Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a popular Indian dish known for its creamy and flavorful tomato-based sauce. Cooking it in a slow cooker makes it even easier while allowing the flavors to develop beautifully. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make slow cooker butter chicken step by step.
Why Make Butter Chicken in a Slow Cooker?
A slow cooker is perfect for butter chicken because:
- It allows the spices to infuse into the chicken deeply.
- The chicken turns out tender and juicy.
- You don’t need to stand over the stove for hours.
- It’s great for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Spices:
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger.
- Measure out all the spices.
2. Sauté the Aromatics (Optional but Recommended)
If you want extra flavor, quickly sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Heat butter and oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
- Transfer everything to the slow cooker.
3. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
- Place the chicken into the slow cooker.
- Add the tomato puree, yogurt, lemon juice, and all the spices.
- Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
4. Cook the Butter Chicken
- Low Setting: 6-7 hours
- High Setting: 3-4 hours
5. Add Cream and Finish Cooking
- After cooking, add the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and mix well.
- Let it cook for another 15-20 minutes on low heat.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and an extra tablespoon of butter for extra richness.
- Serve hot with naan, rice, or roti.
Serving Suggestions
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Basmati Rice | Traditional pairing with butter chicken. |
| Naan Bread | Soft Indian bread perfect for scooping up the sauce. |
| Roti | A lighter option compared to naan. |
| Jeera Rice | Rice flavored with cumin seeds for extra taste. |
| Vegetable Salad | A refreshing side to balance the richness. |
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
- Use Chicken Thighs: They stay juicy and tender compared to chicken breast.
- Toast the Spices: Lightly toasting the spices before adding them enhances the flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Add more chili powder for heat or reduce it for a mild version.
- Coconut Milk Alternative: If you want a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Make It Thicker: If the sauce is too thin, let it cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes.
- Leftovers Taste Better: Butter chicken tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?
Yes, but chicken breast can become dry. Reduce cooking time by 30 minutes.
2. Can I Freeze Butter Chicken?
Yes! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a pan over low heat.
3. Can I Make This Without a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Cook in a large pot over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender.
4. What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
Use coconut milk, cashew cream, or Greek yogurt.
Final Thoughts
Slow cooker butter chicken is an easy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. The slow cooking process enhances the rich, creamy sauce and makes the chicken incredibly tender. Serve it with warm naan or fluffy basmati rice, and enjoy restaurant-quality butter chicken at home!
Let us know if you try this recipe and how it turns out!