If you're craving a rich, flavorful Indian dish but don't have hours to spare in the kitchen, this slow cooker butter chicken recipe is exactly what you need. Perfect for busy families, food enthusiasts, and home cooks alike, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.
By the end of this article, you’ll learn how to prepare a comforting, creamy butter chicken using simple pantry staples and a trusty slow cooker.
Why You'll Love Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Butter chicken, or "murgha makhana," is a beloved Indian dish known for its creamy tomato-based curry infused with spices. It might sound like a complex recipe requiring constant stirring, but preparing it in a slow cooker makes it incredibly accessible to everyone. Here's why we love this version:
- Effortless cooking: Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and go about your day.
- Family-friendly: The mild, creamy curry appeals to even the pickiest eaters.
- Prep in advance: Perfect for meal prepping—you can refrigerate leftovers or freeze portions for later.
- Restaurant-quality at home: Say goodbye to takeout cravings!
Now, it’s time to gather your ingredients and make this crowd-pleasing butter chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here's what you'll need to whip up this fragrant and flavorful dish:
For the Curry Base:
- 2 lbs (about 1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Spice Mix:
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- A drizzle of heavy cream (optional)
To Serve:
- Steamed basmati rice or naan bread
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Base
Begin by preparing the chicken. Cut it into evenly sized chunks to ensure it cooks consistently. Place the chicken in the slow cooker along with the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger. This forms the aromatic base of your curry.
Step 2: Mix the Spice Blend
Combine all your spices in a small bowl—garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and sugar. Mixing your seasonings beforehand ensures an even distribution of flavor throughout the dish.
Step 3: Add the Curry Ingredients
Pour the diced tomatoes, yogurt (or heavy cream), and tomato paste over the chicken. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly and fully incorporate the spices.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the chicken will become tender enough to fall apart.
Step 5: Add the Butter
About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the butter cubes until melted. This step gives the butter chicken its signature creamy texture and indulgent flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the velvety butter chicken into bowls and top with fresh cilantro. For extra decadence, drizzle with heavy cream before serving. Pair with steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread—either option makes for the perfect pairing!
Essential Tips for the Best Butter Chicken
- Spice Level: Butter chicken is traditionally mild, but feel free to increase or decrease the cayenne pepper based on your preferred spice tolerance.
- Chicken Cuts: Chicken thighs are ideal because they stay juicy during slow cooking, but you can substitute them with chicken breasts if preferred.
- Thickening the Curry: If the curry is too thin, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Make It Ahead: Butter chicken tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Why Use a Slow Cooker?
Slow cooking not only offers convenience but also enhances the depth of flavors in this dish. The long cooking process allows the spices to blend beautifully with the chicken and tomatoes, creating a rich, soul-warming curry. Plus, hands-off cooking gives you the freedom to tackle your busy schedule while dinner practically makes itself.
Pairing Suggestions
Complete your butter chicken experience with these accompaniments:
- Rice: Fluffy basmati or jasmine rice.
- Bread: Garlic naan or roti to soak up the delicious curry.
- Vegetables: A simple cucumber raita or a side of roasted cauliflower makes for a refreshing addition.
Elevate Your Home Cooking
Butter chicken is one of those dishes that feels like a labor of love, but with this slow cooker recipe, it’s never been easier to impress your family or dinner guests. This approach combines authentic flavors with a simplified process, perfect for busy households and food aficionados alike.
Start your slow cooker before work, and come home to the aroma of a warm, perfectly spiced dinner—it’s the little wins like these that make life delicious.
Are you ready to bring the flavors of India to your dinner table? Get your slow cooker prepped and give this recipe a try today!
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