As the chill of evening settles in, there’s nothing quite like the feel of a warm, comforting meal wafting through the kitchen. That’s when I turn to my trusty Slow Cooker Butter Chicken, a dish that effortlessly embraces the essence of classic Indian flavors. I discovered this recipe on one of those busy days when all I longed for was something delicious yet simple. The rich, creamy tomato sauce dances with aromatic spices, transforming tender chicken thighs into an indulgent delight.
With minimal prep time, you can let your slow cooker work its magic while you unwind or tackle other evening tasks. If you find yourself craving a meal that balances convenience with incredible taste, this butter chicken is your answer. It’s sure to become a crowd-pleaser at family dinners, providing a cozy hug in a bowl that invites everyone to the table. Get ready to savor each bite and delight in the comfort of homemade food—your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Effortless cooking: With just a few ingredients, this recipe requires minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich, Creamy Sauce: The blend of spices, tomatoes, and cream creates a luscious sauce that clings to the tender chicken thighs.
Family-Friendly Flavors: Mildly spiced, it’s suitable for everyone at the table, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.
Versatile Dish: Pair it with basmati rice, naan, or even a salad for a wholesome meal that adapts to your cravings.
Aromatic Experience: The aroma of simmering spices will fill your kitchen, creating anticipation that everyone will love.
Get ready to indulge in comforting flavors that transform your weeknight meals—this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is bound to be a hit!
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Ingredients
For the Sauce
- Garlic – 5 cloves, minced; delivers a robust aromatic flavor.
- Ginger – 2 tablespoons, grated; adds warmth and depth; ground ginger works in a pinch.
- Tomato Sauce – 16 oz/450g; forms the base of the creamy sauce; Passata or blended canned tomatoes can substitute.
- Ground Cumin – 1 teaspoon; introduces earthiness and warmth.
- Garam Masala – 2 teaspoons; this key spice mix gives butter chicken its signature flavor; homemade versions are fresher.
- Smoked Paprika – 1 teaspoon; enhances flavor with a subtle smokiness.
- Ground Turmeric – 1 teaspoon; provides color and health benefits.
- Chili Powder – ½ teaspoon; adds mild heat; omit for a no-spice option ideal for kids.
- Salt – 1 teaspoon; essential for enhancing overall flavor.
- Granulated Sugar or Honey – ½ teaspoon; balances the sauce’s acidity; adjust based on taste.
For the Chicken
- Chicken Thighs – 2 lb/900g; recommended for tenderness and best flavor; you can swap for chicken breasts if desired.
- Unsalted Butter – 3 tablespoons, cubed; contributes to the richness of the sauce.
For Creaminess
- Heavy Cream – ½ cup/120ml; adds that luxurious creaminess; replace with half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter or dairy-free versions.
For Garnish
- Fresh Parsley, Mint, or Cilantro – 2 tablespoons; brightens the dish beautifully before serving.
This Slow Cooker Butter Chicken brings warmth and comfort right to your dinner table!
How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
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Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, mix together minced garlic, grated ginger, tomato sauce, ground cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, chili powder, salt, and sugar. Stir well to create a fragrant foundation.
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Add Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This crucial step will allow the chicken to soak up all those delicious flavors as it cooks.
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Add Butter: Scatter the cubed unsalted butter on top of the chicken. Cover the slow cooker, and choose to cook on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Rest Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board. This helps maintain its juiciness before cutting.
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Stir in Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker, stirring until the mixture is creamy and luscious. This is where the magic happens!
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Shred Chicken: Cut the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return it to the slow cooker, mixing well to integrate everything beautifully.
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Serve: Dish up the buttery sauce and chicken over cooked basmati rice or alongside warm naan. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs for that added touch!
Optional: Serve with a squeeze of lemon for a zesty kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
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Marinate for Flavor: Letting your chicken marinate in yogurt overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness. This is a game changer for your slow cooker butter chicken.
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Mind the Cream: Avoid adding heavy cream before cooking; it can separate. Stir it in after cooking for a sumptuous finish.
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No Water Needed: Resist the temptation to add water; the chicken releases enough liquid during cooking for a flavorful sauce.
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Adjust Spices: Don’t be afraid to tweak the amount of chili powder based on your family’s heat preference, ensuring it stays mild for kids.
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Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices, especially garam masala, will elevate the dish and bring authenticity to your slow cooker butter chicken.
Make Ahead Options
These Slow Cooker Butter Chicken preparations are a lifesaver for busy cooks! You can chop the garlic and ginger and mix them with the spices and tomato sauce up to 24 hours in advance—simply refrigerate in an airtight container to keep those vibrant flavors fresh. The chicken thighs can also be marinated with yogurt (if using) overnight for a richer taste. On the day of cooking, add the marinated chicken to the slow cooker along with the sauce mixture, and top with butter as directed. When you’re ready to enjoy this comforting dish, just follow the final cooking steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
Imagine sitting down to a hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace after a hectic day.
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Basmati Rice: The fluffy grains soak up the rich, creamy sauce perfectly, offering a wonderful balance of textures and flavors.
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Warm Naan: Soft and pillowy, naan is ideal for scooping up the delicious butter chicken, making every bite a delight.
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Cucumber Raita: This cooling yogurt-side adds a refreshing contrast to the mildly spiced dish, enhancing the overall dining experience with a burst of freshness.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies, tossed with olive oil and spices, offer a satisfying crunch and vibrant colors that elevate your plate beautifully.
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Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed salad with chickpeas, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette adds a crisp, fresh component that perfectly complements the creamy butter chicken.
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Mango Chutney: Sweet and tangy, this condiment provides an exciting flavor contrast, elevating the dish to a whole new level.
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Iced Masala Chai: A refreshing drink that pairs wonderfully with the spices in the butter chicken, creating a comforting and well-rounded meal experience.
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Gulab Jamun: For a sweet ending, these syrup-soaked treats provide a decadent finish to your flavorful dinner, making it feel extra special.
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Variations
Customize your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs! Embrace your creativity in the kitchen for even more delightful experiences.
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Lean Option: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts. While breasts are leaner, chicken thighs yield more flavor and tenderness.
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Vegan Delight: Replace chicken with cauliflower florets and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version that’s just as rich.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme or bay leaves to the sauce for an aromatic twist. These herbs will elevate the dish with fragrant notes.
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Spicy Kick: Increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños for a spicier version. This will awaken your taste buds and add a fun kick!
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Nutty Flavor: Stir in a tablespoon of almond butter or cashew butter for a nutty depth. The creaminess complements the spices beautifully.
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Curry Fun: Incorporate a tablespoon of curry powder for an extra layer of flavor. The result is a delightful fusion that will keep everyone guessing.
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Tomato Swap: Use crushed tomatoes instead of tomato sauce for a chunkier sauce. This variation adds texture and visual appeal to your dish.
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Citrusy Freshness: Squeeze fresh lemon juice before serving for a zesty note. The brightness will enhance the flavors and provide a refreshing finish.
With these simple variations, your Slow Cooker Butter Chicken can become a new experience every time you prepare it!
How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Fridge: Store leftover slow cooker butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
- Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until bubbling and heated through.
- Serving Tip: Serve the reheated butter chicken over fresh basmati rice or with warm naan to revive its comforting, cozy flavors!
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for Butter Chicken?
I recommend using chicken thighs for the best tenderness and flavor, but chicken breasts can be substituted for a leaner option. Just be aware that thighs provide a juicier, more flavorful result!
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How should I store leftovers of Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
Leftover slow cooker butter chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish is completely cooled before sealing to keep it fresh.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Butter Chicken?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the butter chicken to cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
What should I do if my butter chicken sauce is too thin?
If your sauce ends up too thin, which can happen if the chicken was very juicy, you can thicken it by simmering it on the stovetop after cooking. Simply pour the sauce into a pot, bring it to a gentle boil, and let it reduce for about 10-15 minutes. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) and cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Yes, this recipe contains ingredients that may trigger allergies. If you’re serving this dish to guests, be mindful of common allergens like dairy (from butter and cream) and spices like cumin or chili powder. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk, and for a vegan variation, use cauliflower instead of chicken and coconut cream for creaminess.
Delicious Slow Cooker Butter Chicken for Effortless Family Dinners
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In your slow cooker, mix together minced garlic, grated ginger, tomato sauce, ground cumin, garam masala, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, chili powder, salt, and sugar. Stir well to create a fragrant foundation.
- Place the chicken thighs in the sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Scatter the cubed unsalted butter on top of the chicken. Cover the slow cooker, and choose to cook on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board.
- Pour the heavy cream into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker, stirring until the mixture is creamy and luscious.
- Cut the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return it to the slow cooker, mixing well to integrate everything beautifully.
- Dish up the buttery sauce and chicken over cooked basmati rice or alongside warm naan. Garnish with fresh herbs.