If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy restaurant-quality Indian cuisine Main Course. Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe brings all the warmth, creaminess, and fragrant spices you love into a one-pot dish that’s honestly simpler to make than you’d expect. This is the kind of meal that welcomes you home with the tantalizing aroma of garlic, ginger, and garam masala slowly melding with tender chicken. Whether you’re meal-prepping for a busy week or looking to impress at your next family dinner, this recipe doesn’t just check all the boxes—it will make everyone at the table reach for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this recipe has a purpose, and together, they create layers of flavor you don’t want to miss. Each ingredient brings something essential, from the yogurt’s tangy creaminess and the aromatic blend of spices to the rich finish of butter and cream. Here’s what makes this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe so spectacular.
- Chicken thighs: These stay juicy and flavorful even after hours in the slow cooker, ensuring every bite is tender.
- Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess to the marinade and helps break down the chicken for extra tenderness.
- Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the richness, giving your dish that classic subtle tang.
- Garam masala: The backbone of Indian flavor; it’s an aromatic blend that sets this dish apart.
- Ground cumin: Brings an earthy warmth that grounds the spice mix beautifully.
- Ground coriander: Adds citrusy depth and a little floral note to the sauce.
- Turmeric: For color and a gentle, almost peppery aroma; plus, it’s loaded with goodness!
- Paprika: Offers a mild, sweet smokiness that complements the creamy base.
- Chili powder: A little heat goes a long way; adjust to your spice preference.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle, background heat that keeps things interesting.
- Fresh ginger: Delivers a zingy brightness, lifting the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic: You can never have too much garlic—here, it provides that irresistible savory depth.
- Onion: Turns sweet and mellow as it cooks, giving the sauce a lovely backbone.
- Tomato sauce: Smooths out the curry, adding a slight acidity and vivid color.
- Heavy cream: Responsible for the signature silkiness of butter chicken!
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce for a luxurious, glossy finish.
- Brown sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity and heat without making it cloying.
- Olive oil: Sautéing the onions in this starts them off with perfect flavor and caramelization.
- Chopped cilantro (optional): Sprinkling on top adds a fresh contrast and pop of green.
- Basmati rice or naan: Serving ideas to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce!
How to Make Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
First, mix up your marinade by combining Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, ginger, and garlic in a large bowl. Add your chicken pieces, tossing them well to coat every surface with that luscious, fragrant blend. Cover the bowl and let it work its magic in the refrigerator for at least an hour—overnight is even better for max flavor! This marination step makes the chicken ultra-tender and invites those spices deep into every bite.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Set your skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Sauté the chopped onions until they’re soft and golden, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t rush this step—a properly caramelized onion provides sweetness and depth, becoming the backbone for your sauce. Once they’re ready, scoop them straight into your slow cooker.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Transfer the marinated chicken (including all that lovely marinade) into the slow cooker with the onions. Pour in the tomato sauce and gently stir just until everything’s combined. Pop on the lid and let the slow cooker do its thing: 6 to 7 hours on low, or if you’re in a hurry, 3 to 4 hours on high. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the flavors have blended into a rich, orange-hued curry.
Step 4: Finish with Cream, Butter, and Brown Sugar
About half an hour before you’re planning to serve, finish the dish by stirring in the heavy cream, butter, and brown sugar. Cover again and let it all melt together during that final stretch in the slow cooker. This is where Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe gets its signature creamy, glossy, and ever-so-slightly sweet finish!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the sauce is perfectly silky and the chicken irresistibly tender, ladle the butter chicken over fluffy basmati rice or next to pillowy naan. Top with a handful of chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness that brightens up every bite.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
For those final touches, chopped fresh cilantro is the classic way to bring color and a hint of herbal freshness to this beloved curry. If you like a touch of extra richness, swirl in a little drizzle of cream or add a few slices of green chili for a pop of heat and color.
Side Dishes
You simply cannot go wrong with plenty of cooked basmati rice or warm, soft naan bread on the side—both will soak up all that dreamy sauce. If you want to add an extra special something, try serving with cumin-spiced roasted vegetables or a cooling cucumber raita for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the butter chicken in small bowls or even in mini naan cups for a party appetizer. Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe also makes a fantastic filling for wraps or over baked potatoes for an unexpected fusion dinner. Let your creativity (and appetite) lead the way!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Transfer any extra butter chicken to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to four days, and the flavors only get better as they mingle and deepen overnight. Perfect for meal prepping or next-day lunches that you’ll actually look forward to.
Freezing
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is a superstar for the freezer. Once it’s cool, portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then just reheat and enjoy—your future self will thank you!
Reheating
Reheating is a breeze. For the best results, gently warm the butter chicken in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, the microwave works great—just cover and heat in bursts, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are leaner and still work well, though they may not be quite as juicy as thighs. Just be mindful not to overcook them so they stay tender in this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream and use a dairy-free yogurt in the marinade. You’ll still get all those lush flavors and creamy texture, just with a slightly different twist.
How spicy is this butter chicken?
This recipe hits a mild to medium spice level, but it’s very customizable. To turn up the heat, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne; for a gentler dish, simply reduce or omit the chili altogether.
Can I prep the ingredients the night before?
Definitely! Marinating the chicken overnight only deepens the flavors. You can also chop the onions and measure the spices ahead of time so that assembling everything in the slow cooker is quick and easy the next morning.
What’s the best way to serve Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe for a crowd?
It’s fantastic served buffet-style with a big pot of rice, a stack of naan, and bowls of fresh toppings like cilantro and lime wedges. You can keep it warm right in the slow cooker for guests to help themselves!
Final Thoughts
When you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that’s both comforting and full of flavor, you can’t go wrong with Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. It’s seriously easy, delivers big on both taste and aroma, and is sure to win a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Give it a try, and let yourself be swept away by the flavors!
Print
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of this Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. This ultimate recipe combines tender chicken in a flavorful sauce that’s perfect served over basmati rice or with naan. Set it and forget it with this easy slow cooker meal!
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Other Ingredients:
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish, cooked basmati rice or naan for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix yogurt, lemon juice, spices, ginger, and garlic. Add chicken, coat, and refrigerate.
- Sauté Onion: Cook onion until soft. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Add marinated chicken, tomato sauce. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in cream, butter, and brown sugar. Cook for additional time. Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be substituted for thighs.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and dairy-free yogurt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
