Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this incredible slow cooker butter chicken! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, rich and creamy, with flavors that just dance on your palate. I remember the first time I whipped this up—it was a rainy day, and I was looking for something comforting yet simple. I tossed everything into my slow cooker, and a few hours later, my kitchen smelled like a dreamy Indian restaurant. Trust me, there’s nothing easier than letting that slow cooker do all the work while you kick back and relax. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. You’ll love how effortlessly delicious this dish turns out every single time!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this mouthwatering slow cooker butter chicken. Trust me, it’s all simple stuff that packs a ton of flavor!
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Salt to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go. Chop your onions, mince the garlic, and grate that ginger—your kitchen will be filled with the most amazing aromas as you get started!
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Getting this slow cooker butter chicken ready is super easy, and I promise you’ll love how effortless the whole process is! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab your slow cooker and place the chicken thighs right in there. No need to worry about cutting them up; they’ll cook beautifully as they are.
- Next, add in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This is where the magic starts to happen, trust me!
- Now, pour in that tomato sauce and give it a good stir to combine everything. You want all those flavors to mingle.
- Then, it’s time to add the heavy cream, butter, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a sprinkle of salt. Wow, just look at that vibrant color!
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. I usually go for low; it really lets those flavors develop nicely.
- When it’s done, take two forks and shred that chicken right in the pot. It should fall apart beautifully!
- Lastly, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve it up with some warm rice or naan. You’re going to want to dive right in!
Remember, the longer you let it cook, the more tender and flavorful your chicken will be. So, don’t rush it! Enjoy the aromas wafting through your home while it cooks, and get ready for a cozy meal that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the magic!
- Rich, creamy flavor that feels indulgent but is super easy to make.
- Perfect for meal prep; leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Minimal cleanup, since everything cooks in one pot.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
This slow cooker butter chicken really checks all the boxes, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. You’ll definitely want to keep it in your rotation!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your slow cooker butter chicken turns out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to suit your taste. If you love a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk is a fantastic substitute for heavy cream—it adds a lovely sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.
Also, be mindful of the cooking time. If you’re using larger chicken pieces, you might need to extend the cooking time a bit. Just remember, the chicken should be tender enough to shred easily, so if it’s not quite there after 4 hours on high, give it some extra time. And finally, if you can, resist the urge to lift the lid while it’s cooking; that lets all that delicious heat escape! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before you dig in—nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are approximate. For one serving of this delicious slow cooker butter chicken, you can expect around 550 calories, 40g of fat, 35g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty meal that’s also gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Enjoy every rich, creamy bite without worry!
FAQ About Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Got questions about this dreamy slow cooker butter chicken? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my answers to make your cooking experience even better.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster than thighs. Aim for around 4-6 hours on low.
What if I don’t have garam masala?
If you don’t have garam masala on hand, no problem! You can make your own blend using equal parts cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’ll still taste fantastic!
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some frozen peas, chopped spinach, or even bell peppers for extra nutrition. Just add them in the last hour of cooking to keep them vibrant and tender.
How can I serve this dish?
This butter chicken is incredible served over fluffy rice or with warm naan. You can also pair it with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy!
If you have any other questions, just drop them in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover slow cooker butter chicken is super simple! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy those delicious leftovers for a few meals. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label your container with the date!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave, but don’t forget to cover it—no one likes splatters! Enjoy every creamy bite!
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give this slow cooker butter chicken a try! It’s such a comforting dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. If you make it, I’d love to hear all about your experience—feel free to drop a comment or share your photos on social media! And don’t forget to rate the recipe; your feedback means the world to me. Happy cooking, friends!
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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: 7 Steps to Pure Comfort
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich and creamy slow cooker butter chicken dish full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Salt to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in slow cooker.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour in tomato sauce and stir to combine.
- Add heavy cream, butter, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and salt.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks before serving.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan.
Notes
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: slow cooker butter chicken, Indian butter chicken, creamy chicken dish
