Introduction
Butter chicken is a creamy, aromatic Indian dish loved worldwide. But who has hours to spend in the kitchen? Enter the slow cooker! This recipe simplifies the process, letting your cooker do the work while you enjoy tender, flavorful chicken in a rich tomato-cream sauce. Perfect for busy families or meal prep, this guide walks you through every step. No fancy skills required—just toss, cook, and savor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking: Let the slow cooker work its magic.
- Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels or dietary needs (dairy-free, vegetarian options included).
- Meal prep hero: Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what to grab (see substitutions in the table below):
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken thighs | 2 lbs | Swap with breasts or chickpeas for vegetarian. |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 large | Yellow or white onion works best. |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves | Use 1 tsp garlic powder if fresh isn’t available. |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 tbsp | Fresh or 1 tsp ground ginger. |
| Tomato sauce | 1 (15 oz) can | Substitute with blended fresh tomatoes. |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Use coconut milk for dairy-free. |
| Butter | 4 tbsp | Vegan butter or olive oil as alternatives. |
| Garam masala | 2 tbsp | Find in the spice aisle or make your own. |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp | Adds earthy warmth. |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | For color and mild sweetness. |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Start with 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps:
- Prep the Aromatics:
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a pan. Sauté chopped onion until golden (5 mins).
- Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker:
- Place chicken thighs at the bottom of the cooker.
- Top with sautéed onion mixture, tomato sauce, garam masala, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Low and Slow:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Finish with Cream and Butter:
- Shred chicken gently with a fork. Stir in heavy cream and remaining butter.
- Cook for 15 more minutes to meld flavors.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Spice Control: For extra heat, add ½ tsp cayenne pepper.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water; stir in 30 mins before serving.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with 3 cups chickpeas and diced potatoes.
- Marinate Ahead: Soak chicken in yogurt and spices overnight for deeper flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your butter chicken with:
- Fluffy basmati rice or quinoa.
- Warm garlic naan or roti.
- A crisp cucumber salad or steamed veggies.
FAQs (Answers to Common Questions)
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes! Add 1–2 hours to the cooking time.
Q: How long does leftovers last?
A: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
Q: Is garam masala necessary?
A: It’s key for authentic flavor, but use curry powder in a pinch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Carbs | 8g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Conclusion
Slow cooker butter chicken is a foolproof way to enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish will become a weekly staple. Share it with friends, tweak the spices to your liking, and don’t forget the naan for dipping!
