Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the rich, creamy goodness of slow cooker butter chicken! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, full of vibrant spices that dance on your palate. I remember the first time I made this dish; I was having friends over for dinner, and I wanted to impress them with something special yet effortless. I tossed everything into the slow cooker, and by the time they arrived, the house was filled with the most heavenly aroma. It felt like a magical transformation had happened while I relaxed with my friends! Seriously, the best part is how simple it is to prepare—just set it and forget it! Trust me, once you try this comforting dish, it’s going to become a staple in your kitchen, too!
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s dive right into the magic of making this slow cooker butter chicken! First, grab your slow cooker and place those juicy chicken thighs right at the bottom. You want them to be the star of the show! Next, sprinkle in that finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. It’s like a fragrant trio that’s going to flavor every bite!
Now, pour in the tomato sauce and give everything a good stir. This is where the fun begins—mix it all together until the chicken is coated in that beautiful red sauce. Don’t be shy; use your hands if you need to! It’s all about getting that flavor in. Then, add the garam masala, cumin, paprika, and salt. Stir again until everything is well combined. Trust me, the aroma will be incredible!
Now, cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. You can choose to make it on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. I usually go for low because it allows all those flavors to meld beautifully and makes the chicken super tender. It’s like a flavor party happening all day long!
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in that luscious heavy cream and butter. This is where it transforms into the creamy goodness we all love! Make sure to give it a good mix so everything melts together perfectly. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving, and you’re ready to dig in!
Cooking Time and Temperature
So, here’s the scoop on timing: If you’re cooking on low, aim for about 6 to 8 hours. This is perfect for a day at home or when you want to set it in the morning and have dinner ready by evening. If you’re in a bit of a rush, you can go high for 3 to 4 hours, but don’t skip that last 30 minutes with the cream and butter! Those final touches are key to getting that rich, silky texture we all crave. Remember, patience is key here, but the payoff is more than worth it!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your slow cooker butter chicken turns out absolutely amazing! Here are my top tips to help you nail this dish:
- Adjust the spices: Everyone’s taste buds are different, so feel free to tweak the spices to your liking. If you love it spicy, throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes to amp up the heat!
- Chicken selection: While I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness, you can also use chicken breasts. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster.
- Don’t skip the cream and butter: These ingredients are crucial for that rich, velvety texture. Stir them in just before serving—trust me, it makes all the difference!
- Check for doneness: If you’re unsure whether the chicken is fully cooked, it should shred easily with a fork. If it’s still a bit tough, let it cook a little longer. Safety first!
- Garnish generously: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color. Don’t skimp on it when serving; it really elevates the dish!
- Make it ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a slow cooker butter chicken that’s not just good, but *extraordinary*! Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note, friends! Nutrition facts can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so I can’t provide precise numbers. However, a typical serving of this delicious slow cooker butter chicken usually comes in around 550 calories, with about 40g of fat, 40g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. If you’re keeping an eye on your intake, I recommend checking the nutritional labels on your ingredients for the most accurate information. Enjoy every creamy bite while making it fit your dietary needs!
FAQ Section
What can I serve with slow cooker butter chicken?
Oh, there are so many delicious options! I love serving this creamy butter chicken over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread for dipping. You could also pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness. Honestly, whatever you choose, it’s going to be fantastic!
Can I freeze leftover butter chicken?
Absolutely! This dish freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or a freezer bag. It should keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. You’ll have a quick and comforting meal ready to go!
How do I reheat slow cooker butter chicken?
Reheating is super simple! I usually recommend doing it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it nice and creamy. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop it in the microwave, but be sure to heat it in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid any hot spots. Just remember to check that it’s heated through before serving!
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can! While I find that chicken thighs give a richer flavor and tenderness, chicken breasts will work just fine. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster than thighs. You want them to be juicy and tender, so don’t overcook them!
What if I don’t have garam masala?
Not to worry! If you’re missing garam masala, you can create a quick substitute with common spices. Try mixing equal parts of ground cumin, coriander, and cardamom with a pinch of cinnamon. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still deliver a lovely flavor to your butter chicken!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the magic for you—no slaving over the stove!
- Rich and flavorful: The combination of spices and creamy sauce creates a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Perfectly tender chicken: Cooking low and slow ensures that your chicken turns out juicy and fork-tender every time.
- Meal prep friendly: This dish is fantastic for making ahead of time and tastes even better the next day.
- Gluten-free option: With simple ingredients, you can enjoy this dish while accommodating gluten-free diets.
- Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this slow cooker butter chicken is always a hit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover slow cooker butter chicken is super easy! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days—if it lasts that long! This dish is so good, I often find myself sneaking bites right out of the container!
If you want to keep it for longer, go ahead and freeze it! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it should stay fresh for about 3 months. Just make sure to label them with the date so you know when to enjoy it again!
When you’re ready to reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight if it’s frozen. To reheat, I recommend using the stove over low heat to keep that creamy texture intact. Stir it occasionally to ensure even heating. If you’re in a crunch for time, you can also use the microwave! Just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in short bursts, stirring in between until it’s warmed through.
And voilà! You’ve got a delicious meal ready to enjoy again. This slow cooker butter chicken tastes just as amazing the second time around, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting without the fuss!
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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: 7 Ways to Savor the Richness
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich and creamy slow cooker butter chicken dish that’s full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and mix well.
- Add garam masala, cumin, paprika, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream and butter.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Serve with rice or naan.
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- Can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: slow cooker butter chicken, Indian chicken recipe, creamy chicken curry