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- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece of ginger, grated - 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz) - 1 cup coconut milk - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed - 2 tablespoons garam masala - 1 tablespoon ground cumin - 1 tablespoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon turmeric - 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish - Cooked basmati rice or naan for serving Gathering these ingredients makes the slow cooker butter chicken easy and fun. The chicken thighs give a juicy bite, while the onion, garlic, and ginger add depth to the dish. The crushed tomatoes and coconut milk create a rich and creamy base. The spices are key! Garam masala brings warmth, while cumin and coriander add earthiness. Turmeric gives a lovely golden color, and chili powder adds a hint of heat. Adjust the chili to your taste. For a beautiful finish, top your dish with fresh cilantro. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan to soak up that tasty sauce. This meal shines with these simple yet flavorful ingredients. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by chopping one large onion. Add the onion to the bottom of your slow cooker. 2. Next, mince four cloves of garlic and grate one inch of ginger. Mix these in with the onion. 3. Stir the onion, garlic, and ginger until combined. This mix brings great flavor to the dish. 4. Now, cut two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into small pieces. Layer the chicken on top of the onion mix. 5. Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the chicken to enhance the taste. 1. In a mixing bowl, add one can of crushed tomatoes and one cup of coconut milk. 2. Add six tablespoons of cubed butter to the bowl. Then, add two tablespoons of garam masala, one tablespoon of ground cumin, and one tablespoon of ground coriander. 3. Don’t forget one teaspoon of turmeric and one teaspoon of chili powder. Adjust the chili powder to your taste. 4. Whisk all these ingredients together until fully combined. This sauce is rich and full of flavor. 5. Carefully pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well covered. 1. Cover your slow cooker. Set it to low heat for six to eight hours. You can also set it to high heat for four to five hours. 2. Check the chicken after the time is up. It should be fork-tender and fully cooked. 3. If you want a thicker sauce, blend a portion of it and mix it back in. This step will make the sauce creamier. 4. Before serving, stir in one extra tablespoon of butter for more richness. 5. Serve the butter chicken hot over fluffy basmati rice or warm naan. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a pop of color. To make your butter chicken sing with flavor, adjust the spices to your taste. The recipe calls for chili powder. If you like it spicy, add a bit more. If you prefer mild, use less. The spice level is in your hands! Right before serving, consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter. This makes the sauce richer and adds smoothness. It’s a simple trick to elevate the dish. Getting the chicken texture just right is key. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best results. They stay juicy and tender during cooking. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Check for fork-tender chicken to know it's done. If you want a thicker sauce, there are options. You can blend part of the sauce in a blender and mix it back in. This method adds body without losing flavor. It’s a quick fix for a saucier dish. Butter chicken is best served with basmati rice or warm naan. The rice absorbs the sauce well, while naan is perfect for dipping. You can’t go wrong with either! For garnishing, use freshly chopped cilantro. Sprinkle it on top for color and taste. It adds a fresh note that brightens the dish. Serve it hot for the best experience! Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: For an even richer taste, marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for a few hours before cooking. This not only enhances the flavor but also tenderizes the meat. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili powder or opt for a mild garam masala. Conversely, for a spicier kick, feel free to add more chili powder or fresh chilies. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic and ginger instead of pre-minced or jarred versions. Fresh ingredients significantly elevate the flavor profile of the dish. Leftover Magic: This butter chicken tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy the enhanced flavors for lunch or dinner the following day. {{image_4}} You can easily swap out the protein in this dish. If you prefer meat, try chicken breasts. For a lighter option, use turkey thighs. If you want a meat-free meal, chickpeas or tofu work great too. They soak up the flavors well. If you need a dairy-free or vegan version, replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Use almond or soy milk in place of coconut milk. Make sure your crushed tomatoes are also free from dairy. Adding vegetables can boost the flavor and nutrition. Try adding chopped spinach, bell peppers, or peas. These veggies add color and taste. You can add them in the last hour of cooking. Experiment with spices to create unique flavors. Try adding cinnamon for warmth or cardamom for depth. You can also mix in some fresh chili for extra heat. Adjust spices based on your taste. If you don't have a slow cooker, you can use an Instant Pot. Cook the chicken on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes before serving. This method saves time and still gives great flavor. You can also make butter chicken in the oven. Use an oven-safe pot and set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook for about 1.5 hours, stirring halfway through. This method yields tender chicken and a rich sauce. After you enjoy your slow cooker butter chicken, store any leftovers right away. Let the dish cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to label them with the date. You can freeze leftovers for up to three months. When you are ready to eat again, reheating is easy. The best way is to use the stove. Heat the butter chicken in a pan over medium heat. Stir often to warm it evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or coconut milk. You can also use the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small gap for steam. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Always check that your leftovers are hot all the way through. This helps keep you safe from foodborne illness. If you have any doubts, reheat it longer. Enjoy your delicious butter chicken again! The prep time for slow cooker butter chicken is just 15 minutes. After that, the cooking time varies. You can set the slow cooker on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. If you're short on time, use high heat for 4 to 5 hours. You want the chicken to be tender and fully cooked. Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner and can work well in this dish. However, they might not be as juicy. Thighs have more fat, which adds flavor and moisture. Choose what you like best, but thighs will give you that rich taste. Butter chicken typically has a mild spice level. It uses spices like garam masala and chili powder. You can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder. If you want it less spicy, cut back on the chili powder. Always taste and adjust to match your preference. This blog post detailed making a tasty slow cooker butter chicken. We discussed key ingredients, like chicken thighs and spices, and how to create a flavorful sauce. I shared tips to enhance flavor and variations to suit your taste. Properly storing leftovers ensures you enjoy your meal later. Remember, cooking can be fun and creative. Don't hesitate to adjust spices or try new ingredients. Enjoy your buttery, spicy masterpiece and make it your own!

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

A rich and creamy butter chicken dish made effortlessly in a slow cooker.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 8 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
  • for serving cooked basmati rice or naan

Instructions
 

  • In the base of your slow cooker, combine the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir together until evenly mixed.
  • Layer the diced chicken thighs over the onion mixture, sprinkling with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, cubed butter, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined, then pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
  • Cover and set your slow cooker to low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and completely cooked through.
  • Once cooking is complete, taste the dish and adjust with more salt, pepper, or spices if desired. For a thicker sauce, you may blend a portion of it in a blender and return it to the slow cooker, stirring well to combine.
  • Prior to serving, you can stir in an additional tablespoon of butter for an extra layer of richness to the sauce.
  • Serve the butter chicken piping hot over a bed of fluffy basmati rice or alongside warm naan bread. Garnish each plate with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, blend a portion and return it to the slow cooker.
Keyword butter chicken, chicken, coconut milk, Indian cuisine, slow cooker