In addition to the ingredients, here are the necessary utensils for recipe success:

• A slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl for combining sauce ingredients
• Spatula for stirring
• Serving spoon for plating

Having these tools ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable. Now that you’re equipped with the right ingredients and utensils, let’s move on to the detailed recipe steps!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Follow these steps carefully to prepare your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken (Indian Style):

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the cut chicken thighs into the slow cooker. This will be the base of your dish, so make sure the pieces are evenly distributed.
2. Add Aromatics: Next, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger on top of the chicken. The aromatics will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
3. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, yogurt, butter, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Stir until well combined. This mixture will create the creamy sauce that envelops the chicken.
4. Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Carefully pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and aromatics in the slow cooker. Use a spatula to stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
5. 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 fully cooked when done. If you have the time, the low setting is recommended for deeper flavors.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the butter chicken over cooked rice, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Practical Tips:

• For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
• Feel free to customize the spices to your liking. If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili powder.
• Make it a complete meal by serving with a side of naan or steamed vegetables.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, Slow Cooker Butter Chicken (Indian Style) is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of India to your kitchen with minimal effort. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite among many. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Don’t forget to share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below, and feel free to share this recipe with others who might enjoy it. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out our collection on Ovia Recipes, or explore similar dishes like Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder and Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole.

Looking for more inspiration? Visit our Pinterest page for a variety of recipes and cooking tips!

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken (Indian Style)

A rich and creamy butter chicken made effortlessly in a slow cooker, perfect for a comforting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken thighs Cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 Large onion Finely chopped
• 4 Garlic cloves Minced
• 1 inch piece Ginger Grated
• 1 can (14 oz) Crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup Coconut milk
• 1/4 cup Plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 tablespoons Garam masala
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder Adjust to taste
• to taste Salt
• Fresh cilantro For garnish
• Cooked rice For serving

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
• Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the slow cooker with the chicken.
• In a separate bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, yogurt, butter, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Stir until well combined.
• Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and aromatics in the slow cooker. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken is well coated.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
• Once done, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the butter chicken over cooked rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference. Serve with naan for a complete meal.

Keyword butter chicken, Indian cuisine, slow cooker