This Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s creamy, mildly spiced, and packed with tender chicken pieces that soak up all the delicious flavors.
Honestly, I love how I can just toss everything in the slow cooker and forget about it. In a few hours, I have a yummy meal waiting for me. Perfect for busy days!
Serve it with rice or naan for a complete meal that feels fancy without any fuss. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for added moisture. They hold up well in the slow cooker. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but they tend to be drier.
Tomato Sauce: You can use crushed tomatoes or tomato puree. If you want a tangier flavor, go with crushed tomatoes. If you’re out of tomato sauce, try using canned diced tomatoes or even homemade tomato puree!
Cream: Heavy cream is my go-to for that rich texture, but coconut cream is a great dairy-free option for a tropical twist! You can also use half-and-half if you prefer a lighter creaminess.
Spices: Garam masala is key for authentic flavor, but you can make a simple blend with equal parts cumin and curry powder if you’re missing something. Don’t hesitate to adjust the chili powder to match your heat preference!
Yogurt: Plain yogurt adds tanginess and creaminess. For a dairy-free alternative, try a plant-based yogurt, like coconut yogurt.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Tender and Juicy?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker is all about low and slow! Here are some tips to make sure your chicken turns out perfectly:
- Use medium to low heat. Cooking on LOW for 6-7 hours produces tender, juicy chicken.
- Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with spices and liquids; this helps them stay moist.
- Stir in the cream and yogurt toward the end of cooking to keep those ingredients fresh and prevent them from breaking down too much.
- If you’re short on time, cut the chicken into smaller pieces to help them cook faster and retain moisture.
Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons butter
For the Aromatics:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
For the Spices:
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Finishing:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh cilantro/coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Slow Cooker Butter Chicken takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll need to let it cook for about 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH. Perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Base:
First, grab your slow cooker and add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This aromatic base will give your dish a lovely flavor right from the start.
2. Spice It Up:
Next, sprinkle in the garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to mix everything together—you want those spices to coat the onions evenly.
3. Add Chicken:
Now, add the chicken pieces on top of the spiced onion mix. Toss everything together to make sure the chicken is well coated with the aromatic spice blend.
4. Pour in the Tomato Sauce:
Next, pour the tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes) over the chicken. Stir once more to ensure everything is mixed well.
5. Cook It:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The goal is to have tender chicken that easily pulls apart.
6. Add Creaminess:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the butter, yogurt, heavy cream, and lemon juice. This will add that delicious creaminess to the sauce. Give it a gentle mix and let it cook for the remaining time.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste your butter chicken and adjust the seasonings if needed. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your preference.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, and serve your buttery chicken hot with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! However, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can also cook it from frozen, but you may need to increase the cooking time by about an hour.
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
To make the butter chicken dairy-free, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and the yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative. The coconut cream will give it a lovely rich flavor!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili powder or omit it entirely. You can also add a dollop of plain yogurt on top when serving to help cool it down if it’s too spicy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy. Enjoy the leftover goodness!
