butter chicken slow cooker recipe

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The Best butter chicken slow cooker recipe
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
🥘Ingredients
👨‍🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

The Best butter chicken slow cooker recipe

I have been making butter chicken for years, and this slow cooker version is a game changer. My family absolutely loves it, and it has become a regular in our dinner rotation. The slow cooker makes the chicken incredibly tender and lets the spices meld together perfectly, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that everyone enjoys. It is a healthy and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or for feeding a crowd on the weekend. I love that I can just toss everything in the pot in the morning and come home to a delicious, home-cooked dinner. My kids even ask for seconds, which is always a win in my book.

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

4.9 from 1554 votes

This slow cooker butter chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that is incredibly easy to prepare. The chicken becomes fall-apart tender in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce.

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Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time6 hours

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time6 hours 15 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup plain yogurt

1 tbsp lemon juice

2 tsp garam masala

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp salt

For the Sauce

2 tbsp butter

1 large onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp garam masala

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Salt to taste

Fresh cilantro for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Add the chicken thighs and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

2Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3Transfer the cooked onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, tomato paste, sugar, garam masala, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine.

4Place the marinated chicken thighs into the slow cooker, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

5Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce. Taste and adjust salt and seasonings as needed.

6Serve the butter chicken over steamed basmati rice or with warm naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker

Skillet

Cutting board

Knife

Measuring spoons

Measuring cups

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 15g❤️Cholesterol: 145mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, you can use half and half instead of heavy cream. You can also add a can of coconut milk for a different flavor. This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Works

This slow cooker butter chicken is always a good idea for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a family gathering. It is simple to put together, and the results are consistently impressive. I am confident that once you try it, it will become a staple in your home too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, they may cook faster and can become dry if overcooked. Check for doneness after 4-5 hours on low. Thighs are more forgiving and stay moist.

2. Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the butter with coconut oil or ghee (if tolerated), the yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt like coconut or almond, and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. The flavor will change slightly but will still be delicious.

3. How do I thicken the sauce?

If your sauce is too thin, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can remove the lid for the last hour to let some liquid evaporate.

4. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas. Add bell peppers and spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Add frozen peas during the last 15 minutes. This makes it a more complete one-pot meal.

5. How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often get better the next day. You can also freeze the butter chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

butter chicken slow cooker recipe

The Best butter chicken slow cooker recipe

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken